NairapawaThe Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, serving 1.6 million patients with a workforce of approximately 10,000 staff, is a leading healthcare organization encompassing Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital, along with more than 30 community services.
This expansive setup provides a unique opportunity to innovate and continually improve patient care. Our mission is to offer world-class medical services grounded in outstanding clinical expertise, research and teaching, while aligning our achievements with core values of excellent patient outcomes, an exceptional staff experience, financial responsibility and organizational safety.
We prioritize the well-being of our staff and the community, encouraging vaccination as a key measure against COVID-19. Our recruitment process includes a streamlined approach to data handling and employment transfer, ensuring efficiency and security for applicants. We welcome job seekers needing visa sponsorship, though we advise them to review UKVI requirements to ensure eligibility.
Furthermore, while we strive to accommodate flexible working arrangements, applicants should be aware of high demand for Trust housing, with wait times averaging 12 months. Communication regarding applications will be strictly through official channels to protect against scams and only those who meet our person specification will be shortlisted for interviews.
Qualifications and Educational Requirements
Essential:
- Candidates must hold full General Medical Council (GMC) registration.
- A Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) or an equivalent qualification is necessary.
- Completion of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Ophthalmology or scheduled to obtain the CCT within six months of the interview date.
Desirable:
- An MD or PhD would be an asset.
- A history of exceptional research work is highly regarded.
Core Values of Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Essential:
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate alignment with our Trust’s core values, which emphasize quality outcomes and experiences, financial responsibility and a culture of safety and inclusivity.
Experience and Expertise
Essential:
- A well-rounded experience in Ophthalmology, including a subspecialty focus on glaucoma.
Desirable:
- Prior involvement in educating and training both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Skills and Competencies
Essential:
- Proven teaching and training capabilities.
- A solid understanding of clinical governance, as well as experience in conducting audits to ensure best practices.
Covid-19 Vaccination Policy
Vaccination remains a critical defense against COVID-19. We strongly recommend and support our staff in getting vaccinated, including booster doses, as they become eligible. This proactive measure is aimed at protecting both healthcare workers and patients, minimizing risks within our healthcare environment.
Apprenticeship Training (AT)
Roles designated with “AT” indicate that the position is suitable for apprenticeships, offering candidates an opportunity to gain formal training while working.
Data Handling and Employment Transfer Policies
By applying for this position, candidates acknowledge that their personal data may be transferred to another NHS organization if they transition within the NHS. This practice aligns with our commitment to the streamlining program, designed to save time and improve operational efficiency when staff transfer between organizations. As part of this program, successful candidates are expected to complete statutory and mandatory e-learning modules before joining our Trust.
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) without EU Settlement or Pre-Settled Status, you must ensure you have the necessary visa to work in the United Kingdom. We accept applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship and consider them equally with other applicants. However, to avoid unnecessary disappointment, we advise applicants to verify their eligibility under the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) points-based system before applying.
Pre-Employment Checks and Identity Verification
Candidates selected for roles within the North London Partners in Health and Care (NLPSS) Trusts may have their identity and right-to-work documents verified remotely. This process is typically carried out using TrustID, a certified identity verification service provider. Candidates will be required to submit images of relevant documents along with a “selfie” for facial recognition and identity confirmation, ideally using a smartphone or tablet. Additionally, TrustID will perform a digital address check through Trunarrative and Equifax, which is classified as a “soft” check that does not impact the candidate’s credit score.
Electronic Onboarding and Data Security
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust uses digital forms via Trac to collect and securely store personal information required for onboarding. This data is used to establish employee records in our Electronic Staff Records (ESR) Human Resources system.
In compliance with legal requirements, the Trust conducts Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, for positions involving regulated activities. We adhere strictly to the DBS Codes of Practice and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
Privacy and Data Transfer Agreements
Applying for a job at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust implies consent for the transfer of information contained in your application to our applicant management system. If offered a position, your data will also be transferred to the national NHS Electronic Staff Records (ESR) system.
Beware of Fraud and Scam Alerts
Please exercise caution against scams. Unless otherwise indicated, all communication from us will be through official email addresses, such as those ending in @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net. We will never ask for any form of payment or fees during the recruitment process.
Flexible Working and Equal Opportunities
We encourage applications from individuals who are interested in job sharing or require flexible working patterns. The Trust is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all candidates are treated fairly and equally, irrespective of background or circumstances.
Important Notices for Applicants
Due to the large volume of applications we receive for some roles, we may need to close vacancies earlier than the stated deadline. Therefore, if you are interested in this position and meet the requirements outlined in the person specification, we recommend applying promptly.
Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria outlined in the person specification will be shortlisted. Once the application period has closed, shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email, so please monitor your inbox regularly.
Accommodation Advisory
Please note that due to exceptionally high demand, all Royal Free accommodation is currently at maximum capacity. Waiting lists are being maintained, with an average wait time of approximately 12 months. Candidates are advised not to rely on Trust accommodation when they begin their role and should explore other housing options in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities and services are part of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust?
The Trust includes Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, the Royal Free Hospital and over 30 community-based services, providing extensive healthcare opportunities and a large-scale environment for innovation.
What qualifications are required for this role?
Essential qualifications include full GMC registration, a Fellowship of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (FRCOphth) or equivalent and a CCT in Ophthalmology or scheduled CCT completion within six months of the interview. An MD or PhD is desirable.
What kind of experience is necessary for the role?
Candidates must have broad experience in Ophthalmology, with a subspecialty focus on glaucoma. Experience in teaching and training undergraduate or postgraduate students is desirable.
What is the Trust’s stance on diversity and inclusion?
The Trust is committed to inclusivity and celebrates workforce diversity. We actively promote equality for LGBT+, BME groups, individuals with disabilities and staff carers, striving to create a supportive and respectful work environment.
Does the Trust support COVID-19 vaccination for staff?
Yes, the Trust strongly encourages staff to get vaccinated and receive booster doses as eligible, as vaccination remains a vital defense against COVID-19.
Are international applicants eligible to apply and do you offer visa sponsorship?
Yes, we welcome applications from international candidates and those who require visa sponsorship. However, applicants should ensure they meet UKVI points-based system requirements before applying.
What should I know about the pre-employment process?
The pre-employment process may include identity verification through TrustID, where candidates will provide documentation and a selfie for facial recognition. Additionally, the Trust may conduct DBS checks for roles involving regulated activities.
How does the Trust handle personal data during the recruitment process?
The Trust uses secure electronic systems to collect and store personal data, which may be transferred to our preferred applicant management and the NHS Electronic Staff Records system if you are offered the job.
Is accommodation provided for new staff members?
Due to high demand, all Royal Free accommodation is currently full, with waiting lists averaging 12 months. We advise candidates to explore alternative housing options when starting their role.
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