Q&S Risk & Incident Lead Grade VIII permanent
(10.004(2026))
Job Type
Permanent
Location
Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland
Job Details
Job Title: Grade VIII Quality , Safety & Risk Lead
Reference No: 10.004 (2026)
Department / Directorate: QRSM Directorate
Reports to: QRSM Manager or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4, voluntary, academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4,000 people from 63 different countries, it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800,000 people and is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region, which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties, and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation, the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious, recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future, largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a
“Hospital without Walls”
always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “
People Caring for People to Live Better Lives”
through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our
TUH CARE
values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
C
ollaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
A
chieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
R
espect – for patients, each other and our environment
E
quity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every
member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on
https://tuh.ie/About-us/
Purpose of the Post:
Oversee the management of incidents within the Hospital, ensuring they are managed in accordance with the HSE Incident Management Framework, Open Disclosure Policy, Patient Safety Act and Risk Management Policies and procedures.
Develop and implement structures, systems and processes for reporting on
agreed QPS performance activity in line with regional and national priorities and requirements.
Drive the correct application and implementation of current quality, safety and risk management policies, regulatory and legislative requirements as relevant to QPS
Support services by work with key stakeholders to achieve and sustain compliance with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards, National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, National
Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections,
Hygiene Standards etc.
Informed by the HSE Quality and Safety Priorities and Strategies, the HSE National Service Plan, the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, the post holder is required to inform the development of the TUH Quality and Patient Safety Strategy and manage its implementation across their assigned area of responsibility.
Ensure that appropriate governance structures are in place to manage, monitor and report on the performance of quality, safety and risk activity across their area of responsibility.
Will actively contribute and support the development of clinical governance structures to manage and monitor quality and patient safety across the hospital and contribute to development of performance reporting templates including: Hospitals Patient Safety Indicator Report, Quality Profiles, Patient Safety Surveillance etc
The post holder will play a key role in supporting and directing the Quality Safety & Risk Management Department towards the achievement of service objectives in line with Local, Regional and National objectives.
To support, develop and implement structures, systems and
processes across the Hospital designed to support the quality and safety agenda and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and requirements
.
To support and promote professional development of staff under their remit appropriate to the requirements of an effective QPS Function throughout the hospital to ensure that we achieve the highest quality of service delivery.
Provide expertise and leadership in their participation in the Hospital’s Quality and Safety Walkaround programme
Deputise for the General Manager for QSRM Quality as required
Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
Degree in relevant field
6 years’ relevant experience with a minimum of 3 years Supervisory / Management experience
Practical experience of use of IT systems / packages
Fluent command and understanding of the English language to include spoken and written word.
Desirable:
Masters in a relevant field
Experience in the Health Sector environment
Must possess sufficient administrative capacity to discharge the functions of the office and have management ability and experience.
An academic award in Risk Management or Quality in Healthcare at Level 8 (or higher) on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) framework or equivalent
Significant experience of working in the health services in a post that has involved quality and compliance processes as relevant to this role.
Experience of working with data, developing indicators, monitoring compliance, and providing assurance
Experience of delivering quality improvement projects/initiatives using robust project management/improvement methodologies
Experience of developing and implementing standards, policies, procedures and guidelines
Experience of implementing and working within legislatory and regulatory requirements
A clinical healthcare degree with clinical experience working in an Acute General Hospital.
Reward & Recognition
Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales,
These particulars are subject to change in line with overall public pay policy. Point on scale allocated is based on relevant HSE Circulars.
€ 83,912 x 7 € 101,207
The appointment is permanent and pensionable
The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per annum. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year
Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement
Application process
Applications must be submitted ‘on-line’ at
www.tuh.ie/careers
by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:
Informal enquiries for this position may be made to: Ms Doreen Powell, General Manager for Quality Safety and Risk Management on Tel: 414 3677, or Prof Catherine Wall, Director for Quality, Safety and Risk on Tel;
Closing Date on or Before 12pm 20th October 2026.
TUH is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting an environment free from discrimination in accordance with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004. The Hospital values diversity and recognises the benefits of having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We are committed to equality of access to positions within the Hospital. All recruitment activity and documentation will encourage applications from all potential candidates without discrimination.
TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area
Competency
Level
Managing the service
Quality & Safety of Service
4
Managing the service
Delivery of Results
4
Managing Change
Problem Solving & Decision Making
4
Managing Change
Communications & Influencing
4
Managing Yourself
Team player
4
Managing Yourself
Planning and Organising
4
Managing People
People Management
4
Managing People
Leadership
4
Please go to
www.tuh/careers
for details of the core competencies
reporting Relationship:
The post holder will report to the General Manager for QSRM who reports to the Director for Quality and Patient Safety, TUH.
Other key working relationships are the Quality Improvement Lead, the Director of Nursing, Clinical Leads and Directors in each Directorate, HSCP Leads, CEO and Regional Director of Quality and Safety.
Competencies
Professional Knowledge and Experience
Demonstrates:
Knowledge of the role of TUH in the broader health service structure and its relationships with external agencies
Detailed knowledge of the issues, developments and current thinking on best practice in relation to healthcare delivery and reform
Knowledge of developments and current thinking in relation to best practice in risk management, quality assurance and reliability in healthcare
Knowledge and experience of monitoring compliance or standards or performance or progress in relation to quality, safety and risk.
Proven track record of collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to understand their data requirements and develop specifications for solutions.
Experience of transforming statistical data into knowledge and presenting that information in a clear and concise manner
Knowledge and experience of developing and implementing standards, policies, procedures and guidance, as relevant to this role
Excellent IT skills to include, including experience of using Excel functions to aid working with multiple data sources, conditional programming, merging datasets etc.
Managing & Delivery Results (Operational Excellence)
Demonstrates:
A proven ability to prioritise, organise and schedule a wide variety of tasks and to manage competing demands and tight deadlines while consistently maintaining high standards and positive working relationships.
The ability to work on a self-directed basis
The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and the ability to evolve and adapt to a rapid changing environment
A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging environment while adhering to various standards.
Ability to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion
Adequately identifies, manages and reports on risk within area of responsibility
Critical Analysis, Problem Solving & Decision Making
Demonstrates:
The ability to evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and make effective decisions
Anticipates problems and recognises when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level)
Makes timely decisions and stands by those decisions as required
Significant experience in effective operational problem solving utilising an inclusive approach which fosters learning and self-reliance amongst teams
A capacity to develop new proposals and put forward solutions to address problems in a timely manner.
Effective problem solving in complex work environments
Leadership, Direction and Team working Skills
Demonstrates:
Effective leadership in a challenging and busy environment including a track record of innovation / improvements.
Ability to lead, organise and motivate teams to the confident delivery of excellent services and service outcomes.
Ability to support, supervise, develop and empower staff in changing work practises in a challenging environment within existing resources.
Evidence of being a positive agent of change and performance improvement
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the requirements of the role
Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members and other stakeholders to facilitate high performance, developing and achieving clear and realistic objectives
An ability to influence and negotiate effectively in furthering the objectives of the role.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Demonstrates:
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills to facilitate work with a wide range of stakeholders
The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing tailoring to meet the needs of the audience
Excellent presentation skills.
Excellent written communication skills including the ability to produce professional reports.
Strong negotiation / influencing skills
Leading a Quality Service
Demonstrates:
An ability to pay close and accurate attention to detail in personal work and to create a culture where high standards are valued and respected
An ability to cope with competing demands without a diminution in performance
Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of excellence
A client user and customer focus in the delivery of services
A core belief in and passion for the sustainable delivery of high-quality customer focused services
S
UPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the
meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is
not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the
latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave
There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
You must manage data as per TUH obligations under the Data Protection Acts 1988 – 2018 and GDPR.
Confidentiality
As an employee of Tallaght University Hospital, you acknowledge and agree to maintain the strictest confidentiality regarding all patient data, medical records, and or other personal and / sensitive data you may encounter in the course of your employment.
As you have access to or hear information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients, their families and /or staff, or other health service business. Such records and information are strictly confidential and unless acting on the instructions of an authorised officer, on no account must information concerning staff, patients or other health service business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duty.
In addition records must never be left in such a manner unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required. You agree to uphold the highest standards and professional integrity and to exercise discretion and caution in handling all confidential information. By accepting employment with Tallaght University Hospital you affirm your commitment to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of all information entrusted to you.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.