Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will work as an autonomous Lower Gastrointestinal Clinical Endoscopist, delivering high-quality diagnostic and surveillance endoscopy within the Trust’s Endoscopy Service. They will be responsible for the safe assessment, consent, performance and reporting of lower GI endoscopic procedures, ensuring compliance with JAG standards, Trust policies and national guidelines.

The role requires advanced clinical expertise, sound independent decision-making, and the ability to manage complex clinical scenarios. The post holder will contribute to service development, audit, education, leadership, and quality improvement, supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient and patient-focused endoscopy pathway.

Clinical Practice and Patient Care

• Independently assess, consent and perform lower GI endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopy and/or flexible sigmoidoscopy) in line with JAG, BSG and Trust standards.

• Deliver safe, effective and patient-centred care across the endoscopy pathway, from referral triage to post-procedure follow-up.

• Conduct comprehensive pre-procedure clinical assessment, including evaluation of indications, co-morbidities, anticoagulation/antiplatelet management, bowel preparation, and suitability for sedation.

• Interpret endoscopic findings accurately and formulate appropriate management plans, including biopsies, polypectomy within scope of practice, surveillance planning and onward referral.

• Provide clear, timely and high-quality procedure reporting, ensuring accurate clinical documentation, coding and communication with referrers and GPs.

• Recognise and manage procedure-related complications and medical emergencies, escalating appropriately in line with local protocols.

• Ensure effective post-procedure care, including discharge planning, patient advice, safety netting and communication of results.

Autonomous Decision-Making and Advanced Practice

• Practice as an independent clinician within agreed scope, demonstrating accountability for clinical decisions and outcomes.

• Manage complex cases, balancing risk, patient safety, procedural appropriateness and service capacity.

• Escalate complex or high-risk cases appropriately and contribute to MDT discussions where required.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based practice, national guidelines and emerging developments in endoscopy.

Leadership, Service Development and Quality Improvement

• Act as a clinical role model within the Endoscopy Unit, promoting high standards of professional practice and patient-centred care.

• Contribute to service planning, pathway development and innovation, supporting improvements in access, efficiency, quality and patient experience.

• Participate in and lead clinical audit, service evaluation and quality improvement projects, supporting JAG accreditation and performance targets (e.g., KPIs, adenoma detection rates, caecal intubation rates).

• Support effective waiting list management, service recovery initiatives and delivery of activity targets.

• Contribute to policy development, guideline implementation and governance processes.

Education, Training and Supervision

• Support the training, supervision and mentorship of junior doctors, trainee endoscopists, nurses and allied health professionals where appropriate.

• Contribute to teaching sessions, competency assessments and skills development within the endoscopy workforce.

• Maintain personal CPD, appraisal, revalidation and JAG accreditation requirements.

• Participate in professional development activities and support a culture of lifelong learning.

Governance, Risk and Safety

• Adhere to all Trust and national policies relating to infection prevention and control, decontamination, health and safety, safeguarding, consent and information governance.

• Participate in incident reporting, complaints management, duty of candour processes and learning reviews.

• Contribute to clinical governance meetings, morbidity and mortality discussions and risk management initiatives.

• Support maintenance of JAG accreditation and compliance with regulatory standards.

Communication and Multidisciplinary Working

• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and families, including delivering complex or sensitive information with empathy and clarity.

• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, including gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nursing teams and administrative staff.

• Ensure clear and timely communication of clinical findings, management plans and follow-up arrangements.

Professional Conduct and Accountability

• Maintain professional registration, scope of practice and indemnity in line with regulatory requirements.

• Uphold the values, behaviours and professional standards expected within the NHS.

• Take responsibility for personal workload, prioritisation and time management within a busy clinical environment.