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Principal Lead Radiographer (Band 8A)
NHS Borders – Radiology, Borders General Hospital
Full‑time | Permanent
Are you an experienced radiographer ready to shape the future of imaging services in NHS Borders?
We are seeking an exceptional Principal Lead Radiographer to provide strategic, clinical, professional and operational leadership across our Diagnostic Imaging Services.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a dynamic, high performing Radiology service undertaking over 80,000 examinations annually, supporting both local care and strong tertiary links with specialist centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
About the Role
As the Principal Lead Radiographer for NHS Borders, you will:
Provide strategic leadership and expert guidance to Executive Directors, Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
Lead and manage a highly complex, multi‑modality imaging department including CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Plain Film, Dexa, Mammography and Nuclear Medicine.
Be responsible for a department budget of approx. £3 million, ensuring efficient and effective use of resources.
Oversee the maintenance, procurement and quality assurance of imaging equipment and the PACS/RIS systems.
Ensure compliance with IRMER, IRR17, SEPA and all relevant national legislation and policies.
Lead departmental service improvement, workforce planning, audit, and policy development.
Provide strong and visible leadership to 40+ radiographers and supporting staff groups, inspiring excellence in clinical practice, patient care and professional development.
Represent NHS Borders at local and national AHP and radiographic forums, contributing to service redesign and national workforce planning.
About You
Essential Qualifications & Registration
- BSc in Diagnostic Radiography (or equivalent)
- Postgraduate study at Master’s level or equivalent experience
- HCPC Registration
- If not already a member, the successful applicant will require to become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme.
Experience & Knowledge
- Senior/supervisory management experience within a radiology department
- Proven leadership, team‑building and service management skills
- Experience in waiting time management
- Strong IT proficiency and ability to manage digital imaging systems
- Ability to lead complex change and influence across professional and organisational boundaries
Personal Qualities
We are looking for a leader who is:
- An excellent communicator – calm, clear and confident
- Strategic, forward-thinking, and highly organised
- Able to work flexibly under pressure and manage challenging situations with professionalism
- Motivated to drive quality, safety and innovation in radiology services
- Desirable
- Experience in more than one imaging modality
- Audit or service evaluation experience
Why Join NHS Borders?
This is a senior leadership role where you will have the autonomy, influence and support to shape the future of Radiology services for our population. You’ll join a friendly and committed team, with opportunities for professional development and national-level involvement.
How to Apply
If you are an inspiring radiography leader with the vision and drive to make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.
Apply online via the NHS Scotland recruitment website.
For informal enquiries, please contact Kirk Lakie, General Manager - Planned Care kirk.lakie@nhs.scot
For department visits, please contact Lesley Wilson, Principal Lead Radiographer, lesley.wilson2@nhs.scot
As from 1st April 2026 the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.
As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.
For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or ‘going rate’. Further information on these criteria can be found here.
It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form.