JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Hours of work: 1.0 whole time equivalent (35 hours per week with options for flexible working).
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: President
Accountable to: UK Council
Matrix Reporting: College Board of Trustees
Place of Work: Head Office (Bermondsey) – hybrid working

Information about the Society and College

The Society and College of Radiographers are two separate companies operating together to provide service and support for those involved in radiography. As a group they enable the Society to fulfil its role as the professional body and trade union for those practicing in clinical imaging and radiotherapy while the science of radiography is advanced for the public benefit.

The Society (SoR) is a Special Register trade union affiliated to the TUC with approximately 34,000 members. The College (CoR) is an independent charitable company registered in England and Scotland. The issued share capital of the College is owned by the Society.

Although legally distinct companies, the Society and College operate in a seamless way and have common objectives concerned with the promotion and development of clinical imaging and radiotherapy, the promotion of study and research into radiography and the promotion of public awareness of the profession. All of these objectives are directly for the public benefit. As the trade union, the Society has the additional objective concerned with protecting the honour and interests of radiographers and others involved in the practice of radiography.

Job Purpose

To provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, good governance and operational oversight for the integrated functions of the organisation as a trade union, professional membership body, and registered charity.

The role exists to champion the interests of radiography professionals across the UK, ensuring that the Society effectively represents its members through trade union and professional activities, while the College advances education, research, and professional development in radiographic practice. As the most senior officer, the CEO is accountable for upholding robust governance, safeguarding organisational integrity, and promoting the values of integrity, advocacy, transparency, courtesy and equity.

Dimensions

Reporting to the UK Council and the College Board of Trustees, the CEO plays a critical role in influencing national policy, leading innovation in radiographic science, and ensuring that the voice of the radiography workforce is central to the future of healthcare provision and patient care.

Delegated budgetary responsibility £100,000 (budgeted expenditure) / £50,000 (unbudgeted)

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Vision 

• Define and deliver the strategic vision, values, and ambitions of the Society and College, steering both SoR as a professional body / trade union and CoR as a charitable leader in education and research, in conjunction with UK Council and the CBoT. 
• Ensure integration and coherence between trade union goals and professional policy and research initiatives. 
• Ensure effective systems to track progress, and regularly evaluate the agreed strategic priorities, to measure and communicate successes to UK Council, CBoT and the SoR membership 
• Advise UK Council and the CBoT on all strategy and policy matters. 
• Promote continuous improvement while ensuring the UK Council’s and the CBoT’s strategic aims are delivered. 

Governance & Compliance 

• Guarantee robust governance frameworks, ensuring the Society (a company limited by guarantee and trade union) and the College (a registered charity and company limited by shares) comply with legal and regulatory standards and with appropriate financial controls and cost management. 
• Ensure the filing of all statutory, legal and regulatory documents and monitor compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including Health and Safety, Data Protection and Whistleblowing. 
• Provide timely, transparent information to UK Council and the College Board of Trustees, ensuring integrity, risk mitigation, and financial accountability and guide policy making responsibilities. 
• Oversee the fiscal activities of the organisation including budgeting, reporting and audit. 
• Build effective working relationships with both Boards and the standing Committees. 
• Develop, maintain, and support strong Boards of Directors/Trustees: seek and build board involvement with strategic direction and enable them to fulfil their governance functions. 
• Work with UK Council and the CBoT to ensure financing to support short- and long-term goals. 
• Work with the President of UK Council and Chair of CBoT to ensure development and effectiveness of each Board member. 
• Manage risk and put controls and actions in place to mitigate the likelihood of risk to the organisation. Accountable for ensuring an organisational risk register is maintained, reviewed and amended on a regular / quarterly basis. 
• Act as Company Secretary for the Society and College of Radiographers, and General Secretary of the Society of Radiographers as a registered Trade Union.

Professional & Thought Leadership 

• Position SoR / CoR at the forefront of radiography innovation, driving evidence-based practice, research, and policy. 
• Campaign and advocate for radiographers at national, international and government levels, engaging with government departments, statutory arms-length bodies, regulatory bodies, international partner bodies, etc. 

Operational, People & Financial Management 

• Lead, coach, develop and retain a high-performing executive team, overseeing resources, budgets, and service delivery and fostering a collaborative and integrated approach. 
• Ensure the growth of member-facing services for example trade union membership, professional guidance, accreditation, CPD, research grants, and student support. 
• manage and support the EDs, ensuring they are able to discharge their responsibilities while upholding the vision and values of the Society. 
• Ensure all employees understand and comply with the SoR and CoR objects and strategy. 
• Promote progressive, sensitive and dynamic decision-making within a compassionate and professional environment. 
• Lead and direct the operational planning process, ensuring plans are reviewed regularly and actions implemented within agreed timescales. 
• Update UK Council, CBoT and Committees regularly on the progress of the SoR and CoR and any issues which may be relevant to the future strategy or operations. 
• Ensure processes are in place to resource and support SoR member services, volunteer and representative networks and Regional / National activity. 

Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations 

• Ensure the organisation builds and sustains strong relationships with members, patients, partners, government, NHS, education providers, and media. 
• Promote SoR/ CoR’s public presence through high profile campaigns, conferences, thought leadership, and publications. 
• Identify and recruit patient representatives to participate in the College Patient and Public Liaison Group, recruit a lay observer to UK Council and to ensure the service-user voice is heard as appropriate. 
• Develop opportunities to promote the profession with Government, the media, sister organisations, industry partners and any other relevant parties. 
• Maintain and develop international partnerships. 
• Lead on providing strategic advice, financial and administrative support to the SoR Benevolent Fund 

Culture, Diversity & Inclusion 

• Embed values-based practice rooted in values of integrity, advocacy, transparency, courtesy and equity. 
• Champion Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in all internal and external activities both within the SoR / CoR and across the Radiography profession. 

Communications and Key Relations

Internal

1. Senior Leadership Team 
2. Presidential Team, UK Council and College Board of Trustees 
3. All SOR / COR employees 
4. Staff representatives from the recognised trade union 

 External

This role will engage with a wide range of senior-level external stakeholders across healthcare, education, government, and professional networks. These contacts are essential for advancing the organisation’s goals as a trade union, professional body, and charity to influence policy, elevate the profession of radiography, protect members’ rights, and ensure that the Society and College remains a trusted voice in healthcare and higher education. 

Government and Regulatory Bodies 

• Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) – Policy discussions, workforce planning, and legislative matters 
• Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) – Regulatory standards, fitness to practise, registration issues 
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) – Quality and safety in radiographic services 
• Devolved Governments – Health departments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland 
• NHS England, NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland – Workforce strategies, service development 

Trade Union and Professional Alliances 

• Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Scottish TUC (STUC) – National trade union representation 
• Allied Health Professionals Federation (AHPF) – Inter-professional collaboration 
• Professional Standards Authority (PSA) – Oversight of healthcare regulation 
• Other health professional bodies 

Healthcare Employers and Sector Leaders 

• NHS Employers – Agenda for Change, employment relations, and collective bargaining 
• Independent sector healthcare providers – Professional standards, employment matters 
• Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) – Service transformation and workforce innovation 

Academic and Research Institutions 

• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – Course accreditation, student recruitment, curriculum standards 
• Council of Deans of Health – Joint working on education and clinical placement 
• National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) – Research funding and partnerships 
• Education regulators (QAA, OfS) – Quality assurance in radiography education 

International and European Bodies 

• International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) 
• European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) – European collaboration, policy development 
• World Health Organization (WHO) – Public health policy and advocacy (where relevant) 

Public and Patient Engagement 

• Patient advocacy groups – Safety, experience, and public engagement 
• Healthwatch England and equivalents – Patient-centred service development 
• Media and press outlets – Public messaging, campaigns, and expert commentary 

Charitable and Research Funders 

• Other professional charities – Collaboration on grants, education, and advocacy 
• Fundraising partners and sponsors – Supporting charitable objectives of the College of Radiographers 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

All of the following criteria are considered essential unless otherwise noted.

Experience

• Experience as a senior / executive leader in healthcare.
• Experience as a senior / executive leader in union leadership, public sector or charity sector. (desirable)
• Demonstrable experience in corporate governance across companies and / or charities, with evidence of effective financial stewardship, risk management, and corporate compliance.
• Previous experience as a Company Secretary. (desirable)
• Previous experience as a General Secretary of a recognised Trade Union Body. (desirable)
• Demonstrable experience in collaboratively developing and delivering inspirational evidence-based strategy, using insights and translating this through others into policy, business objectives and sustainable financial plans.
• Strategic acumen with proven experience of translating organisational priorities and values into practical, measurable impact.
• Experience working within the governance frameworks of UK trade union law, collective bargaining, and member representation. (desirable)
• Significant experience in strategic budgetary and financial oversight.
• Demonstrable experience in professional healthcare or allied health fields.
• Demonstrable experience in field of radiography. (desirable)
• Experience shaping public policy, influencing government and regulators, and engaging in clinical-professional debates.
• Significant experience in leading and developing a high performing inclusive leadership team with empowered accountability.
• Media and public engagement experience.
• Experience in global networking with organisations e.g. EFRS or ISRRTis. (desirable)

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Professional radiography qualification with current HCPC registration. (desirable)
• MSc, or Level 7 or equivalent professional or vocational qualification.
• Understanding of continuous education, research grant funding, accreditation processes, and clinical academic pathways. (desirable)
• Knowledge of and an appreciation of the complexities of the UK healthcare system, specifically the role radiography plays in that. (desirable)
• Good knowledge of the structure, governance and role of trade union function and processes.
• Solid grasp of basic financial management.

Abilities, Skills, Competencies & Behaviours

• Ability to synthesize complex data from a variety of sources – understanding of and able to operate effectively with systems thinking.
• Ability to drive improvement, innovation and operational excellence through data-led performance monitoring.
• Exceptional, confident and compelling communicator, able to articulate a compelling vision to diverse stakeholders through varied mediums.
• Collaborative, agile and adaptive leadership style, with strength in coalition building across sectors.
• Demonstrable commitment to upholding integrity, fairness, professional codes of conduct in self and others.
• Ability to visualise, develop and drive forward a positive culture where staff are valued and feel listened to.
• Active champion of inclusion within professional and organisational culture.
• Ability to anticipate and oversee the management of risk at a strategic level – risk aware, not risk averse.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to remain sighted on the bigger picture, anticipate demand, prioritise effectively and manage multiple demands.
• A high level of Emotional Intelligence with strong self-awareness, balancing empathy and accountability.
• Courageous, confident and ethical decision maker.
• Skilled in stakeholder management internal and external.
• Clear understanding of data security legislation and regulations, ensuring compliance across an organisation.
• The ability to work with and effectively resolve complex concepts, conflict and issues.
• Proficient user of technology with a broad understanding of the possibilities of digital transformation and future advancements, including AI.