Quality & Safety Manager (Risk & Incident Management) Job Specification
Reference Number:
Job Title: Grade VII
Reference No: 06.036(2026)
Department / Directorate: QRSM Directorate
Reports to: 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:
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Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
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Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
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Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
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Equity – 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/
Details of the Service:
The Hospital is part of the Dublin Midlands Region and serves the catchment population of 650,000 across Tallaght, Clondalkin, Firhouse, Rathfarnham, Terenure, Templeogue, West Wicklow and parts of Kildare. The most recent census revealed that 28% of the population of the state reside within this network area.
There is currently capacity for 472 inpatient and day care beds at Tallaght University Hospital. These figures do not include South Dublin Mental Health services at Tallaght University Hospital which has an additional capacity of 52 public beds. Tallaght University Hospital provides a wide range of secondary and tertiary services across the Medical, Surgical, Paediatric and Diagnostic spectrum. It is also the regional centre for Orthopaedics, Urology and Renal Medicine/Dialysis.
Purpose of the Post:
The Quality and Safety Department provides support to all hospital staff to enable them to incorporate safe management practice and quality in all activities in the hospital. Activities include analysing incidents and identifying trends, co-ordination of incident reviews, promotion of clinical audit throughout the organisation and promoting the health and safety of staff and patients.
The Quality and Safety Manager plays a pivotal role in assuring the full participation of the Hospital in the delivery of high quality care that is evidence based including the advancement of Quality Improvement programmes by departments and individuals.
The Quality and Safety Manager will act as deputy to the Q&S Risk & Incident Lead.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Risk and Incident Management:-
Adequately identify, assess, manage and monitor risk within their area of responsibility.
- Participate and advise in System Reviews as per the HSE Incident Management Framework, 2020.
- Support and advise staff in conducting Risk Assessments.
- Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
Quality Improvement-
To oversee the implementation of recommendations from both national and local Systems Analysis Reviews and report on progress to the Hospital Executive.
- Support hospital management and multi-disciplinary teams in the assessment and corresponding quality improvements against hospital priorities and the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare.
- Promote feedback and shared learning throughout the hospital from local and national incidents, reviews and patient feedback.
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Proactively identify inequities / inefficiencies in service administration and implement solutions to improve service delivery, in line with legislation and benchmarking against best practice structures and ensure that the Quality and Safety Executive is kept informed of trends and gaps in service provision.
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Participate in Quality & Safety walkarounds to promote effective leadership and compliance with standards.
Clinical Audit-
Provide specialist advice on all aspects of the audit cycle to clinical teams in order to support them to audit clinical practice against national, regional and local standards, policies and guidelines.
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To oversee the implementation of recommendations from both national and local Clinical Audits and report on progress to the QSRM
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Facilitate and support the development of Quality Improvement programmes by departments and individuals. Ensure hospital staff are familiar with overall Quality Improvement methodologies through regular education / training sessions.
Data Analysis: Strategic Input-
To use data and evidence to monitor service quality and assess against key performance indicators.
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The Quality and Safety Manager will assist in analysing and interpreting healthcare quality data, identify good practices for sharing, implement benchmarking, address issues and identify opportunities for improvement across the organisation.
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Develop and maintain a network of co-operative relationships at Hospital, Region and National level to keep up to date on initiatives and developments in the area of Quality and Safety.
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To attend and participate in committee meetings, work groups, and/or process improvement teams as required.
Managerial Responsibilities:-
To deputise for the Q&S Risk &Incident lead or Quality Improvement Lead in their absence.
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To mentor and supervise other members of the Quality and Safety team to include clerical /administrative staff to carry out their responsibilities, ensuring appropriate delegation of responsibility and authority.
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Keep in touch with workloads of staff members to gauge levels of wellbeing and morale in the team.
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Create and maintain a positive working environment among staff members, which contributes to maintaining and enhancing effective working relationships.
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Act as a resource to hospital staff on issues related to Quality and Safety.
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Contribute to Hospital-wide induction and teaching sessions, workshops and conferences.
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Liaise with the Hospital Executive Management Team, Directorate Management teams, Hospital Departments and other members of the Quality and Patient Safety Directorate to support self-assessment and accreditation processes.
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Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and/or staff as appropriate.
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Promote and maintain a Patient focused environment by ensuring service users are treated with dignity and respect.
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Promote an ethos and culture of Open Disclosure and act as an Open Disclosure Champion within the organisation.
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Seek feedback from service users / families / relevant person(s) to evaluate services and implement change.
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Carry out any other duties as appropriate to the post and delegated by the Q&S Risk &Incident Lead, GM for QSRM or Dir QSRM.
The above Job Description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office
Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
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5 years’ relevant administration experience
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Minimum of 2 years Supervisory / Management experience
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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
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Experience in the Health Sector environment
Candidates must possess sufficient administrative capacity to discharge the functions of the office and have management ability and experience including:
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An academic award in Quality in Healthcare at Level 8 (or higher) on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) framework or equivalent
- Significant experience of working in an Acute General Hospital in a senior post for a minimum of two years, 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
- Have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
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.
€ 60,613- € 78,795 incl LSI
- The appointment is Permanent and pensionable
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The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year
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Normal working hours are 35 worked over x 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
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.
Reporting Relationship:
The post holder will report to the Q&S Lead at TUH.
Other key working relationships are the Director of QSRM, GM for QSRM, Quality Safety and Risk Lead, Director of Nursing, Clinical Leads and Directors in each Directorate, and HSCP Leads.
Competencies
Professional Knowledge and Experience
Demonstrates:
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Knowledge of developments and current thinking in relation to best practice in clinical audit, quality assurance and reliability in healthcare
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Knowledge and experience of monitoring compliance or standards or performance or progress in relation to quality, safety and risk.
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Proven track record of collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to understand their data requirements and develop specifications for solutions.
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Experience of transforming statistical data into knowledge and presenting that information in a clear and concise manner
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Knowledge and experience of developing and implementing standards, policies, procedures and guidance, as relevant to this role
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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:
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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.
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The ability to work on a self-directed basis
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The ability to improve efficiency within the working environment and the ability to evolve and adapt to a rapid changing environment
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A capacity to operate successfully in a challenging environment while adhering to various standards.
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Ability to take personal responsibility to initiate activities and drive objectives through to a conclusion
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Adequately identifies, manages and reports on Quality and Safety matters within area of responsibility
Critical Analysis, Problem Solving & Decision Making
Demonstrates:
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The ability to evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and make effective decisions
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Anticipates problems and recognises when to involve other parties (at the appropriate time and level)
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Significant experience in effective operational problem solving utilising an inclusive approach which fosters learning and self-reliance amongst teams
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A capacity to develop new proposals and put forward solutions to address problems in a timely manner.
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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.
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Ability to lead, organise and motivate teams to the confident delivery of excellent services and service outcomes.
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Ability to support, supervise, develop and empower staff in changing work practises in a challenging environment within existing resources.
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Evidence of being a positive agent of change and performance improvement
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Flexibility and adaptability to meet the requirements of the role
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Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team members and other stakeholders to facilitate high performance, developing and achieving clear and realistic objectives
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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
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The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing tailoring to meet the needs of the audience
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Excellent presentation skills.
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Excellent written communication skills including the ability to produce professional reports.
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Strong negotiation / influencing skills
Leading a Quality Service
Demonstrates:
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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
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An ability to cope with competing demands without a diminution in performance
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Places strong emphasis on achieving high standards of excellence
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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
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 email or Prof Catherine Wall, Director for Quality, Safety and Risk on Tel; 4142344 or email
[email protected]
Closing Date: Before close of business on: 10th July 2026
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
