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If you are successful at interview for this post you will receive your conditional offer of appointment and information pack via email.
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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board support flexible working.
Health Board grounds are required to be smoke-free by law. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on ABUHB sites. This applies to all staff, contractors, patients and visitors. More details are available in our Smoke-Free Environment Policy . For help to quit smoking please contact our Help Me Quit Team About Help Me Quit - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any time should it be filled via the internal redeployment process
The Agenda for Change Pay Award for 2026/27 is effective from 1st April 2026.
Please note successful applicants with a start date from 1st April onwards the salary will be as per the 2026/27 pay award. For further detail the pay circular is available via this link https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/afc-w-02-2026-pdf-pdf?ts=1773244958086
Job Overview
Guardian of Safe and Flexible Working (GOSFW)
1.5 session - Secondment / Fixed Term – 3 years (subject to annual review)
Base by agreement
Responsible to
Executive Medical Director
Accountable to
ABUHB Board
Professional Accountability to
Wales Lead Guardian of Safe and Flexible Working
Job Summary
The Health Board is seeking to appoint a
Guardian of Safe and Flexible Working (GOSFW) to provide independent assurance that safe working hours and rest requirements for doctors and dentists in training are upheld in line with the 2026 Terms and Conditions of Service.
A senior clinician, operating independently of line management structures, with the confidence of doctors in training and the authority to influence organisational decision‑making. Working closely with medical education, workforce, service leaders, LNC and resident doctor forums, the role is vital in protecting patient safety, staff wellbeing and training quality across the Health Board.
Post is open to clinicians with appropriate experience and credibility operating independently of local line management structures and able to command the confidence of doctors and dentists in training and work constructively with medical education, workforce and service leaders.
Role is on a
secondment or fixed‑term basis for 3 years, subject to annual review. Applicants must have the support of their current line manager prior to application.
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the role
- Provide independent oversight of safe working hours and rest
- Review and respond to exception reports and rota breaches
- Champion flexible training and working arrangements
- Provide assurance to the Health Board and Lead Guardian
- Promote a strong safety and wellbeing culture
- Assist to address breaches of safe working hours, promote fatigue mitigation and champion flexible and less‑than‑full‑time training.
Sufficient administrative support will be provided in line with the number of doctors in training overseen. The post holder will be required to work flexibly and engage across multiple sites within the Health Board.
Working for our organisation
At Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, caring is at the heart of everything we do. We are a multi‑award‑winning NHS organisation, proud to serve the communities of Gwent and committed to improving health and wellbeing for everyone who lives here.
With over 15,000 staff and volunteers, we deliver high‑quality care across hospitals, GP practices, clinics, and community services. As a University Health Board, research and innovation are embedded in our work, supporting evidence‑based practice and continuous improvement in patient care.
Our Gwent Strategy (2025-2035) is a 10‑year plan setting out how we will work with our partners and communities to create a fairer, healthier future for everyone who lives in Gwent. By joining us, you will be part of an organisation that values its people, supports development at every stage, and offers the opportunity to build a rewarding and meaningful career in the NHS”
Whether you are new to the NHS, returning after a break, or building on your existing experience and/or continuing to develop your career in the NHS, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive workplace where you feel trusted, valued, and able to thrive.
Our values — Kindness, Integrity, and Respect — shape how we care for our patients and how we treat one another. They underpin the culture we are building and guide our work at every level, from frontline services to leadership and decision‑making.
We offer a fantastic benefits package, extensive training and development opportunities, and clear professional and leadership career pathways. This includes paid mandatory training, high‑quality in‑house programmes, and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. We also support agile and flexible working, where tasks and service needs allow, helping colleagues maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrate a high level of professional standards
Desirable criteria
- Previous senior position with a strategic and/or operational focus
Experience
Essential criteria
- Demonstrate the importance of safe working patterns and rotas for resident doctors
Skills
Essential criteria
- Manage Change and deal with constraints
Skills & Attributes
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of and training in equality, diversity and inclusion
Skills
Essential criteria
- Use interpersonal skills in order to promote medical and dental education within the Host organisation
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Relevant experience as a senior clinician with appropriate experience and credibility