Chair of the Data Implementation and Audit Leads Steering Group Job Description

The RCR is looking to recruit a clinical oncologist to chair the new Data Implementation and Audit Leads Steering Group.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a new RCR network. Data Implementation Leads access and interpret national data, supporting and inspiring local collaboration on quality improvement (QI) to drive enhancements in care quality and reduce unwarranted variation across cancer centres in the UK. The RCR has strong links with teams from national cancer datasets and NATCAN (National Cancer Audits), all of whom are highly supportive of our initiative; the role of the Chair will build on those relationships.

For more information on this role, please contact [email protected].

The deadline for applications is Friday 5 September 2025.

The Chair must be a clinical oncologist who is a member or Fellow of the RCR in active clinical practice at the time of appointment and throughout their term. The role is advertised using established College channels, and the appointment is made by the Medical Director, Professional Practice (MDPP), Clinical Oncology. The term of office is three years. Any previous service as a member of the group does not count towards this term.

Applicants should have proven experience and leadership in clinical audit, QI and the use of national datasets to inform practice. A sound understanding of the strategic aims of the RCR and the wider clinical oncology quality improvement landscape is essential. The Chair will be expected to share their enthusiasm for using data with Network members, inspiring them to drive local improvement.

The Chair provides strategic and operational leadership to the Steering Group and supports the group in aligning its work with the College’s quality improvement and audit objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the Audit and Quality Improvement Partner and the MDPP, to review and plan the Steering Group’s annual programme of work
• Promoting alignment with the wider RCR strategy and priorities
• Chairing all Steering Group meetings, ensuring effective use of time, active participation and delivery of outcomes
• Ensuring that the Terms of Reference are followed and that governance requirements, including confidentiality and data protection, are met
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, actively engaging all Steering Group members in projects and activities
• Acting as the main point of contact between the Steering Group and the MDPP
• Supporting communication and collaboration with external stakeholders, including national dataset providers and relevant RCR working groups
• Overseeing the integration of the group’s contributions into guideline development, audit templates and wider RCR initiatives
• Overseeing delivery of high-quality webinars, resources, audit library templates and QI outputs to support Data Implementation Leads and audit programmes
• Overseeing development and dissemination of annual audit and QI programmes and reporting activities

Supported by RCR staff and the MDPP; the role of Chair requires a meaningful time commitment, including but not limited to:

• Chairing three Steering Group meetings annually, plus preparatory work
• Annual planning meeting with the Audit and Quality Improvement Partner and the MDPP (typically in June)
• Attending three review meetings per year with the MDPP who will represent the DIAL steering group on the Professional Practice Board
• Regular email or virtual correspondence to maintain momentum between meetings
• Participation in stakeholder engagement, review of documentation and occasional representation at related events or webinars

Estimated overall commitment is approximately half to one day a month, with variability depending on the Steering Group’s current activities and annual programme demands.

This is a voluntary role where the majority of work will be undertaken remotely. Where required, the RCR will meet the travel expenses incurred by the Chair in travelling to the RCR and attending events as described above, in accordance with the RCR travel and expenses policy.

The Chair shall maintain confidentiality and information security in line with the RCR data protection policies.

The Chair may from time to time be provided with documents at various stages of development prior to their formal approval and publication, which may need to be kept confidential. The Chair shall not disclose any confidential information to an outside person or organisation.

The Chair will not express any opinion or make any statement publicly or to the media that is held out to be a view from the RCR without first consulting and agreeing the approach with the Vice President of their Faculty.

Copyright and intellectual property

The RCR will hold the intellectual property and copyright of any documents or publications produced by the individual in their capacity as a Clinical Fellow. The Clinical Fellow will be required to assign these rights to the RCR.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please email a short CV and brief statement (no more than 500 words) outlining any experience that is relevant to the role and your reasons for applying to the Professional Practice Administrator. 

Applications will be ranked against the person specification by a selection panel comprising the CO Medical Director Professional Practice, the CO Vice President and one elected member of Council and/or CO Faculty Board. It will be ensured that no member of the selection panel has a conflict of interest with any applicant. 

The successful applicant will be asked to complete and return a declaration of interests form.