Job Title: Lead Doctor

Department: Medical

Reporting: Director of Player Health

Location: Training Ground – Jersey Road

Salary: Competitive

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems and ultimately grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities. Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments’), you will have the opportunity to let us know at appropriate points in the hiring process.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the timely reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team. We remind those barred from regulated activity that it is an offence to apply for such positions.

Please note that where appropriate for the role, you may be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and this will include any time living or working outside of the UK in the last 10 years. You can find out more about this athttps://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record

Please also note that a CV application will not be sufficient. Applications will not be considered where the application form has not been completed in full.

If the role you are applying for involves regulated activity and you have been shortlisted for a first stage interview, you will be asked to fill out a Declaration of Offences Form.

The Role of Lead Doctor

Along with the Director of Player Health the Lead Doctor will have overall responsibility and accountability for medical provision at the Club.

Main Accountabilities

To ensure that any concerns you observe, or are raised with you in your role, are shared with the Safeguarding Team through appropriate channels

To work in conjunction with the Safeguarding Team to promote safe working practice within your department and those you manage
Support the delivery of clinical excellence as a doctor within the Medical Department to meet the standard required within the English Premier League for the club
Have primary responsibility for the diagnostic evaluation of all first team players
Help to develop a pro-active model of care which focuses on prevention as well as rehabilitation
Help lead innovation and new ways of medical team thinking and practice with the Director of Player Health
Be responsible for the creation of a Medical Playbook for Brentford FC and act as the clinical reference point for all doctors in the club
Support more junior members of staff within the Club in their sports medical practice as well as provide supervision for other practitioners undergoing ultrasound training or similar
Maintain a record and up to date CPD portfolio as stipulated by FA and other professional bodies.

Weekly Provision

Ensure the appropriate level of 7-day doctor provision is arranged and delivered as the club schedule requires across both the 1^st Team and, in conjunction with the Lead Academy Doctor, throughout the Academy age groups. This may extend to the Brentford Women’s Team over time
Be available 5-6 days per week as the club schedule demands. This may include training ground, match day cover, and/or other medical services at the Club
Deliver ultrasound and guided therapeutic injection services and demonstrate a solid understanding of imaging and radiology protocols and their interpretation for clinical diagnosis
Support the Director of Player Health in delivering pre-signing medical assessments for both squads to ensure that all assessments are managed in-house
Coordinate regular/mandatory medical screening/interventions including, but not limited to, cardiology, blood markers, flu vaccines and cognitive function testing procedures
Lead weekly Multi-disciplinary Team case review meetings
Conduct home visits to ill or injured players, and telephone consultations as required
Attend, or ensure attendance of, consultant appointments by Club Doctors as required
Keep accurate, up to date and confidential medical records supported by contemporaneous medical notes relating to player injuries, treatment, and rehabilitation
Be responsible for any onward specialist referrals, ensuring that relevant parties are informed, arranging consultations/medical investigations as needed
Maintain good relationships with clinic/hospital departments and fellow medical colleagues to ensure optimum care of all players
Periodically attend meetings with the Club’s insurers and any other third parties as requested by the club
Review and update Emergency Action Plans (EAP) at both training and match facilities on an ongoing basis
Manage storage and stock of prescription and non-prescription medications
Assist in delivery of any departmental in-service programme.
Lead the regular practice of on-field trauma scenarios for all other medical staff
In conjunction with the Director of Player Health, ensure that all FA anti-doping and player locations/whereabouts requirements are complied with. This includes that all players are kept informed of any adaptions to regulations immediately as they occur
Supported by the Director of Player Health, ensure that the Club’s legal (and English Premier League/Football Association) responsibilities with regards to specific staffing and medicolegal requirements are upheld

Matchday Cover

In conjunction with the Club Doctors, ensure appropriate emergency medical cover is in place for all home and away 1^st Team, B Team and Academy games as required, and as agreed with Director of Player Health
Attend at least 90% of EPL, Cup and 1^st Team friendly games (home and away) as Team Doctor
Travel to away games as needed (any away game covered will require travel with the squad), including overnight stays prior to games and on 1^st Team trips and tours.
Manage onsite paramedic/trauma team and practices, including checking and maintenance of all medical equipment to comply with EPL regulations

General Club Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations.
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements.
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Safeguarding Policy and processes.
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
To actively embed equity, diversity and inclusion into the operations and strategy of your team, in line with our EDI strategy
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, maintaining a professional image at all times when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
To maintain a flexible approach to work at all times.
Any other relevant tasks and duties as directed by your line manager

Key Internal Relationships

Director of Football
Performance Director
Head Coach
Director of Player Health
Head of Academy Medical Services

Person Specification - Essential Characteristics

Full GMC registration
Diploma or MSc or equivalent international qualification in Sports Medicine
Injection therapy training and diagnostic ultrasound training
Level 5 ATMMiF or equivalent emergency trauma qualification
A member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (MFSEM)
Hold (or be able to obtain) sufficient Professional Liability Insurance (SEMPRIS) appropriate for working with elite football players
A minimum of 10 years’ post qualification experience in the field of Sports Medicine in an elite, professional sports environment
At least 5 years’ extensive 1^st Team Doctor experience working as part of an interdisciplinary Sports Medicine team at a professional football club (ideally in the Premier League)
Understanding of epidemiology of football injuries and re-injuries
Able to proficiently communicate in English (written and oral).
Brings a proactive, engaged, and curious approach, fresh perspective, and innovative ideas
Independent worker with focus on forward planning and goal-oriented action
High flexibility, resilience, adaptability, reliability, and trustworthiness
Confident demeanor and level of appropriate assertiveness
Demonstrates a strong passion for high performance sport, healthcare - and goes beyond the standard level of duty when required

Person Specification - Desirable Characteristics

Post qualification examinations which have led to or allows memberships of recognised medical associations e.g. MRCP/ MCEM/MRCGP/MRCS
Qualification in education and supervision and ability to train Physiotherapists in ultrasound
Registered on the GMC Specialists’ register
Fellow of the faculty of sports and exercise medicine

Closing date for applications: Friday 7 June 2024