Posted 20 June, 2026
Lead NCHD
Childrens Health Ireland
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Full Time
Reference: 939643075
Introduction:
The Lead NCHD Programme is one of a range of initiatives taken at national level to improve NCHD recruitment and retention in the Irish public health system. Its introduction was welcomed by the Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure ('MacCraith Report') which was established in 2013 by the Minister for Health and chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith to address the challenge of doctor recruitment and retention. The 'MacCraith Report' recommended that structured communication arrangements should be established for trainees, including engagement with trainees in solutions for patient care. The report recognised the Lead NCHD initiative as having the potential to assist with these proposed developments.
The Lead NCHD Programme is a response to the historic deficit in NCHD representation at executive level in Irish hospitals and is a means of contributing to the improvement of NCHD welfare and working conditions. This initiative is implemented by HSE - National Doctors Training & Planning (NDTP) Funding for the initiative is provided by HSE - NDTP.
The initiative has been welcomed by the Department of Health, the Medical Council, the Joint HSE/Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, the Clinical Director/Clinical Programme Steering Group, the Forum Trainee Subcommittee and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).
The initiative was piloted by the HSE in January 2014 in five hospitals. Following a review of the pilot programme the Lead NCHD Initiative was rolled out nationally in 2015. Today, there are lead NCHDs across 53 acute hospitals and Community Health Organisations (CHOs), with approximately 100 leads in total. The Lead NCHD is not a specialty specific role (however CHOs currently appoint mental health and GP leads) and does not serve as a direct link to training requirements or training specific needs.
Purpose of the role
The role of the Lead NCHD is to provide a formal link at management level between the relevant NCHD cohort, NCHD Committee and management structure, thereby enabling a structured, continuous two-way flow of engagement and communication between management and NCHDs. The Lead NCHD role should help to integrate NCHDs within their clinical site and improve the employment experience of NCHDs. The Lead NCHD role should facilitate enhanced communication between NCHDs and management in a way that provides NCHDs, through the Lead NCHD, with an opportunity to participate in service discussions and decision making regarding; matters that affect NCHDs, the day-to-day running of hospitals/ mental health services, and solutions/improvements to enhance patient care.
Eligibility to Compete
Duration of Appointment
The Lead NCHD will be appointed for a 12-month duration with a recommended review at the 6 month or midway mark. Exceptions to this will be allowed in sites where the majority of NHCDs are rotating on a six month basis
Application & Selection Process
All applications must be made by submitting to the relevant Medical Manpower Manager or mental health service equivalent the documents listed below:
a)A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date
b) A short (i.e. no more than 2 pages) cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish to be considered for this role, what you hope to achieve as Lead NCHD and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position of Lead NCHD
There will be 3 positions available for this post:
Applications received will be reviewed and shortlisted as appropriate by hospital/mental health service management, with the final appointment being determined by means of an interview panel. Indicative panel members could include the CEO/Manager of the hospital/ Head of Mental Health, Lead Clinical Director and ECD.
The submission date for applications is Thursday July 2nd 2026 12:00 PM.
The Lead NCHD Programme is one of a range of initiatives taken at national level to improve NCHD recruitment and retention in the Irish public health system. Its introduction was welcomed by the Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structure ('MacCraith Report') which was established in 2013 by the Minister for Health and chaired by Professor Brian MacCraith to address the challenge of doctor recruitment and retention. The 'MacCraith Report' recommended that structured communication arrangements should be established for trainees, including engagement with trainees in solutions for patient care. The report recognised the Lead NCHD initiative as having the potential to assist with these proposed developments.
The Lead NCHD Programme is a response to the historic deficit in NCHD representation at executive level in Irish hospitals and is a means of contributing to the improvement of NCHD welfare and working conditions. This initiative is implemented by HSE - National Doctors Training & Planning (NDTP) Funding for the initiative is provided by HSE - NDTP.
The initiative has been welcomed by the Department of Health, the Medical Council, the Joint HSE/Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, the Clinical Director/Clinical Programme Steering Group, the Forum Trainee Subcommittee and the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO).
The initiative was piloted by the HSE in January 2014 in five hospitals. Following a review of the pilot programme the Lead NCHD Initiative was rolled out nationally in 2015. Today, there are lead NCHDs across 53 acute hospitals and Community Health Organisations (CHOs), with approximately 100 leads in total. The Lead NCHD is not a specialty specific role (however CHOs currently appoint mental health and GP leads) and does not serve as a direct link to training requirements or training specific needs.
Purpose of the role
The role of the Lead NCHD is to provide a formal link at management level between the relevant NCHD cohort, NCHD Committee and management structure, thereby enabling a structured, continuous two-way flow of engagement and communication between management and NCHDs. The Lead NCHD role should help to integrate NCHDs within their clinical site and improve the employment experience of NCHDs. The Lead NCHD role should facilitate enhanced communication between NCHDs and management in a way that provides NCHDs, through the Lead NCHD, with an opportunity to participate in service discussions and decision making regarding; matters that affect NCHDs, the day-to-day running of hospitals/ mental health services, and solutions/improvements to enhance patient care.
Eligibility to Compete
- Be employed as an SHO, Registrar, Specialist Registrar or Senior Registrar, with an NCHD contract and an appropriate clinical commitment in the relevant hospital/CHO/mental health service for the period 2025/2026
- If not already a member of the NCHD Committee, be appointed automatically to same once appointed to the Lead NCHD role and act as Chair
- Demonstrate a successful track record in engaging and contributing positively to change programmes
- Demonstrate a commitment to participation in and delivery of training
- Experience of engaging with and working with a range of stakeholders including NCHD colleagues
- Possess the requisite knowledge, skills and attributes to develop this new role within the health service and the capacity to discharge the principle duties and responsibilities associated with the role
Duration of Appointment
The Lead NCHD will be appointed for a 12-month duration with a recommended review at the 6 month or midway mark. Exceptions to this will be allowed in sites where the majority of NHCDs are rotating on a six month basis
Application & Selection Process
All applications must be made by submitting to the relevant Medical Manpower Manager or mental health service equivalent the documents listed below:
a)A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date
b) A short (i.e. no more than 2 pages) cover letter/personal statement outlining why you wish to be considered for this role, what you hope to achieve as Lead NCHD and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position of Lead NCHD
There will be 3 positions available for this post:
- Lead NCHD in CHI at Temple Street
- Lead NCHD in CHI at Crumlin
- Lead NCHD in CHI at Tallaght
Applications received will be reviewed and shortlisted as appropriate by hospital/mental health service management, with the final appointment being determined by means of an interview panel. Indicative panel members could include the CEO/Manager of the hospital/ Head of Mental Health, Lead Clinical Director and ECD.
The submission date for applications is Thursday July 2nd 2026 12:00 PM.
