Chief Medical Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the Rugby Football League, the national governing body for Rugby League in the UK. We are seeking to appoint a Chief Medical Officer on a part-time basis working 3 days per week.

As Chief Medical Officer you will lead the medical function for the Rugby Football League including clinical and medical governance, clinical service delivery to teams/squads, events and competitions, implementing the findings of medical/welfare research, risk management, specialist advice, medical education programmes and the anti-doping and illicit-drug programmes. Activity covers both the Professional and Community and age-group games.

Principal duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a coordinated medical strategy for Rugby League in England.
• Be responsible for ensuring the relevant medical standards are maintained throughout the professional game (England teams, Men’s Super League, Women’s Super League, Championship, Academies, Reserves) and that appropriate medical guidance is provided for the Community and age-group matches.
• To provide clinical governance leadership and ensure relevant medical standards are understood and maintained across the RFL medical staff and in collaboration with other relevant key stakeholders across the wider professional, community and age-group games.
• Work with the responsible boards (including RFL board, Clinical Advisory Group, Laws Committee and Brain Health Committee) to inform the risk perception and risk mitigation processes and highlight current or future medical areas where the RFL may be exposed to significant welfare, reputational or legal risk.
• Provide specialist input to the development of player welfare and safety training programmes and resources for coaches, match officials and players.
• Lead communication and implementation of medical knowledge and best practice within and across the Professional and Development departments and ensure collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Act as spokesperson for the RFL on medical issues and work closely with all RFL stakeholders at all times.
• To represent the RFL on relevant medical boards and sub-committees. Appointment may be made subject to a DBS check.

In return for your efforts, we offer a competitive salary and benefits which include a health cash plan, cycle to work scheme, workplace pension and a chance to be part of an exciting business. We are committed to enabling our employees to work in a hybrid model with flexibility over when, where and how to achieve the required outputs, in discussion with your manager. We are also committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and the organisation. A commitment to your wellbeing, with confidential emotional support, support for those going through the menopause, experiencing fertility treatment and having a baby, paid leave for IVF treatment and more.

Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 12 January 2024. Please email your CV and covering letter to [email protected] by this date. If you are an applicant with disability who meets the essential requirements of the job, we will interview you. Please declare this in your cover letter. We would be pleased to receive applications in alternative formats.

The Rugby Football League welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of Age, Sex, Race, Disability, Pregnancy, Marital/Civil Partnership status, Sexual orientation, Gender reassignment or Religious background. The RFL is committed to equality through diversity.