Entry requirements, skills and interests (decontamination service management)

Entry requirements

The entry requirements will vary, depending on the level you want to work at, but the following gives examples of some of the skills and qualifications required.

• Decontamination technician supervisor
• Deputy decontamination manager
• Senior manager

Decontamination technician supervisor:

• experience to IDSc Technical Certificate Decontamination/level 3 vocational training  through decontamination training and non-routine experience plus applied training to Foundation degree/diploma in medical device decontamination equivalent level
• experience in all sections of the decontamination department
• experience of supervising less experienced/qualified staff
• experience using decontamination equipment.
• ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety

Deputy decontamination manager:

• postgraduate degree or equivalent level of knowledge through academic courses to postgraduate level
• professional management and scientific knowledge to master’s degree or equivalent level of knowledge
• Charted Member of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences
• highly specialised decontamination knowledge acquired through ongoing specialist training or experience
• knowledge of ISO standards and their implementation
• several years postgraduate scientific knowledge within the decontamination environment
• experience of managing qualified and unqualified staff
• knowledge of relevant medical devices used within the department
• evidence of ongoing CPD
• experience of managing a budget

Senior manager:

• a postgraduate degree or equivalent level of knowledge through academic courses to postgraduate level
• professional management and scientific knowledge to master’s degree or equivalent level of knowledge
• Charted Member of the Institute of Decontamination Sciences
• several years’ experience of working in decontamination
• previous scientific management experience
• significant experience of relevant medical devices used within the decontamination service
• significant knowledge of ISO standards and their implementation
• evidence of ongoing CPD

It is essential to check the entry requirements for any post you're applying for.

• Skills, qualities and interests needed

  As a manager working within decontamination sciences, you’ll need:

  • to be able to work to high standards under pressure
  • flexibility
  • to be able to work to strict standards of quality and safety
  • a professional manner at all times
  • the ability to work on your own initiative
  • logical thinking to help troubleshooting
  • the ability to motivate others
  • enthusiasm
  • excellent communication skills combined with the ability to communicate potentially highly complex, sensitive issues with colleagues in an effective and positive manner
  • to be able to understand, provide and receive data of a complex technical nature
  • the ability to undertake and interpret reports on highly complex decontamination investigations analysing the outcome of equipment testing or procedures and their clinical significance to patients where a range of options may be involved
  • to be able to lead or participate in the production and interpretation of audit data
  • the ability to analyse and subsequently manage organisational and staffing issues
  • a motivated and positive outlook
  • to be able to deal with complaints from staff and patients

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