Lead Consultant Genetic Counsellor

06/10/2026 23:59

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital , Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Many of our recruitment programmes use Value Based Interviewing to identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit

The primary duty of the post holder will be to work with the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine to facilitate the offer of whole genome sequencing to eligible patients including optional contribution to the research aims of the GMS by allowing their data to be added to the National Genomics Reference Library. This will involve developing local pathways for patient contact, information dissemination and consent, supported by meticulous record keeping to ensure decisions are captured and communicated according to national guidance.

The post holder will also be expected to provide support for patients and clinicians with queries about the 100,000 Genomes Project, manage requests for patient withdrawal, and re-consent patients who have turned 16 since joining the project. The role will additionally involve engaging with clinicians to support the continued mainstreaming of genomic medicine, and working with genomic practitioners in other clinical departments to form a network across the local area, supporting training for other members of staff as required.

The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and some prior knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and the national plans for mainstreaming genomic medicine, but will have access to training. The post holder will be supported by clinical leadership within the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine (chiefly through the genetic counselling team).

To facilitate the offer of whole genome sequencing to patients and family members including the option of contributing to the research aims of the GMS through sharing data with the National Genomic Reference Library (NGRL).

WGS Team Leader - To support the team and service with training and development and day to day management tasks.

Working for our organisation

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. Find out more here

The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence. These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel

To facilitate the offer of whole genome sequencing to patients and family members including the option of contributing to the research aims of the GMS through sharing data with the National Genomic Reference Library (NGRL).

To communicate effectively with children, adult patients, carers and families regarding this offer of participation, including the provision of ongoing information, education and support.

To undertake re-consenting of participants of the 100,000 Genomes Project who have turned 16 since joining the project, working with individual families to ensure specific needs are met, and ensuring consent forms are complete and accurate in line with national guidance.

To prepare standard letters to patients and clinicians summarising any discussions or advice as appropriate.

To manage and effect participant requests for withdrawal from the 100,000 Genomes Project and the NGRL.

To act as a central point of contact within the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine to answer queries from patients and clinical colleagues about the 100,000 Genomes Project, especially the process of returning results, liaising with the clinical scientists in the Oxford Genetics Laboratory as necessary.

To communicate intelligently and sensitively with patients who are bereaved and/or highly anxious. The post holder will use counselling skills (e.g. listening, validating, paraphrasing, normalising) to support patients/carers. The post holder will identify when a patient should be in telephone contact with a Genetic Counsellor for advanced counselling support when necessary.

To recognise areas of conflict when patients' demands are incompatible to professional responsibilities and resources and seek guidance and support from the Genetic Consultants and/or Lead Genetic Counsellor in how to resolve such issues.

To complete work in a timely fashion to facilitate the smooth running of the genetic service and enable the service to meet waiting time directives.

To refer on any patients that contact the department with...