Senior Clinical Coder with certificate of sponsorship to the UK

Visa Note

While this position offers a certificate of sponsorship, applicants must verify their eligibility to work in the UK with the employer before applying. Even with sponsorship, certain visa requirements and health checks may apply. Please contact the employer directly to confirm your specific eligibility requirements.

Job Overview

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Senior Accredited Clinical Coder to join their team. This is a Band 5 position with a 15% R&R Payment, offering a competitive salary of £32,073 to £39,043 per annum. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the accurate coding of clinical information, ensuring financial reimbursement and statutory reporting requirements are met.

Company Information

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is an outstanding-rated healthcare organization serving Warwickshire and surrounding areas. With hospitals in Warwick, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa, and Shipston-on-Stour, the trust provides comprehensive services across the county. As a progressive and expanding organization, they are committed to delivering high-quality, integrated care with strong emphasis on patient safety and effectiveness.

Location Details

The position is based at South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust, Lakin Road, Warwick, CV34 5BW. The trust promotes agile working practices, which means there may be opportunities to work from home with the agreement of the manager. This flexibility is particularly valuable for international candidates adjusting to life in the UK.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a salary of £32,073 to £39,043 per annum under the Agenda for Change pay scheme. The role includes a 15% R&R (Recruitment and Retention) payment, enhancing the overall compensation package. The trust also provides a comprehensive benefits package including pension scheme, NHS discounts, and access to employee wellbeing services.

Working Schedule

The position is full-time, offering standard working hours with opportunities for flexible arrangements where possible. The trust promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports employees through various wellbeing initiatives.

Employment Type

This is a permanent position, offering job security and career development opportunities within the NHS. The trust values long-term professional growth and encourages continuous learning and development for all staff members.

Language Requirements

English language proficiency is essential for this role, as it involves complex medical terminology and regular communication with healthcare professionals. Applicants must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English fluently to accurately interpret clinical information and coding guidelines.

Education Requirements

Candidates must hold an Accredited Clinical Coder Qualification and have a minimum of 4-5 years of clinical coding experience. This experience must include established knowledge and understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and national coding classifications. A commitment to further personal development is also essential.

Essential Experience

Extensive experience of clinical coding procedures and conventions in a wide range of specialties within an NHS setting is required. Candidates must demonstrate experience of team working to achieve coding deadlines, working under pressure to meet strict timelines, and implementing changes in clinical coding practices. Experience in maintaining departmental records of local and national coding policies is also essential.

Desirable Experience

Mentorship experience is desirable, as the role involves supporting the development of more junior coding staff. Experience of working with clinicians to implement change and service improvement would also be beneficial, as it would facilitate better communication between the coding department and clinical staff.

Essential Qualifications

The Accredited Clinical Coder Qualification is mandatory for this position. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to further personal development through ongoing training and education. Understanding of the clinical coding process and how it affects financial reimbursement and the National Tariff Payment System is also essential.

Desirable Qualifications

A-Level or equivalent in a logical/analytical subject, a degree or equivalent in a logical/analytical subject, and a European Computer Driving Licence are desirable qualifications. Knowledge of Read and SNOMED CT coding, presentation skills, and experience producing and maintaining procedures/documentation would also be advantageous.

Application Deadline

The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the recruitment process may be completed before this date if a suitable candidate is found.

Employer Website

For more information about South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, please visit their website at https://www.swft.nhs.uk/. The site contains detailed information about the trust’s services, values, and commitment to staff development.

How to Apply

Apply via NHS Jobs website. International applicants should prepare the following checklist before applying:

• Verify visa eligibility with the employer before submitting your application
• Prepare certified translations of all educational and professional documents
• Gather evidence of English language proficiency if not from an English-speaking country
• Prepare a comprehensive CV highlighting relevant clinical coding experience
• Contact the hiring manager with any specific questions about the sponsorship process

Job Summary

The Senior Accredited Clinical Coder will work within the Clinical Coding team to abstract, analyze, and translate complex clinical diagnosis and treatment information into nationally recognized codes. This information is entered into the appropriate Trust system to meet essential requirements for statutory information and financial reporting. The post holder will act as lead contact for designated clinical specialties, communicating with medical staff on complex coding queries.

Main Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for working on their own initiative to abstract and analyze complex clinical information from patient records, including test results, discharge summaries, and theatre notes. They will translate this information into coded formats in line with National Standards and Trust policies. The role involves providing coding cover during periods of absence and maintaining high levels of accuracy. Additionally, they will mentor junior coders, develop training plans, and participate in the audit process to ensure coding quality and consistency.

About the Employer

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust has been rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), placing them among the best healthcare providers in the UK. The trust’s staff survey results have placed them 4th in the country for recommended place to work. They are committed to providing safe, inclusive, effective, and compassionate care, and these values underpin all aspects of their work. The trust actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging all applicants to complete a short survey as part of their commitment to these principles.

Person Specification

Candidates must possess expert understanding of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and clinical coding rules. Strong IT skills, organizational abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure are essential. The role requires excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to explain complex coding issues to clinical staff at all levels. A high level of concentration and the ability to maintain accuracy during prolonged periods of computer work are also necessary.

Contact Information

For questions about the job, contact Elaine Denham, Clinical Coding Manager, at elaine.denham@swft.nhs.uk or by phone at 01926495321. International applicants are encouraged to contact the employer early in the application process to discuss sponsorship eligibility and any specific requirements.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to verify any previous criminal convictions. All successful candidates will be required to undergo this check before commencing employment.

Certificate of Sponsorship Information

The employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. More information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Equal Opportunities

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age. The trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities they serve.

Professional Development

The trust is committed to supporting the professional development of all staff. Senior Clinical Coders will have opportunities to participate in ongoing training in accordance with national standards and trust requirements. The trust encourages continuous learning and provides resources for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge, including opportunities to support others in achieving the ACC qualification.

Additional Information

The post may involve exposure to sensitive, confidential, or disturbing clinical detail. Candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the role. The trust promotes a smoke-free environment and has achieved various accreditations including Age Positive, Armed Forces Covenant, Disability Confident Leader, and Veteran Aware, reflecting their commitment to diversity and inclusion.