Clinical Coding Qualified Auditor in Bolton

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Clinical Coding Qualified Auditor to join our Clinical Coding team. This is a senior specialist role supporting the delivery of the Trust's annual clinical coding audit programme, including evidence for the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) Data Security Standard 1, working directly with the Clinical Coding Audit & Data Quality Lead.

The successful candidate will undertake re-coding of complex cases across multiple specialties, identify error patterns and documentation issues, and translate audit findings into actionable improvement insights to support coding accuracy, data quality, and safe patient care. We welcome applications from candidates who hold Approved Clinical Coding Auditor status, or from Accredited Clinical Coders (ACC) with at least three years' post-accreditation experience who are committed to achieving auditor accreditation within an 18-month development period from appointment. Structured support and mentoring will be provided. The post operates on a hybrid pattern between Bolton Hospital and home.

Main duties of the job:

• Undertake re-coding of selected inpatient and day-case episodes, including complex cases, against ICD-10 and OPCS-4 national standards.
• Apply agreed audit sampling instructions and methodologies, contributing to the delivery of the annual audit plan.
• Identify recurring error types, emerging patterns, and documentation issues, providing evidence-based insights from audit findings.
• Liaise with clinicians to clarify ambiguous documentation and support documentation improvement work.
• Produce coding quality reports and contribute to evidence for DSPT and external audit activity.
• Provide technical guidance, peer support, and mentoring to the wider coding team.
• Support training and induction in coding standards and audit methodology.
• Maintain accurate, auditable records of coding and audit activity in line with Trust and national requirements.

The role requires advanced knowledge of ICD-10, OPCS-4, clinical terminology, and clinical documentation, together with sound professional judgement, the ability to work independently within an agreed audit framework, and a constructive approach to coder development and clinician engagement.

Person Specification:

• Qualifications Essential: Approved Clinical Coding Auditor status, or ACC with a commitment to achieve Approved Clinical Coding Auditor status within 18 months of appointment; Evidence of a current Clinical Coding Standards course or refresher within the last three years; 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), including English Language and Maths.
• Experience Essential: Significant experience as an Accredited Clinical Coder across a broad range of specialties.
• Desirable: Proven experience in clinical coding audit, including re-coding of complex cases; Experience of analysing audit findings and presenting recommendations.
• Skills and Knowledge Essential: Advanced knowledge of ICD-10 and OPCS-4 coding standards; Ability to code independently across all Trust specialties; Strong understanding of clinical coding and auditing processes.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.