At a Glance
- Tasks: Extract and code medical diagnoses and procedures from health records.
- Company: Join the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, NHS discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a clear path for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in healthcare while gaining valuable coding qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, maths, and biology; essential IT skills required.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Trainee Clinical Coder
The closing date is 28 May 2026
Trainee Clinical Coder, Band 3 Fixed Term for 36 months
Would you like to be part of a successful team committed to providing in-depth and accurate clinical information? If so, North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is looking to recruit a Trainee Clinical Coder to join the Clinical Coding team based at West Cumberland Hospital, Homewood Road, Hensingham.
The principal responsibilities involve accurately extracting diagnoses and procedures from the health records, translating it into codes using the ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications and inputting them onto the Patient Administration System using encoding software. You will follow all National Clinical Coding Standards to produce data that can be tabulated, aggregated and sorted for statistical analysis. Currently this is done on site but as our Electronic Patient Records systems are developed, there may be the opportunity for home working.
Subject to obtaining qualification then graded to band 4.
Main duties of the job
Candidates will be expected to attend a National Clinical Coding Standards Training Course (which may be residential) and follow a 2-3 year programme of study to achieve the National Coding Qualification; Band 4 will be awarded upon obtaining the accreditation.
About us
At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout our county.
Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of ‘safe, high quality care every time’:
- Being a clinically led organisation
- Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
- A positive patient experience every time
- A great place to work
- Managing our money well
As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are very much focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.
Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.
Job responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
CERTIFICATE OF SPONSORSHIP:
Due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.
AHP – Return to Practice Job Advert information. This role may be suitable for individuals Returning to Practice. Please speak to the recruiting manager for more information.
Disclosure and Barring Service:
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.
The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows:
- Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £6.50 = £28.00 – deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one‑off payment.
- Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £6.50 = £56.00 – deducted from salary over a 4 month period or a one‑off payment.
NCIC can offer successful future employees the following benefits:
- 27‑day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
- NHS Discounts
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Vivup is a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work‑related problems
Subject to eligibility.
Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.
If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.
Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- GCSE English, maths and biology, including human anatomy and physiology or equivalent
- Essential IT skills (EITS) or equivalent.
- NHS Digital Coding Foundation Certificate
- IHRIM ACC Qualification
Experience
- Computer and Microsoft office experience
- Working with confidential information
- Work in an office environment
- Work within NHS.
- Medical records or Clinical coding.
Knowledge
- Equality issues.
- Continuing professional development with portfolio
- Medical terminology
Other Requirements
- Must be able to attend external courses
- Adhere to the Trust's Study Leave Policy
- Undertake a personal study programme in order to achieve qualification
Skills and Aptitudes
- Able to work effectively as part of a small team
- Able to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
- Able to use initiative appropriately
- Clerical or administrative skills – abstraction skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Employer name
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Trainee Clinical Coder in Whitehaven employer: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Trainee Clinical Coder, you will benefit from a structured training programme leading to a nationally recognised qualification, alongside generous holiday allowances and access to NHS discounts. Working at West Cumberland Hospital not only provides a fulfilling career in healthcare but also fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued.
Contact Detail:
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Clinical Coder in Whitehaven
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Clinical Coders on LinkedIn or at local NHS events. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even help you land an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your coding skills! Familiarise yourself with ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications. There are loads of resources online, so dive in and show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on medical terminology and coding standards. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Clinical Coder in Whitehaven
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Trainee Clinical Coder role. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially in medical terminology or coding, and don’t forget to mention your GCSEs in English, maths, and biology!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about clinical coding and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention your willingness to attend training courses and your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since you'll be using encoding software and working with confidential information, it's crucial to demonstrate your IT skills. Mention any experience you have with Microsoft Office or similar software, as this will show us you're ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Codes
Familiarise yourself with ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications before the interview. Being able to discuss these coding systems confidently will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Brush Up on Medical Terminology
Make sure you have a solid grasp of medical terminology, especially related to human anatomy and physiology. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also in your future training.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working as part of a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Highlighting your teamwork skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as handling confidential information or prioritising tasks. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
