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How to Become a Clinical Safety Officer (CSO)
Introduction
As healthcare becomes increasingly digitised, the role of the Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) is critical in ensuring that digital systems are safe, effective, and compliant with national standards. CSOs help protect patients by identifying risks and ensuring appropriate clinical governance around digital tools such as EPMA, EPRs, and medical software.
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This page outlines how to become a CSO, what the role involves, and what background, training, and experience are needed to take on this essential position.
What Does a CSO Do?
The CSO is responsible for overseeing the clinical risk management of health IT systems, as defined in NHS Digital’s DCB0129 and DCB0160 standards.
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Key responsibilities include:
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Conducting hazard identification and risk assessments for digital systems
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Reviewing and approving clinical safety documentation (such as Hazard Logs and Safety Cases)
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Supporting project teams during the development, configuration, and deployment of systems
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Ensuring compliance with national standards and clinical governance frameworks
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Communicating safety risks and mitigations to stakeholders
CSO's are often involved in both the procurement and implementation stages of clinical systems.
Who Can Become a CSO?
The CSO must be a registered healthcare professional (e.g. pharmacist, nurse, doctor, AHP) with experience in clinical practice and ideally some familiarity with digital systems.
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The role is particularly well-suited to individuals who:
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Have experience with clinical informatics or digital health projects
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Are confident in governance, documentation, and communication
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Can assess clinical workflows and system impact
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Are detail-oriented and committed to patient safety
Required Training
To formally act as a CSO, you must complete the following:
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NHS Digital Clinical Safety Training
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This is a 2-day course that covers the DCB0129/0160 standards in depth
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It provides the foundation needed to perform CSO responsibilities
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Often delivered by NHS Digital or approved third-party providers
It’s recommended that the organisation you work with supports you in taking the course before assigning you CSO duties.
How to Get Started
Get involved in digital projects
Ask to support with clinical safety documentation or testing
Shadow an existing CSO
Learn how they approach hazard logging and risk assessments
Speak to your Digital or Governance Team
Express your interest in developing CSO skills
Upskill in digital health
Consider additional training in clinical informatics or governance
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Even if you’re not a CSO yet, being involved in safety conversations and documentation is a great way to build experience.
Progression and Opportunities
Once trained and active as a CSO, you can:
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Support a range of clinical systems across multiple departments
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Become a lead CSO or clinical safety lead for major programmes
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Contribute to national safety and governance strategies
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Expand into broader digital leadership roles (e.g. CNIO, CPIO, CCIO)
Summary
The Clinical Safety Officer plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety within digital health. By combining your clinical background with formal training in safety governance, you can help shape the safe delivery of NHS digital systems. Whether you're already in informatics or exploring a new path, becoming a CSO is a meaningful and impactful step forward.
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