ISO 81001 emphasises that clinical safety is a team sport, and that getting the right people involved with the right mix of knowledge, experience and competency is essential to create a robust CSC. To ensure that we get this mix right, our multidisciplinary CSC project teams consist of members with a variety of experience and expertise across healthcare and IT.

Our CSC project teams are made up of a lead Clinical Safety Officer (CSO), lead Clinical Safety Engineer (CSE), other CSOs and CSEs, and our Project Manager. The team's experienced CSOs are suitably qualified and experienced clinicians who hold a current registration with an appropriate professional body relevant to their training and experience. They are trained in a variety of clinical specialities and offer expert consulting in the fields of clinical data, information, research, innovation, as well as digital healthcare solutions. They are supported and complimented by the in-depth knowledge of our CSEs, who have professional backgrounds in healthcare IT, software or project services. As CSCs are run as PRINCE2 projects, the team also includes a Project Manager trained in PRINCE2. Much like the CSOs and CSEs, they have experience working on a variety of projects within NHS Scotland. All elements of the team's activities are designed with the end goal of improving patient safety and healthcare delivered through digital means.

All members of the NCSAS team are trained in Clinical Risk Management and are qualified Clinical Safety Engineers and Clinical Safety Officers. They are also trained in relevant ISO standards and are continually encouraged to expand their knowledge and skills. Furthermore, all team members have experience of working in NHS Scotland, along with knowledge of its landscape and healthcare IT systems. This gives us an overarching view of interlinked IT systems and enables a “joined-up” approach to clinical safety.

The CSC project teams work alongside a digital solution’s project or programme team and engage with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure that the CSC is comprehensive and robust. The CSC project teams are supported by the wider NCSAS and NCISS team, who provide quality assurance and SME input based on their background and experience. All CSC products are reviewed by several members of the NCSAS team and are signed off by the NCSAS Head of Service and the Chief Clinical Informatics Officer (CCIO).