Adult Home Enteral Feed (HEFT) Lead Dietitian, Band 7

NHS; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Gloucester is seeking an Adult Home Enteral Feed Lead Dietitian to manage and clinically lead the HEF Adult service. This role includes overseeing a team of specialist dietitians and providing high-quality dietetic care to patients with complex needs. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, HCPC registration, and experience in enteral feeding. Competitive salary between £47,810 to £54,710 annually offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in enteral feeding with learning disabilities.
• Advanced Clinical Supervisor skills.
• Ability to manage and lead a dietetic team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Home Enteral Feed Team.
• Provide specialist Dietetic advice and oversight.
• Ensure service delivery and outcomes are monitored.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Nutrition assessment

Management of complex cases

Evidence-based practice

Education

Degree/postgraduate diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

Registered with the Health Professions Council (HCPC)

Tools

MS Office

Clinical IT systems

Job description

Overview

Go back Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Adult Home Enteral Feed (HEFT) Lead Dietitian, Band 7

The closing date is 06 October 2025

Do you want to be part of an award-winning, innovative, friendly team?

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Home Enteral Feeding Team (HEFT) have an exciting new role in their well-established, experienced team. We are looking for a Dietitian with experience and expertise in enteral feeding with a special interest in enteral feeding in those with learning disabilities to join our friendly, dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and provide line management to a team of specialist dietitians and a Dietetic Assistance Practitioner
• Work alongside other team leads (dietetic & nursing) to help in the day-to-day management of the teams and service
• Develop scope of practice with practical tube competencies
• Use well developed communication skills to liaise with members of diverse MDTs
• Opportunity to undertake research and further post-graduate study at Master level if desired
• Manage and clinically lead a small team of specialist HEF Dietitians and Dietetic Support workers within the Adult HEF specialism
• Oversee the delivery of a specialist adult HEF nutrition and dietetic service for the community of Gloucestershire and provide domiciliary care
• Provide specialist Dietetic advice to patients within a third level disability college
• Report on service delivery and outcomes; lead on service development projects and research within the Adult HEF Dietetic team

The post holder will work within the Home Enteral Feed Team (HEFT) to manage and clinically lead the HEF Adult service, including supervision of Dietitians and Dietetic Support workers in the HEF service.

• Ensure a high level of dietetic care, evidence-based practice, and efficient service delivery
• Undertake regular reporting on service delivery and outcomes
• Lead on service development projects and research within the Adult HEF Dietetic team
• Authorise signatory for HEFT staff timesheets; participate in recruitment, inductions and appraisals

About us

Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England, serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Maternity Services are also provided at Stroud Maternity Hospital.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is over 9,000 strong and our caring staff are recognised for patient-centred care across clinical areas. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity, valuing differences and encouraging a workplace where all can thrive.

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at a trust on a Journey to Outstanding and to make a real difference. We are committed to training and developing you to be the best you can be and offer a rewarding career.

Job responsibilities

• Be the clinical lead for the HEFTs Adult service, providing line management to band 5 and 6 registered clinicians
• Oversee the clinical caseload for the HEF Adult service, ensuring safe caseload balance and managing patient complexity
• Develop the adult HEF service where increased clinical input is needed
• Support staff development and learning opportunities
• Support the Band 6 Specialist Adult Dietitian with line management of the Dietetic Support Worker
• Lead induction and training of HEF Adult staff against local and national frameworks
• Collaborate with other Team Leads to deliver strategies and clinical workload
• Keep up-to-date with local and national frameworks relevant to HEF
• Support training programmes for Dietetic students, junior and specialist staff
• Lead documentation for enteral nutrition support, including competency development and literature
• Contribute to clinical governance, audits, and research within the MDT
• Adopt new ways of working to improve outcomes; reflect on practice and drive quality improvement
• Work countywide; authorised signatory for staff timesheets; participate in recruitment, inductions and appraisals

Clinical

• Use specialist knowledge to assess and monitor nutrition and dietetic care plans for adult HEF patients with complex needs
• Prescribe appropriate feeds and use advanced communication and behaviour change techniques
• Overcome barriers to dietary change and empower patients and carers
• Manage complex cases, including domiciliary care and in-home feeds, with escalation to ENNS Team as needed
• Provide MDT support and clear communications about treatment plans
• Maintain accurate patient information for departmental and nationwide reporting
• Keep up with new clinical practices and embed them locally

Evidence Based Practice

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge in adult HEF dietetics and lead on implementation
• Develop clinical guidelines, policies, and information for nutrition and dietetic HEF services
• Lead and participate in audits and research within adult HEF and enteral feeding

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead adult HEF nutritional support training and provide clinical updates countywide
• Network for service improvements and support junior staff and trainees
• Recruit and integrate new staff, supervise and assess dietetic students

Professional and Managerial

• Be the professional lead for the Adult HEF specialism; deliver staff training
• Line manage and appraise Adult HEF staff; ensure care aligns with protocols and service levels
• Support process improvements, budgeting, and risk management within the specialism
• Maintain confidentiality and professional standards; adhere to trust policies
• Maintain a professional portfolio aligned with HCPC guidelines

Person Specification

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Degree/postgraduate diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Registered with the Health Professions Council (HCPC)
• Post-registration training in Nutrition Support and Dietetics (e.g., BDA-accredited)
• Advanced Clinical Supervisor skills
• Evidence of effective leadership
• IT literate with MS Office and clinical IT experience
• Experience supervising staff and extensive knowledge of enteral feeding
• Full driving licence
• Advanced communication skills with diverse barriers
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating projects and audits
• Experience delivering training materials
• Knowledge of blended diet, its application and risks
• Negotiation and influencing skills; self-motivated and detail-oriented
• Commitment to personal development
• Understanding of nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes and stoma care
• Excellent presentation skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and disclosure checks may be required.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per year (pro rata if part-time)