Deputy Head of Therapies

NHS; Luton; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Deputy Head of Therapies to lead and manage multi-disciplinary therapy services at a prominent hospital. This role involves operational and strategic responsibilities, focusing on quality improvement and service development across various therapy specialties. The successful candidate will champion therapy services, ensuring effective care delivery while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence service integration and enhance patient care within a supportive and high-performing environment. Join a team dedicated to excellence in healthcare and make a significant impact on the community's health and wellbeing.

Benefits

High-quality training and development

Supportive working environment

Commitment to equality and diversity

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior NHS roles with a focus on therapy services.
• Strong understanding of NHS operations and quality improvement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Manage therapy services across multiple disciplines and sites.
• Support strategic planning and operational management of therapy services.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Operational Management

Financial Acumen

Quality Improvement

Project Management

Education

HCPC Registration

Post-graduate Qualification

Leadership/Management Qualification

Job description

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Head of Therapies role at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital. We are seeking to recruit someone that will be accountable for the delivery of multi-disciplinary therapy services across multiple service lines and in collaboration with the cross- site, Head of Therapies. The services for this site include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetics, Orthotics and Prosthetics, which span across inpatient, outpatients, community, and a specialist, regional limb-fitting centre. The successful candidate will be experienced in managing both strategic and operational services, responding to competing and conflicting priorities and have an absolute focus on delivering outcomes. In addition, you will have a proven track record of service and quality improvement, performance management and financial acumen.

As well as being of post-graduate calibre (or equivalent), you will have an in-depth understanding of the NHS with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. The post holder will be expected to forge a strong relationship with the Deputy Head of Therapies on the Bedford Hospital site to support further integration and the Trust's current Strategy.

Main duties of the job

o To support the Head of Therapies as required. This could be in their absence or as a delegated functiono To operationally manage Therapy services for the Luton & Dunstable Hospital siteo To represent Therapy services at internal or external meetings as required and with a clear understanding of the strategic plan and direction of travelo Develop and lead the Services response to future changes within Bedfordshire and the wider BLMK (Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes) Integrated Care Board footprint and inspire staff to manage any changes that may be required. This may involve integration of services and patient pathwayso To support the Senior Manager on call rota (SMOC)

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Details Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£62,215 to £72,293 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

418-DTO6040-KA

Job locations

Luton

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Job description Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARYThis is a role which has both operational and strategic responsibility. It is a deputy role to the cross-site, Head of Therapies. There is a requirement to look at service development, opportunities and Quality Improvement (QI) to help improve the profile of Therapy services as well as deliver safe and effective care to our patients. The post holder will champion Therapy services across the organisation (which include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy and Prosthetics & Orthotics). The role will support the Head of Therapies in achieving their strategic, financial and operational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESOperational Management

To support the Head of Therapies as required. This could be in their absence or as a delegated function To operationally manage Therapy services for the Luton & Dunstable Hospital site To represent Therapy services at internal or external meetings as required and with a clear understanding of the strategic plan and direction of travel Develop and lead the Services response to future changes within Bedfordshire and the wider BLMK (Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes) Integrated Care Board footprint and inspire staff to manage any changes that may be required. This may involve integration of services and patient pathways To support the Senior Manager on call rota (SMOC)

Service DevelopmentThis role will provide support to the Head of Therapies and Clinical Service Line in transacting its business. For this post this includes: Physiotherapy (adult and paediatric, acute and community services) Occupational Therapy (inpatient and outpatient services) Speech and Language Therapy Nutrition and Dietetics (adult and paediatric, acute and community services) Prosthetics & Orthotics To provide a clear sense of direction and leadership by being visible and accessible to staff, patients and the public Develop service specifications, with both internal and external stakeholders and in collaboration with contracting and finance teams and local commissioners. This will include the mapping of both clinical and process pathways and to understand current service delivery Develop strategies to ensure staff integrate with other service areas to support and encourage co-production of service delivery Support contract monitoring with the development of Key Performance Indicators for services To work collaboratively with the Head of Therapies, and the therapies clinical managers to develop a vision for staff that encourages a positive, high performing, productive and supportive culture Ensure all staff have a good understanding of the objectives, priorities and plans for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and how their role contributes to these. Work with the Head of Therapies, local commissioners and stakeholders to inform commissioning intentions and develop services in line with Integrated Care Board (ICB) priorities Support with the writing of position statements, statements of need and business cases to support with service development Support on the delivery of CQUINs and other Quality Improvements (QI) for the Services as required Ensure all the Services meet their contractual obligations Effectively manage and use IM & T systems to monitor the performance of the services, ensuring that accurate information is provided to the Trust and commissioners of contracted services within the agreed performance management framework. Taking action to continuously update and improve these services as required Work in conjunction with the therapies clinical managers to identify and implement further development of the services and any possible efficiency (CIP) schemes

Clinical To be a registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and provide [profession specific] clinical advice and mentoring to staff as appropriate and as required To map clinical pathways and be aware of best practice guidance to inform pathway development To understand, refer to and reference best practice evidence when developing clinical services to ensure service quality To attend and / or chair finance and governance meetings and to represent Therapy services as required To monitor and report the clinical effectiveness of teams and ensure clinical quality is of the required standard Provide assurance to the Head of Therapies that all services are operating to and meet the relevant clinical standards.Organisational, Managerial, Financial To be accountable for upholding financial Standing Orders with your devolved budgets Support, negotiate, plan, and monitor financial performance, and manage change as required. Ensure that any financial, clinical or operational risks are highlighted, reported, mitigated and escalated as appropriate Take an active role by working with the Trusts IT department in the implementation of the information systems strategy and inter-agency information sharing protocols and procedures Demonstrate a high level of IT literacy skills Ensure the Services are delivered in line with activity plans and financial targets Support the Head of Therapies in identifying business opportunities Effectively manage the receipt and communication of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information Work collaboratively with the Clinical Service Lines to support the Trusts objectives and strategic direction Provide staff with a clear direction of travel and to further develop services development which support the Trust objectives. This will involve strategic planning, project management and the application of Change Management principles Develop a clear understanding of health improvement and healthcare needs of Place Based Care models and population health needs. To take an innovative role in delivery of these needs Influence and develop inter-agency partnership working, to ensure the needs of the population are being addressed Work collaboratively with the Therapy Service Leads to ensure a high level of service user satisfaction Implement systems for promoting the involvement of service users and carers in the development of services Identify personal and professional development opportunities evidenced by through a Personal Development Plan (PDP) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio To ensure that all policies, protocols and procedures and guidelines for the services are regularly reviewed and remain up to date To assure the Head of Therapies that audit is undertaken across the Services on a regular basis, that gaps are identified and acted upon. To ensure that the team are aware of audit requirements relating to their areas

Human Resources Manage sickness, leave, supervision and appraisal for teams that are assigned to your management and in accordance to Trust policy Ensure that all relevant HR policies are followed by your teams Lead as appropriate in the event of investigation into alleged breaches of legal, professional or disciplinary conduct and ensure appropriate action is taken Ensure all Therapy Service Leads effectively manage their staff in line with the Trust Human Resources policies and procedures. This will include the management of clinical risk Ensure the buildings and equipment used by the services are maintained to a high standard in accordance with Health and Safety requirements and in collaboration with Estates and Facilities as well as Health & safety

Education and Training Provide supervision and appraisal to staff as required to support service delivery Support the update of Training Needs Analysis in order to ensure service skills and competencies are maintained and developed Where appropriate, deliver training to staff through workshops, training events and conferences.Foster a culture of lifelong learning, to include provision for post-registration education, continuing professional education/development and vocational training of staff within the Services to ensure they develop their full clinical and leadership potential.

VariationThis job description will be subject to review from time to time. Any amendments will be made in consultation with the post holder and in-line with the Trusts Change Management Policy.

Job description Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARYThis is a role which has both operational and strategic responsibility. It is a deputy role to the cross-site, Head of Therapies. There is a requirement to look at service development, opportunities and Quality Improvement (QI) to help improve the profile of Therapy services as well as deliver safe and effective care to our patients. The post holder will champion Therapy services across the organisation (which include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy and Prosthetics & Orthotics). The role will support the Head of Therapies in achieving their strategic, financial and operational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESOperational Management

To support the Head of Therapies as required. This could be in their absence or as a delegated function To operationally manage Therapy services for the Luton & Dunstable Hospital site To represent Therapy services at internal or external meetings as required and with a clear understanding of the strategic plan and direction of travel Develop and lead the Services response to future changes within Bedfordshire and the wider BLMK (Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes) Integrated Care Board footprint and inspire staff to manage any changes that may be required. This may involve integration of services and patient pathways To support the Senior Manager on call rota (SMOC)

Service DevelopmentThis role will provide support to the Head of Therapies and Clinical Service Line in transacting its business. For this post this includes: Physiotherapy (adult and paediatric, acute and community services) Occupational Therapy (inpatient and outpatient services) Speech and Language Therapy Nutrition and Dietetics (adult and paediatric, acute and community services) Prosthetics & Orthotics To provide a clear sense of direction and leadership by being visible and accessible to staff, patients and the public Develop service specifications, with both internal and external stakeholders and in collaboration with contracting and finance teams and local commissioners. This will include the mapping of both clinical and process pathways and to understand current service delivery Develop strategies to ensure staff integrate with other service areas to support and encourage co-production of service delivery Support contract monitoring with the development of Key Performance Indicators for services To work collaboratively with the Head of Therapies, and the therapies clinical managers to develop a vision for staff that encourages a positive, high performing, productive and supportive culture Ensure all staff have a good understanding of the objectives, priorities and plans for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and how their role contributes to these. Work with the Head of Therapies, local commissioners and stakeholders to inform commissioning intentions and develop services in line with Integrated Care Board (ICB) priorities Support with the writing of position statements, statements of need and business cases to support with service development Support on the delivery of CQUINs and other Quality Improvements (QI) for the Services as required Ensure all the Services meet their contractual obligations Effectively manage and use IM & T systems to monitor the performance of the services, ensuring that accurate information is provided to the Trust and commissioners of contracted services within the agreed performance management framework. Taking action to continuously update and improve these services as required Work in conjunction with the therapies clinical managers to identify and implement further development of the services and any possible efficiency (CIP) schemes

Clinical To be a registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and provide [profession specific] clinical advice and mentoring to staff as appropriate and as required To map clinical pathways and be aware of best practice guidance to inform pathway development To understand, refer to and reference best practice evidence when developing clinical services to ensure service quality To attend and / or chair finance and governance meetings and to represent Therapy services as required To monitor and report the clinical effectiveness of teams and ensure clinical quality is of the required standard Provide assurance to the Head of Therapies that all services are operating to and meet the relevant clinical standards.Organisational, Managerial, Financial To be accountable for upholding financial Standing Orders with your devolved budgets Support, negotiate, plan, and monitor financial performance, and manage change as required. Ensure that any financial, clinical or operational risks are highlighted, reported, mitigated and escalated as appropriate Take an active role by working with the Trusts IT department in the implementation of the information systems strategy and inter-agency information sharing protocols and procedures Demonstrate a high level of IT literacy skills Ensure the Services are delivered in line with activity plans and financial targets Support the Head of Therapies in identifying business opportunities Effectively manage the receipt and communication of highly complex, sensitive or contentious information Work collaboratively with the Clinical Service Lines to support the Trusts objectives and strategic direction Provide staff with a clear direction of travel and to further develop services development which support the Trust objectives. This will involve strategic planning, project management and the application of Change Management principles Develop a clear understanding of health improvement and healthcare needs of Place Based Care models and population health needs. To take an innovative role in delivery of these needs Influence and develop inter-agency partnership working, to ensure the needs of the population are being addressed Work collaboratively with the Therapy Service Leads to ensure a high level of service user satisfaction Implement systems for promoting the involvement of service users and carers in the development of services Identify personal and professional development opportunities evidenced by through a Personal Development Plan (PDP) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio To ensure that all policies, protocols and procedures and guidelines for the services are regularly reviewed and remain up to date To assure the Head of Therapies that audit is undertaken across the Services on a regular basis, that gaps are identified and acted upon. To ensure that the team are aware of audit requirements relating to their areas

Human Resources Manage sickness, leave, supervision and appraisal for teams that are assigned to your management and in accordance to Trust policy Ensure that all relevant HR policies are followed by your teams Lead as appropriate in the event of investigation into alleged breaches of legal, professional or disciplinary conduct and ensure appropriate action is taken Ensure all Therapy Service Leads effectively manage their staff in line with the Trust Human Resources policies and procedures. This will include the management of clinical risk Ensure the buildings and equipment used by the services are maintained to a high standard in accordance with Health and Safety requirements and in collaboration with Estates and Facilities as well as Health & safety

Education and Training Provide supervision and appraisal to staff as required to support service delivery Support the update of Training Needs Analysis in order to ensure service skills and competencies are maintained and developed Where appropriate, deliver training to staff through workshops, training events and conferences.Foster a culture of lifelong learning, to include provision for post-registration education, continuing professional education/development and vocational training of staff within the Services to ensure they develop their full clinical and leadership potential.

VariationThis job description will be subject to review from time to time. Any amendments will be made in consultation with the post holder and in-line with the Trusts Change Management Policy.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Registration with the HCPC
• Extensive experience working at a senior level within the NHS or similar [social or private] sector
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Qualification in Leadership or Management through a relevant body (NHS Leadership Academy, Chartered management Institute

Desirable

• Master's level qualification or equivalent experience)

Experience & Knowledge Essential

• Experience working with a range of Therapies specialties (E.g. Physiotherapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy)
• Experience of leading projects from conception through project planning, process mapping, delivery, analysing and monitoring
• Experience of working across organisational boundaries in a collaborative and influencing way

Desirable

• Experience of leading change across more than one profession

Personal Skills Essential

• Highly effective leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to manage conflict and challenge across a range of diverse situations
• Clear understanding of the organisations priorities and objectives and able to represent senior manager at internal and external meetings

Desirable

• Experience of budget management

Values Essential

• Listens, respects and learns from the contribution of others
• Makes decisions based on evidence to make service improvements and seeks out innovation
• Has a high level of self-awareness and integrity, with obvious emotional intelligence
• Values diversity

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Registration with the HCPC
• Extensive experience working at a senior level within the NHS or similar [social or private] sector
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
• Qualification in Leadership or Management through a relevant body (NHS Leadership Academy, Chartered management Institute

Desirable

• Master's level qualification or equivalent experience)

Experience & Knowledge Essential

• Experience working with a range of Therapies specialties (E.g. Physiotherapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy)
• Experience of leading projects from conception through project planning, process mapping, delivery, analysing and monitoring
• Experience of working across organisational boundaries in a collaborative and influencing way

Desirable

• Experience of leading change across more than one profession

Personal Skills Essential

• Highly effective leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to manage conflict and challenge across a range of diverse situations
• Clear understanding of the organisations priorities and objectives and able to represent senior manager at internal and external meetings

Desirable

• Experience of budget management

Values Essential

• Listens, respects and learns from the contribution of others
• Makes decisions based on evidence to make service improvements and seeks out innovation
• Has a high level of self-awareness and integrity, with obvious emotional intelligence
• Values diversity

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Luton

Lewsey Road

Luton

LU4 0DZ

Employer's website

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/working-here/ (Opens in a new tab)