About this role
Job summary
Do you have the passion, drive and expertise to lead transformational change that will improve outcomes for children and young people?
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Transformation Lead to play a key role in the mobilisation and delivery of Experts at Hand - an innovative new service launching in September 2026 across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Experts at Hand is transforming the way children and young people access support by bringing health and education professionals directly into mainstream education settings. The programme focuses on identifying needs earlier, providing support based on need rather than diagnosis, and enabling children to thrive in their everyday learning environments.
As Transformation Lead, you will work across health, education and local authority services to lead the operational implementation of this ambitious programme. You will coordinate transformation activities, develop new ways of working, build strong partnerships and support the delivery of innovative therapy and SEND models that make a lasting difference for children, families and professionals.
If you are an experienced programme or transformation professional with excellent stakeholder management skills, a passion for service improvement and the ability to deliver change across complex organisations, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
As the Transformation Lead, you will lead the operational delivery of the Experts at Hand programme, supporting the implementation of new pathways, workforce models and innovative ways of working across Children's Services.
Working with operational managers, clinical and professional leads, education providers, local authorities and system partners, you will drive service improvement using quality improvement methodology to deliver sustainable change and better outcomes for children and young people. You will develop implementation plans, support workforce development, contribute to business cases and reports, analyse service performance, manage programme risks and help shape future models of care.
We are looking for someone with experience of leading complex transformation or service improvement programmes within healthcare, education or the public sector. You will have excellent programme and project management skills, strong partnership working and stakeholder engagement experience, and the ability to influence and communicate effectively across organisations. You'll also bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience of using data and quality improvement to drive change, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job description Job responsibilities
This vacancy is only open at this stage to internal employees of the following organisations within the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System:
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, inclusive of Black Country Procurement Group and North Midlands and Cheshire Pathology Service. Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board
The Transformation Lead will provide operational leadership for the implementation of the Experts at Hand programme and wider Children and Families transformation initiatives.
Key responsibilities include leading programme mobilisation and implementation; coordinating transformation plans; developing innovative therapy and SEND support models; monitoring programme performance and benefits realisation; supporting workforce development; producing business cases, reports and evaluations; and ensuring robust governance, quality assurance and risk management processes are in place.
The post holder will work collaboratively with operational managers, clinicians, professional leads, education settings, local authorities, commissioners and wider system partners to deliver integrated models of care. They will support the development of policies, standard operating procedures and new service pathways, ensuring services remain safe, effective, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of children, young people and families.
The role requires an experienced change leader who can influence across organisational boundaries, manage complex stakeholder relationships, analyse performance information and deliver sustainable improvements that support the successful implementation of the Experts at Hand model.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Education Essential
Educated to degree level or equiv' level in relevant area Post Graduate qualification/willingness to undertake further study to Masters/equiv Evidence of senior management level continuing professional development
Desirable
Professional registration in a relevant health, education or social care profession. Experience working within therapy, SEND or education services.
Experience Essential
Extensive knowledge and understanding of NHS processes and policies. Significant experience of working in a management role in acute/community Strategic service planning/redesign/leading change management (clinical) Managing/leading/delivering/implementing complex projects/transformation Close working with clinicians and managers of varying seniority Engaging and influencing variety of stakeholders, service planning, commissioners Experience of analysing problems, identifying solutions, budgets Experience of translating strategy, policy or service specification
Desirable
Experience of managing service level agreement Experience of producing reports to Board
Skills and personal attributes Essential
In depth knowledge of the current NHS agenda and challenges Multi-agency working and establishing partnerships with other professions Knowledge of SEND, inclusion, education, therapy services/challenges associated with service transformation. Highly developed communication, facilitation and influencing skills with the ability to achieve change through collaboration and partnership working. Communicate complex information to individuals/groups Excellent time management skills, ability to work on own initiative, prioritise A commitment to best outcomes for patients, solution focused and pragmatic.
Desirable
The ability to enable influence and manage service level agreements
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 details Employer name Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Bridge
St Georges Parkway
Stafford
ST16 3NE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mpft.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)