About this role
Job summary
Sussex Primary Care are looking for an experienced Director to lead the company through an exciting period of change and development. With close ties to Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Sussex Primary Care is ideally situated to deliver integrated, community focused primary care to better serve our local populations.
Our new Director will strategically lead the organisation to modernize primary care, expanding delivery to more members of our local community, through working in partnership with community and acute care colleagues. They will engage with and support the Primary Care Networks to collaborate and coordinate service delivery to meet the needs of the local populations.
Main duties of the job
You will
Provide strategic leadership for Sussex Primary Care, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and financially sustainable primary care services across all practices.
Lead GP practice governance, quality, risk management and regulatory compliance, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness for CQC inspection
Be a key member of the SPC Board and senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy, growth and decision-making.
Lead operational performance, service transformation and innovation across multiple GP practices.
Develop strong partnerships with GP practices, Primary Care Networks, commissioners, the Integrated Care Board, local authorities and wider system partners.
Drive financial sustainability, business development and new opportunities for organisational growth.
Act as an ambassador for Sussex Primary Care across Sussex and the wider NHS system
What Were Looking For
We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in NHS primary care, operational management and transformational change. You will bring exceptional leadership, relationship-building and strategic thinking skills, together with a deep understanding of GP contracts, governance, quality and performance management. Experience of working across organisational boundaries and influencing at system level is essential.
About us
Sussex Primary Care (SPC) manages six GP surgeries across Sussex with a combined list size of 48,500 patients. The business is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) and was set up to support GP practices looking for a different way of working, forming a unique and innovative partnership between GP services and NHS community services.
Our practices are geographically spread out across East and West Sussex, offering a wide variety of experiences with serving different parts of the Sussex footprint in urban and rural areas..
Were an organisation committed to learning from our staff and patients, through which we can deliver excellence care in or communities.
You can find out more about SPC here www.sussexprimarycare.co.uk
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities - Leadership and Management
Provides visible, effective and accessible leadership across Sussex Primary Care and across all professional boundaries; leading and supporting the Sussex Primary Care operational management team, empowering them to perform at their best through regular supervision, appraisal and performance discussionsLine manages the senior management and operational team and individual GP Practice Managers.Develop a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across all sites.Support and coach local management teams to achieve operational and quality objectives.Lead recruitment, retention, appraisal and performance management processes for non-clinical staff.Promote staff wellbeing, engagement and professional development.Effectively balances the needs and priorities of the SPC with those of theTrust, acting within the overall interests of the Trust.Formulate long term strategic plans, involving uncertainty, and considering the impact on the organisationDevelops business plans and strategies for SPC, making a major contribution to corporate policies and strategy.Reviews and approves all business plans, reports, evaluations and other business, prior to submission to directors and executivesEnsures that the services annual business plan is completed and agreed within timescales and signs-off Primary Care and service budgetOperational Management
Develop long-term strategic plans, considering the wider impact on organisational performance, system priorities and future service delivery models Ensure the effective day-to-day operation of all SPC GP practices. Develop and implement standardised operational processes across the group. Monitor access, capacity and demand to ensure services meet patient needs. Oversee appointment systems, reception services, care navigation and administrative functions. Ensure practices meet contractual, organisational and performance requirements. Is accountable for identifying and implementing service improvements and development to enhance efficiency and patient experience. Lead operational responses to service pressures and business continuity requirements. Analyse and interpret highly complex facts or situations, comparing of a range of options.
Holds responsibility for policy development and implementation Financial Management
Responsibility for the budget for the SPC practices and central function Responsibility for overall budget setting for Primary Care and the delivery of services within the allocated financial envelope Lead the development of complex strategic business cases and investment proposals to support organisational growth and service transformation. Lead the identification and delivery of strategic growth opportunities, income generation initiatives and new business development opportunities across Sussex Primary Care. Evaluate and negotiate complex commercial and contractual opportunities which support the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation Set, manage and oversee practice budgets across all SPC GP Practice sites. Monitor financial performance and support practices to achieve agreed financial targets. Work closely with finance teams to monitor income, expenditure and financial risks. Identify opportunities for efficiency, income generation and service development. Grow income opportunities and potential for expansion as a strategic priority Support the preparation of business cases and investment proposals. Ensure effective management of procurement and contracts. Comprehensive understanding of the drivers of financial performance across Primary Care and can effectively articulate the relationship between financial performance, operational improvement and clinical quality and is able to triangulate disparate data sources to proactively identify current and potential performance failures Governance and Quality
Ensure all practices meet contractual, statutory and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and regulatory requirements. Lead governance, compliance and risk management activities across SPC. Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently. Oversee the management of complaints, incidents and significant events. Support implementation of learning from audits, complaints and investigations. Maintain robust systems for information governance and data protection. Maintain effective briefing and updates to the Chief Operating Officer and other members of the executive team with respect to developments and initiatives within Primary Care Support the Chief Operating Officer for pan-organisational projects and initiatives Workforce and Human Resources
Support workforce planning across SPC. Monitor staffing levels and skill mix to maintain safe and effective services. Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies. Ensure the equality and diversity agenda is delivered and monitored Lead employee relations processes, including attendance, capability and disciplinary procedures. Monitor mandatory training compliance.Patient Experience and Service Development Promote a patient-centred culture across all practices. Monitor patient feedback, NHS Friends and Family Test results and complaints data. Develop and implement plans to improve patient access and experience. Support patient participation groups and engagement initiatives. Lead projects that improve quality, access and productivity.Performance Management
Monitor practice performance against contractual and organisational targets. Produce and analyse SPC Board reports, performance reports and dashboards. Support practices to achieve maximum QOF, Enhanced Services, PCN income and other contractual requirements. Identify performance issues and implement corrective actions where required. Use data to drive improvement and support operational decision-making.Estates and Facilities
Oversee management of premises across all sites. Ensure compliance with health and safety, fire safety and estates requirements. Manage maintenance contracts and premises improvement projects. Support business continuity and emergency planning arrangements.Freedom to Act
Operates independently within agreed organisational policies and objectives. Accountable for a major Primary Care provider, and the delivery of services within sustainable resourcing Exercises professional judgement in resolving operational issues across multiple practices. Escalates significant risks, financial concerns or performance issues to the SCFT Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Responsible for operational decisions affecting the SPC GP practices and associated services.Patient/client care
Accountable to the Trust for the delivery of SPC services
Demonstrates outstanding patient commitment by putting the patient at the centre of decision making, and by regularly engaging with patients and service users through regular service visits Demonstrates a commitment to the quality of care provided by the Trust and quality of outcomes, by driving innovation, clinical excellence, and performance Proactively seeks out benchmarking and other external resources to improve clinical quality and instigates improvements as a result Effectively prioritises patient safety and experience through building outstanding relationships with clinical staff and teams Works with senior leadership team to ensure learning from complaints, incidents and serious incidents is embedded within SPC Promotes equality and diversity, and dignity and respect of patients and carers as central to all aspects of the services provided Exercises responsibility for ensuring the equality and diversity agenda is delivered and maintained, ensuring compliance with legislation and SPC policies Assesses implications of national initiatives affecting care delivery and ensure plans of action are implemented Ensures that that there is a strong culture of risk assessment and management, including adherence to relevant policies and procedures Ensures that staff comply with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines, taking remedial action where this is not the case Works with senior leadership team to ensure clinical engagement, taking responsibility for quality governance, safety and risk management
Responsibility for information resources
Uses software to develop performance management reports
Responsible for performance management and managing the operation of several services Implements appropriate performance monitoring and management processes to ensure that all aspects of operational performance and delivery are assessed and takes remedial action where agreed performance is not achieved Ensures the Primary Care and its constituent services achieve all internal and external performance targets and proactively overcomes obstacles to achieving goals and objectives Proactively identifies operational risks and opportunities and briefs the Chief Operating Officer as necessary
Partnership Working
Build strong relationships with the SPC Practice Managers, GP and Clinical Leads and multidisciplinary team Represent Sussex Primary Care at Place, Integrated Care System and regional forums, influencing the development of primary and community care services and ensuring organisational priorities are reflected within system plans. Lead strategic relationships with commissioners, Primary Care Networks, provider collaboratives, local authorities and partner organisations to identify opportunities for service development, integration and organisational growth.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
In-depth professional and specialist primary care operational management experience acquired through training and experience over a significant period Significant experience of monitoring, analysing and assessing clinical operational performance across complex services Experience of managing multiple teams and services. Experience of budget management and financial monitoring. Experience of performance management and service improvement. Experience of staff management, recruitment and employee relations. Experience of drafting complex strategic business plans Experience of working within a highly dynamic and complex primary care environment Experience of working in partnership with other agencies, service users, carers, the public, regulators, local scrutiny bodies etc. Experience of leading successful complex change management projects and programmes, involving and supporting teams and individuals to achieve objectives Experience of managing risk within a complex operating environment including risk assessment, risk mitigation and risk management Experience of strategic assessment, choice and implementation including innovative thinking and the ability to explore imaginative ways of optimising use of resources. Experience of co-producing service improvement ideas with stakeholders including service users and staff Experience of interacting with system leaders, and senior teams within Integrated Health and Care systems, other NHS providers and other provider partners Experience of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Desirable
Experience managing multiple GP practices Experience supporting CQC inspections. Experience working within a Primary Care Network Experience of estates and facilities management Experience of negotiating contracts
Qualifications Essential
Degree level qualification or equivalent management experience. Management qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience. Evidence of continuous professional development Formal Leadership Development Project Management qualification Primary Care Management qualification
Skill, Knowledge and Attributes Essential
Detailed understanding of NHS primary care services Strong leadership and people management skills Thrives in challenging environments Excellent communication and stakeholder management skill Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites Knowledge of NHS Human Resource Policies and Procedures Advanced knowledge of clinical and operational governance and its application to the services Knowledge of multidisciplinary team working and an understanding of differing professional roles boundaries Detailed knowledge of GP contracts, QOF and enhanced services Understanding of CQC regulations and quality standards. Knowledge of NHS contractual arrangements and planning approaches Ability to monitor and maintain standards of care across a range of clinical services Ability to identify, assess and manage complex clinical and operational risks Able to translate complex information and make it meaningful to staff at all levels and across all professions both verbally and in writing Able to assimilate organisational and local strategy and communicate this in a compelling way Ability to deal with competing demands, priorities and deadlines whilst managing operational imperatives and frequent interruptions Ability to engage stakeholders through discussion, presentation and direct liaison The ability to rapidly assimilate and synthesise complex dynamic information, and formulate a response which takes into account organisational strategy and corporate priorities Able to provide visible, credible leadership, and inspire staff from a range of backgrounds to perform well. The ability to inspire a shared purpose which aligns with NHS principles and organisational values and the personal integrity and courage to challenge where these principles are under pressure An ability to work strategically, building excellent relationships with other partners and stakeholders and understanding their contribution to the system Outstanding verbal and written skills, able to summarise complex information and present to a range of audiences including the Trust Board, external stakeholders, staff and service users. A high level of emotional intelligence and style which supports the development of a safe and supportive environment which enables individuals to work effectively Word-processing and keyboard skills and ability to use Microsoft Office packages including Word, PowerPoint and Excel A natural curiosity backed by excellent critical analytical skills Assertive and confident to challenge poor conduct and behaviours Strong patient focus Excellent time management, prioritisation and organisational skills and ability to manage and deliver to agreed deadlines Knowledge of PCN and Integrated Care System structures
Desirable
Change management and project delivery experience. Experience using SystmOne or equivalent systems.
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 Sussex Primary Care
Address Sussex Community Nhs Foundation Trust
Brighton General Hospital
Elm Grove
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 3EW
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.sussexprimarycare.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)