About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader to join University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust as ourUEC Programme Directoron a 12 month FTC.
Working alongside Executive colleagues and system partners, you will lead delivery of our Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Programme, driving improvements in patient flow, emergency care performance, discharge, admission avoidance and the elimination of corridor care.
This is a unique opportunity to shape strategic change at scale, influencing services across the Trust and wider health and care system to improve outcomes and experiences for patients.
We are looking for a credible, collaborative and delivery-focused leader with a proven track record of leading complex transformation programmes and achieving sustainable results.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
The UEC Programme Director will provide strategic leadership for the Trust's Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Programme, ensuring delivery of recovery objectives through effective programme management, organisational influence and system-wide collaboration.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the postholder will lead the Trust-wide UEC Recovery Programme, overseeing seven interconnected workstreams covering front-door standards, patient flow, ward processes, discharge, intermediate care, admission avoidance, Emergency Department performance and demand reduction.
Working closely with Executive Directors, Divisional Leadership Teams and system partners, the postholder will provide visible leadership across organisational boundaries, bringing together operational, clinical and transformation teams to deliver measurable improvements in patient safety, patient experience, access standards, flow, productivity and financial sustainability.
The role will drive delivery of priority improvement programmes, including the elimination of corridor care, reduction in long waits, improved ambulance handovers, enhanced discharge productivity and reduced avoidable admissions. The postholder will operate in a complex and politically sensitive environment, balancing immediate operational pressures with longer-term transformation objectives to support sustained UEC recovery and improved outcomes for patients.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care.
The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY.
If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you into contact with the recruitment team.
We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case.
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date.
If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description Job responsibilities 1. Strategic Programme Leadership a) Provide executive leadership for the Trust's Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Programme, ensuring delivery of agreed strategic, operational, quality, workforce and financial objectives across all recovery workstreams. b) Act as the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) for designated elements of the UEC Recovery Programme, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes, benefits and performance trajectories. c) Develop, maintain and oversee a single integrated recovery programme, ensuring clear alignment between operational priorities, service transformation, organisational objectives and system-wide programmes. d) Identify, assess and resolve strategic barriers to delivery, influencing decision-making at Executive, Board and system level to ensure programme success. 2. Programme Delivery and Recovery Improvement a) Lead the delivery of the Trust's programme to eliminate corridor care and improve urgent and emergency care flow, ensuring sustainable improvement in patient safety, patient experience and operational performance. b) Ensure delivery of agreed recovery trajectories relating to Emergency Department performance, ambulance handovers, admission avoidance, patient flow, discharge performance and length of stay. c) Hold Executive Leads, Divisional Directors, Clinical Leaders and Workstream Leads accountable for the delivery of agreed milestones, outcomes and benefits. d) Challenge, influence and support senior leaders to remove barriers to delivery and accelerate recovery where performance falls below agreed trajectories.
For further information please see attached job description
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience Essential
Significant demonstrable senior leadership experience within a complex healthcare organisation, operating at Director, Deputy Director or equivalent level. Extensive demonstrable experience of leading large-scale transformation, recovery or improvement programmes across organisational boundaries. Demonstrable track record of delivering sustained improvements in Urgent and Emergency Care performance, patient flow, discharge, admission avoidance or operational recovery. Demonstrable experience of leading complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities and significant organisational risk. Demonstrable experience of developing and implementing strategic plans and translating these into deliverable operational programmes. Significant demonstrable experience of programme governance, assurance, risk management and benefits realisation.
Desirable
Demonstrable experience of leading system-wide recovery programmes across an Integrated Care System. Demonstrable experience of working with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards or regional improvement programmes. Demonstrable experience of leading major UEC, flow, discharge or productivity programmes at scale Demonstrable experience of working within a teaching or tertiary hospital environment.
Qualifications Essential
Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent demonstrable experience. Evidence of continuing professional development at a senior leadership level. Formal qualification in programme management, leadership, improvement science or organisational development, or equivalent experience.
Desirable
MBA or postgraduate management qualification. Accredited improvement methodology qualification (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, Quality Improvement, Transformation Leadership). Registered healthcare professional qualification.
Aptitude & Abilities Essential
Exceptional strategic leadership and programme delivery skills. Proven ability to influence, negotiate and build credibility with Executive Directors, clinicians and system partners Proven ability to lead organisational change and transformation in complex and politically sensitive environments. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proven ability to interpret and communicate highly complex information. Proven ability to balance strategic objectives with operational delivery requirements. Proven ability to hold senior leaders and stakeholders to account for delivery. Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills, including preparation of Board-level papers. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within demanding timescales. Proven ability to develop productive relationships across organisational and professional boundaries. Strong financial awareness with the ability to link programme delivery to productivity and financial improvement.
Desirable
Demonstrable experience of facilitation and coaching senior teams. Demonstrable experience of leading cultural and organisational development programme
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation Essential
Visible, authentic and values-driven leader Demonstrates resilience, tenacity and determination in delivering improvement Strong commitment to improving patient outcomes, demonstrable experience and safety Politically astute with proven ability to navigate complex organisational environments. Collaborative and inclusive leadership style. High levels of personal credibility, integrity and professionalism. Self-aware, emotionally intelligent and able to lead with compassion. Results-focused with a strong commitment to delivery and accountability. Adaptable and comfortable operating in environments of ambiguity and change. Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable
Passion for innovation and continuous improvement. Demonstrable experience of mentoring and developing senior leaders.
Other Factors Essential
Proven ability to work flexibly to meet the demands of the role Proven ability to travel across organisational and system sites as required Willingness to represent the Trust at regional and national meetings Commitment to the Trust's values and behaviours Proven ability to participate in senior management and escalation arrangements as required.
Desirable
Established professional network within urgent and emergency care, operational performance or transformation communities Demonstrable experience of contributing to regional or national NHS improvement programmes.
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).
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Address Derriford Hospital
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)