About this role
Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Director of Mental Health Inpatients and Urgent Care to join our senior leadership team on a 12-month secondment basis.
This is a high-profile, system leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of inpatient and urgent mental health services across a large and complex footprint. Working as part of a triumvirate with medical, clinical and quality leaders, you will provide visible, values-led leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality services.
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic leader with a proven track record in managing complex services, driving performance and delivering improvement at scale. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape integrated neighbourhood models of care, strengthen system partnerships and lead transformation across urgent and inpatient pathways.
The successful candidate will bring strategic insight, strong leadership, and a commitment to collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement as we continue to modernise services and meet the evolving needs of our population. If you are motivated by making a lasting difference in mental health care and thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment, we would love to hear from you.
EPUT offers a fantastic relocation package of up to £8,000. Covering a number of expenditures for new recruits relocating from 30 miles or more from their new work base at EPUT.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership across Mental Health Inpatient and Urgent Care services.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality services, ensuring performance against national and local targets Providing strong operational oversight, ensuring robust governance, performance monitoring and continuous improvement Developing and implementing innovative service models that improve flow, reduce length of stay and enhance patient outcomes Leading integrated working across health and social care, working closely with Local Authority partners and system organisations Managing financial and workforce resources effectively, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets Building and maintaining strong partnerships across the system, including with ICS and provider collaborative partners Driving a culture of accountability, inclusion, continuous learning and high performance aligned to Trust values Participating in the senior on-call rota This role requires a highly visible leader who can operate confidently at scale, influence across organisational boundaries and lead complex transformation programmes.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential. Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks. If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling. Benefits
27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service. Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay. Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits. £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus. Work that wraps around your needs
Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job description Job responsibilities
This is a senior leadership post responsible for the overall strategic and operational management of Mental Health Inpatient and Urgent Care services, including social care integration.
The post holder will:
Ensure effective governance arrangements are in place to deliver safe, high-quality and efficient services Lead performance management across services, ensuring KPIs are achieved and risks are identified and addressed Drive service improvement and transformation, ensuring services are aligned to best practice and future service models Work collaboratively with clinical and professional leads to ensure services are effective, evidence-based and sustainable Lead partnership working with Local Authorities and system partners to deliver integrated and person-centred care Ensure effective leadership structures are in place across services, developing high-performing teams Promote a culture that reflects Trust values and supports continuous improvement, equality and inclusivity The successful candidate will be expected to operate at a senior system level, leading across organisational boundaries and influencing strategic direction.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications Essential
Masters or equivalent level of experience Relevant professional qualification Evidence of continuing professional and managerial development
Desirable
RMN or equivalent professional qualification
Skills/Knowledge Essential
Excellent leadership skills Excellent communication skills, written and oral Have excellent influencing skills
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 Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Lodge
Wickford
SS11 7XX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)