About this role
Job summary
If you are an experienced and forward-thinking Podiatrist or Orthotist with a commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care, Hywel Dda University Health Board welcomes your application.
We are seeking a Head of Podiatry and Orthotics to lead the delivery of safe, sustainable, accessible and inclusive services across the Health Board. This role provides the opportunity to shape and develop services while building strong partnerships that support improved outcomes for patients and communities.
Working across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire offers the chance to support services within diverse rural and coastal communities. The Hywel Dda area combines a strong sense of community with a high quality of life, including access to outstanding natural landscapes and a supportive, collaborative working environment.
You will respond proactively to local and national priorities, ensuring services are patient-focused and outcome-driven, while supporting the development of a skilled, engaged and inclusive workforce.
As a senior leader within Allied Health Professions and Health Sciences, you will provide professional leadership and accountability for Podiatry and Orthotics services, contributing to a positive culture where staff feel valued, respected and supported to perform at their best.
Main duties of the job
Deliver end-to-end recruitment processes, ensuring a high-quality, efficient and candidate-focused service aligned with organisational values. Develop and implement targeted recruitment campaigns to meet the needs of services across the Hywel Dda area. Work closely with hiring managers to understand workforce requirements and provide advice on attraction strategies and recruitment best practice. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support recruitment and promote Hywel Dda as an employer. Monitor recruitment activity and performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to service development. Ensure compliance with NHS policies and provide flexible support across sites to meet the needs of services across the Health Board.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
If successfully shortlisted you will be asked to complete psychometric assessments. Information regarding these and the stakeholder panels/interview will be sent to you following completion of shortlisting.
Stakeholder panels will be held face to face on 09/07/26.
Interviews will be held face to face on 10/07/26.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Professional qualification in Podiatry or Orthotics, evidenced by a first degree or equivalent qualification. Master's degree in Podiatry, Orthotics, or a relevant clinical or management subject, or equivalent experience Current HCPC registration. Good knowledge of current and relevant legislation and its application to Podiatry and Orthotics Good knowledge of clinical governance frameworks Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities for children and vulnerable adults, including the application of multi-agency policies and procedures. Knowledge of risk management, complaints handling, and the governance requirements associated with reducing clinical risk and preventing recurrence Knowledge of procurement, tendering and contract management requirements relevant to specialist equipment and service delivery Knowledge of service performance reporting, quality standards, and the use of data to monitor clinical effectiveness and support service improvement.
Desirable
Active participation in, or membership of, a specialist interest group. Formal management or leadership qualification. Risk management or health and safety training or qualification.
Experience Essential
Significant postgraduate experience in Podiatry and/or Orthotics. Experience of management and professional leadership, including complex practice issues, employment law, and the management of absence, grievance and disciplinary matters. Experience of the successful development and delivery of service improvement, including public and patient involvement, or the successful management of significant organisational change within a complex environment. Experience of workforce development and skill mix review. Demonstrable evidence of success in building, leading, motivating, managing and developing teams Experience of working with staff, staff representatives, trade unions and professional organisations Experience of working successfully across traditional boundaries with partners and stakeholders Experience of representing the profession or specialist area in public and professional settings. Experience of strategic planning Budget and financial management experience. Experience of using audit and research to inform and develop clinical practice, guidelines, standards and service improvement. Experience of leading or contributing to safeguarding practice in line with multi-agency policies and procedures Experience of investigating and responding to complex complaints, incidents, or clinical risk issues, including the development of action plans to reduce recurrence Experience of developing or implementing clinical guidelines, protocols, standards, and referral pathways Experience of producing service reports, interpreting performance information, and using data to support decision-making and service improvement
Desirable
Previous experience as Head of a Podiatry or Head of Orthotics service, or equivalent. Previous experience working at clinical specialist level. Experience of contract negotiation, procurement, tendering, or specialist equipment purchasing Experience of research Experience of reviewing or advising on clinical negligence, medico-legal, or other complex governance matters.
Other Essential
Ability to travel across the Health Board and wider Wales in a timely manner
Desirable
Welsh speaker (Level 1)
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 Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address To be confirmed with candidate
To be confirmed with candidate
SA31 3BB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)