At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a Care Group, ensuring quality and safety in healthcare delivery.
- Company: County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, committed to patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be a key clinical leader and drive positive change in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in healthcare and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Care Group Director
The closing date is 27 November 2025
Executive Director of Operations
Direct Dial: 01325 743572
Email: lorraine.nelson@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
Please see Job Description for full details
This is a key role heading up one of the Care Groups within the Trust. The postholder holds a key position within the senior management structure of the Trust, and in conjunction with the Associate Director of Operations and the Care Groups Associate Director of Nursing, is responsible for the leadership, management and delivery of the Care Group.
The Care Group Director is accountable for the planning and delivery of the range, quality and volume of services comprising the portfolio of the Care Group within the governance, performance and planning framework set by the Trust Executive Team and agreed by the Trust Board.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients\' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant\'s chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years experience working within the NHS as an HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job responsibilities
The Care Group Director is effectively the Accountable Officer for the Care Group, responsible for the quality, safety, probity and processes within the Care Group and is the line manager of the Care Groups Associate Director of Operations.
The Care Group Director is additionally corporately and individually responsible for delivering the Trusts Values and Behaviours, strategic direction and business objective.
The Care Group Director is a senior and key clinical leader in the organisation and is expected to ensure that they, their teams and their staff deliver all strategic, tactical and operational requirements and targets safely and to time-scale, quality and within the c£80M Care Group budget.
As a member of the Trusts Executive and Clinical Leadership Committee, the Care Group Director holds corporate responsibilities for the Trusts success.
Person Specification
Values and Behaviours
- To commit to delivering the actions in the Trusts Behaviours Framework
- Working together for patients
- Respect and Dignity
- Commitment to quality of care
- Compassion
- Improving lives
- Cs of Care is able to show knowledge and understanding of promoting care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment within their role
Statutory Registration
- Current Registration with a clinical professional body
Special Requirements
- Ability to travel independently across Trust sites and attend meetings nationwide
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate at all levels
- Possess credibility and able to gain respect from others
- Highly developed interpersonal skills
- Ability to negotiate and influence
- Ability to lead, manage and promote change
- Ability to performance manage and hold others to account
- Ability to think strategically
- Team player with a can do attitude
- Vigilance and honesty
- Personal integrity
- Loyalty to team and organization
- Individual credibility
- Drive, energy and enthusiasm
- Tough minded in regard to strength of character
Experience
- A working knowledge of NHS national policy
- An understanding of people management and leadership concepts
- Strong reputation and credibility
- Be able to demonstrate skill to an exceptional level in:
- Interpersonal relationships
- Communication and influencing
- Problem solving
- The management and leadership of staff and teams
- Management of resources, projects change and continuous development
- Strategic and year on year planning
- Present material and influence key people
- Be able to demonstrate the ability to:
- Think strategically and translate plans into operational practice
- Analyse information/problems logically and methodically
- Work under pressure
- Deliver objectives to timetable
- Significant successful senior management experience or clinical leadership experience including evidence of achievements
- Proven experience of successfully managing resources at a senior level including people, finance and resources
- Demonstrate experience in managing significant budgets
- Proven ability to manage systems in a complex NHS/hospital and community service environment
- Good understanding of business management theory and practice
- Experience in managing and delivering projects across a wide economy of partner
- Demonstrable record of major organisational change management
Qualifications
- Professional clinical registration or qualification
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Evidence of management and leadership development
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant management or associated topic
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.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Care Group Director employer: CDDFT Charity
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises patient care and employee well-being. With a commitment to professional development and a diverse environment, the Trust provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the healthcare sector, making it an ideal place for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic and impactful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care Group Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's values and recent projects. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the culture. Tailor our answers to reflect their commitment to quality care and compassion.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Grab a mate and do some mock interviews. This will help us articulate our experience and skills confidently, especially around leadership and managing resources, which are key for the Care Group Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and shows our enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the best fit for the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Care Group Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Care Group Director role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key clinical leader, it's essential to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven change in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the NHS national policy and the specific responsibilities of a Care Group Director. Brush up on your knowledge about the Trust's values and behaviours, as well as the strategic direction they are aiming for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in managing teams and resources effectively. Be ready to discuss how you've led change and improved services in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing your approach to quality care and patient safety.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Prepare for hypothetical scenarios related to managing budgets or leading teams through challenges, and think about how you would approach these situations.
