Change Lead - Mental Health, Learning Disability, and DOLS service in Kingston upon Thames

Mental Health, Learning Disability & DoLS Transformation Lead – 6 Month Contract

Location: Guildhall 2, Kingston / Tolworth Hospital, Red Lion Road, KT6 7QU / Home Working

Rate: £49.19 per hour (Umbrella)

Contract: 6 Month Contract

Hours: Full Time

Working Pattern: Hybrid

DBS: Enhanced DBS Required

Qualifications: Proof of Relevant Qualifications Required

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned professional in transformation and service improvement to guide our Mental Health, Learning Disability, Transitions, AMHP, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Services through a transformative phase. This pivotal role involves analyzing, redesigning, and implementing innovative service models to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, financial viability, and enhanced outcomes for residents. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior leaders, operational managers, health partners, and frontline teams to drive sustainable service transformation and prepare for significant legislative changes, including Mental Health Act reforms and post-AGNI DoLS requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Service Review & Transformation

• Conduct thorough analysis of service performance, activity levels, workforce structures, and budgets.
  
• Establish a comprehensive baseline assessment of current service delivery.
  
• Identify opportunities for improvement and future service needs.
  
• Lead transformational change initiatives across:
  • Mental Health Services
    
  • Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) Services
    
  • Learning Disability Services
    
  • Transitions Services
    
  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
    

Service Model Development

• Develop and present costed options appraisals.
  
• Evaluate alternative service delivery models.
  
• Recommend and implement service redesign solutions to enhance efficiency, resilience, and customer outcomes.
  

Restructure Implementation

• Oversee the delivery of approved restructuring programmes.
  
• Support workforce transitions and organizational change.
  
• Address change fatigue and maintain staff engagement.
  
• Establish effective governance and operational oversight arrangements.
  

Legislative Readiness

• Lead preparations for:
  • Mental Health Act 2025 reforms
    
  • Post-AGNI DoLS changes
    
  • SEND transition requirements
    
• Ensure services are operationally, financially, and procedurally prepared.
  
• Develop implementation plans aligned with statutory requirements.
  

Policy & Procedure Development

• Review and update existing policies and procedures.
  
• Develop new operational guidance as needed.
  
• Ensure compliance with statutory and organizational requirements.
  
• Promote best practices across services.
  

Financial & Performance Management

• Review service budgets and demand pressures.
  
• Align redesigned services with available resources.
  
• Support deficit reduction and financial recovery initiatives.
  
• Enhance performance monitoring and reporting systems.
  

Partnership & System Integration

• Foster strong relationships with:
  • NHS Partners
    
  • Mental Health Providers
    
  • Police Services
    
  • Voluntary Sector Organizations
    
  • Adult Social Care Teams
    
• Strengthen integrated pathways, focusing on:
  • Section 117 Aftercare
    
  • Crisis Prevention
    
  • Community Support Pathways
    

Workforce Development

• Collaborate with Learning & Development teams to deliver workforce upskilling programmes.
  
• Ensure legislative reforms are integrated into frontline practice.
  
• Support the development of safeguarding, assessment, and decision-making skills.
  

Senior Leadership Support

• Provide strategic advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
  
• Act as a deputy for the Corporate Head of Service when necessary.
  
• Present recommendations, business cases, and progress reports to senior leadership teams.
  

Essential

Requirements:

• Extensive experience leading transformation, service redesign, or change programmes within:
  • Adult Social Care
    
  • Mental Health Services
    
  • Learning Disability Services
    
  • DoLS Services
    
• Experience in:
  • Service Reviews
    
  • Options Appraisals
    
  • Workforce Restructures
    
  • Business Change Programmes
    
• Strong understanding of:
  • Mental Health Legislation
    
  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
    
  • Adult Social Care
    
  • Safeguarding
    
  • SEND Transitions
    
• Experience in developing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
  
• Strong financial management and budget analysis skills.
  
• Experience working across multi-agency partnerships.
  
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities.
  
• Proven ability to lead large-scale organizational change initiatives.
  

Desirable

• Experience within Local Government Adult Social Care.
  
• Experience managing Mental Health, AMHP, Learning Disability, or DoLS services.
  
• Programme or Project Management qualification.
  
• Knowledge of Section 117 funding and aftercare arrangements.
  
• Experience supporting statutory service inspections and audits.
  

What's on Offer?

• £49.19 per hour (Umbrella)
  
• 6 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Proof of Qualifications Required
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a major Adult Social Care transformation programme.
  
• Strategic role influencing the future delivery of Mental Health, Learning Disability, AMHP, Transitions, and DoLS services.
  
• Significant stakeholder engagement across health, social care, and partner organizations.
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Transformation Lead, Service Improvement Manager, Adult Social Care Programme Manager, Mental Health Service Manager, DoLS Lead, Commissioning Manager, Change Manager, Project Manager (Adult Social Care), AMHP Service Manager, or Strategic Service Development Manager.