Medical Director in Leeds

The Medical Director will be a key member of the Departmental Executive Committee, responsible for the professional leadership of medical professionals in the NHS across England. The role ensures that the department’s work is informed by evidence‑based medical advice across all clinical specialisms, provides strategic influence to support teams in the organization, and advises Ministers on policy and national strategy implementation. The Medical Director is accountable to the NHS CEO and, through a dotted line, to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Working closely with the CMO, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), and other professional leads, the Director drives high‑quality care, patient safety, clinical effectiveness, and improved patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement reforms set out in the 10 Year Health Plan and Dash Review, collaborating with the National Quality Board and developing the Quality Strategy.
• Lead national safety monitoring, response, and investigation into serious incidents and avoidable harm.
• Advance the goal of making the NHS the most transparent healthcare system in the world.
• Ensure that clinical voice and evidence inform strategy development, policy making, delivery, system improvement, people development, and quality improvement.
• Foster trusted relationships with Chief Medical Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and provide expert advice and support across the NHS.
• Focus on creating a new operating model that places the views of doctors and medical professionals at the centre of strategic direction.
• Provide clinical leadership across all NHS medical professions in England, overseeing the National Performers List and medical appraisal and revalidation process.
• Act as a key interface between the Department and external partners such as professional membership bodies, regulators, and clinical leaders.
• Provide clinical advice on specific strategy and policy projects, aligning safety, clinical effectiveness, and patient experience agendas.
• Lead the Department’s response to major patient quality failures, public inquiries, and monitor relevant AlBs including the Care Quality Commission.
• Support development of the future clinical workforce and leaders in partnership with the Director General for People and national education and training partners.
• Provide evidence for parliamentary questions, committee responses, and briefing requests.
• Act as a public and media spokesperson for DHSC and the NHS on health and healthcare matters.
• Maintain relationships with key external bodies such as medical Royal Colleges, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, NICE, FMLM, NHS Employers, and the Doctors' and Dentists' Pay Review Body.
• Provide expert advice on patient data and confidentiality, ensuring compliance with statutory and ethical obligations (Caldicott Guardians).
• Submit a Statement of Suitability (no more than two A4 pages), a declaration of interest, and a completed Monitoring Form to support equality and diversity commitments.
• Address all criteria in the application to ensure fair and open competition.

Qualifications and Experience

• Senior doctor with appropriate specialist qualifications and an unblemished GMC registration.
• Clinical credibility with senior and early‑career doctors and other NHS clinical staff.
• Evidence of leadership in research within an NHS context.
• Experience of major incident management, patient safety initiatives, and quality improvement in complex clinical environments.
• Track record in influencing across organisational boundaries, communicating with the public and media, and managing large budgets.
• Experience of demonstrating commitment to evidence‑based healthcare, clinical training, and collaboration with educational institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to build high‑performing, diverse teams and lead large‑scale change.
• Knowledge of clinical training and evidence of working with clinical training and educational bodies.
• Continuing professional development and engagement with national medical policy and strategy.

Additional Requirements

• References and open‑source due diligence checks, including social media review, will be undertaken for all short‑listed candidates.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements set by the Department.
• Nationality eligibility: UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; nationals of Commonwealth countries with right to work in the UK; nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members under the EUSS (with settled or pre‑settled status); Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service; and others listed in the full policy (details available on request).
• Financial stewardship experience in central government, NHS, local government or other sectors, managing large budgets and delivering value for money.
• Ability to adapt to flexible working options and to work within a culture that encourages inclusion and diversity.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme. In line with the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, we seek to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. Applicants may request adjustments to make the recruitment process more accessible.

Recruitment Process

Applications are assessed by a selection panel chaired by AC Civil Service Commissioner Christopher Pilgrim. Other panel members include Samantha Jones OBE, Sir Jim Mackey, Professor Sir Chris Whitty and additional confirmed members. Assessment may include a stakeholder engagement panel exercise, a media exercise, and meetings with key departmental stakeholders. Selected candidates will be invited to a final interview (face‑to‑face in London) with the selection panel. Full assessment details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.

Applications for this role are being advertised on a permanent basis. Loan or secondment options may be available for existing Civil Servants or applicants from accredited NDPBs or other employers, subject to prior release agreement.