Head of All-age Complex and Continuing Care Delivery
NHS AfC: Band 8c
Main area All-age Complex and Continuing Care Grade NHS AfC: Band 8c Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 151-HWTV-17
Site Hybrid Town Reading Salary £81,774 - £93,879 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 20/11/2026 23:59
Job overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic Head of All-Age Complex and Continuing Care (Central Services) to join our senior leadership team at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
This is a pivotal Band 8C senior leadership role, offering the opportunity to shape how our All-Age Complex and Continuing Care (AACCC) service operates, driving improvements in business performance, clincial oversight, financial governance, operational efficiency and service transformation.
We are looking for someone who can see the bigger picture while getting to the heart of operational challenges. Someone who is confident challenging established ways of working, using data to drive decisions and turning ambitious ideas into practical, sustainable improvements.
With prevention at the heart of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, you'll have the opportunity to shape a more proactive and person-centred approach to continuing care. You'll lead improvements in clinical practice, strengthen quality and patient safety, and champion earlier intervention to prevent avoidable deterioration, reduce hospital admissions and support people with complex health needs to live as independently as possible, with the right care and support in the right setting.
Main duties of the job
As Head of All-age Complex and Continuing Care Delivery (Cental Services), you will provide senior leadership and strategic oversight of clinical and operational services across AACCC, ensuring high-quality care, strong performance and effective use of resources.
Working as a key member of the senior leadership team, you will:
- Lead clinical and business operations: Provide strategic direction to multidisciplinary teams, ensuring assessments, care planning, reviews and associated operational processes are timely, consistent, efficient and well governed.
Strengthen financial and resource management: Oversee workforce planning, budgets and resource deployment, ensuring effective financial controls, identifying efficiencies and supporting the sustainable delivery of complex care.
Champion service improvement and innovation: Lead the development of more effective clinical pathways and smarter ways of working, embracing digital opportunities, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and improving productivity.
Strengthen governance and assurance: Provide senior oversight of clinical quality, patient safety, risk management, complex case decision-making and operational governance, ensuring clear accountability and continuous improvement.
You’ll work closely with clinical, business, commissioning and system partners, bringing together people, resources and expertise to deliver safe, effective and sustainable services for people with complex care needs.
Working for our organisation
Visa Sponsorship:
This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the contract.
Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust?
At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS.
We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs.
Join Us
Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of a inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Head of All-Age Complex and Continuing Care Delivery (Central Services) will provide senior leadership and strategic oversight of clinical and operational services, ensuring safe, effective, efficient and sustainable delivery across AACCC.
Working across a large, geographically dispersed service, the postholder will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage resources and performance, and work collaboratively with commissioners and system partners to deliver high-quality care and continuous service improvement.
Strategic and operational leadership
Provide senior leadership across the clinical and operational portfolio, translating organisational priorities into clear plans and measurable improvements.
Oversee service delivery, ensuring assessments, care planning, reviews and associated business processes are timely, consistent and effective.
Identify and address operational pressures, risks and inefficiencies, providing constructive challenge and driving improvement.
Deputise for the Associate Director as required, representing AACCC at senior organisational and system meetings.
Performance management and service improvement
Lead performance against national and local standards, including the 28-day CHC assessment target.
Maintain oversight of productivity, waiting times, backlogs, service quality and operational delivery.
Use performance data and business intelligence to identify risks, coordinate recovery plans and drive sustained improvement.
Financial management and resource oversight
Provide senior oversight of budgets, workforce expenditure and resource allocation across the portfolio.
Work with finance and commissioning colleagues to strengthen financial controls, manage expenditure and identify efficiencies.
Lead the delivery of agreed cost improvement programmes, balancing financial sustainability with quality and assessed needs.
Clinical leadership, quality and safety
Provide senior clinical leadership, ensuring effective professional standards, clinical governance and patient safety arrangements.
Oversee clinical risk, quality assurance and complex case decision‑making, including the Complex Case Panel.
Promote evidence‑based practice, proactive care planning and continuous learning to improve outcomes and reduce avoidable deterioration.
Digital transformation and innovation
Champion improvements in clinical and operational systems, reducing duplication, bureaucracy and unnecessary administrative activity.
Support the effective use of digital technology, automation and business intelligence to improve productivity and decision-making.
Work with digital and information governance colleagues to ensure changes are safe, proportionate and effectively implemented.
Governance, risk and assurance
Ensure effective governance, risk management and internal controls across the clinical and operational portfolio.
Oversee the development and implementation of policies, standard operating procedures and quality assurance arrangements.
Support audit, regulatory compliance and organisational assurance, ensuring learning and improvements are embedded.
Workforce leadership and development
Provide senior leadership and line management to designated clinical and operational managers.
Lead workforce planning, recruitment, establishment management and effective deployment of resources.
Strengthen professional development, clinical supervision and opportunities for student nurse placements.
Promote an inclusive, accountable and supportive culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
Partnership working and senior representation
Build effective relationships across FHFT, ICBs, local authorities, providers and wider system partners.
Work collaboratively with central services and commissioning, contracting and brokerage colleagues to ensure coordinated delivery.
Provide clear, evidence-based advice and recommendations to senior leadership teams and governance forums.
Exercise autonomy and professional judgement within delegated authority, escalating significant risks appropriately.
The postholder will demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgement and the ability to balance clinical quality, operational performance and financial sustainability. They will play a key role in strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and supporting the ongoing transformation of AACCC.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Educated to master's degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and experience gained through significant senior management experience.
- Current registration with a recognised healthcare professional regulatory body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- Postgraduate qualification in healthcare management, leadership, commissioning or a related discipline.
- Recognised qualification or training in quality improvement, project management or service transformation.
Experience
- Significant senior management experience in All-age continuing care, leading multidisciplinary services through clinical, operational or business managers.
- Experience of managing operational performance, workforce planning and delegated budgets, including addressing underperformance and delivering financial efficiencies.
- Experience of supporting student nurse placements, clinical education or partnerships with universities and education teams.
- Experience of implementing digital solutions, automation or business intelligence to improve services.
Knowledge
- Expert knowledge on the Standing Rules and National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and Funded‑nursing care, and Children and Young P
- Strong leadership and workforce management skills, with the ability to lead through others, set clear expectations and translate strategic priorities into operational plans.
- Understanding of complex care arrangements, multidisciplinary risk assessment and NHS commissioning, contracting and procurement.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.
Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first.
We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities. This includes the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, major expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and the continued transformation of services across our sites. We have already delivered a brand-new £100m state‑of‑the‑art Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m upgrade to maternity services.
We are also committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition. Our new hospital and estate developments are being designed to be environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and future‑proofed, featuring on‑site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Th rough our green plan, we are embedding sustainable practices across all areas of care and operations, ensuring we reduce our environmental impact while improving population health and wellbeing. Our staff are key to helps us deliver on our ambition and to ensure sustainability is a core component of care delivery and our operations.
Alongside estates’ investments, we are embedding a strong focus on digital innovation and quality improvement. Our electronic patient record (Epic), launched in 2024, is already enabling safer, more connected, and more effective care for patients, while giving staff the tools they need to do their best work. Our electronic patient record also supports safe and effective digitised care pathways, savings time and carbon, whilst delivering excellent quality of care.
Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Name james.hughes Job title Associate Director of Operational Delivery - AACCC Email address james.hughes51@nhs.net Telephone number 07795 207987
Head of All-age Complex and Continuing Care Delivery in Reading employer: FHFT Education Academy
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises family-centred care and professional development. As a Paediatric Ward Lead Nurse at Wexham Park Hospital, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages leadership growth and innovation in paediatric services, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families in the Slough community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of All-age Complex and Continuing Care Delivery in Reading
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like FHFT Education Academy often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at FHFT Education Academy
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at FHFT Education Academy. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at FHFT Education Academy.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at FHFT Education Academy.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at FHFT Education Academy.
