At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NHS Continuing Healthcare decisions and improve outcomes for residents in Gloucestershire.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, committed to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape healthcare practices and make a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job located at Shire Hall, Block 5, 3rd Floor. This post is not open to job share.
We are seeking two experienced and dynamic leaders to join Adult Social Care as NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Leads. These are high-impact, strategic roles at the interface of health and social care, where your expertise will directly improve outcomes for residents while protecting vital public resources. This is an opportunity to shape how Gloucestershire works with system partners, ensuring fair, lawful and timely CHC decision-making for people with complex needs.
About the Role
As the CHC Lead, you will provide senior oversight of all CHC activity across Adult Social Care. Acting as the single point of expertise and accountability, you will lead on complex cases, disputes and appeals ensuring the council is not exposed to unnecessary financial risk and importantly, that individuals are supported through the application process.
You will:
- Lead and coordinate CHC disputes and appeals, ensuring timely escalation and resolution
- Provide expert challenge to NHS partners where eligibility decisions are inconsistent with evidence or the National Framework
- Maintain oversight of high-cost and high-risk cases, intervening early to prevent drift and delay
- Work closely with finance colleagues to track expenditure and protect budgets
- Strengthen CHC pathways within Preparing for Adulthood (PFA), improving transition outcomes for young people
- Build strong, effective relationships with the Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS England and partners
Why This Role Matters
CHC decisions represent a significant and growing area of financial and operational risk. Delays, disputes and inconsistent application of eligibility criteria can result in the council funding care that should be NHS-funded, often at substantial cost. These roles are designed to provide the leadership, grip and expertise needed to:
- Reduce unnecessary spend on high-cost care packages
- Improve timeliness and quality of decisions
- Strengthen system partnership working
- Deliver better experiences for residents and families
About You
You will be an experienced professional with strong leadership capability and a track record of working in complex, high-risk environments.
- Senior-level experience within Adult Social Care, health or integrated services
- In-depth knowledge of the CHC National Framework and relevant legislation (Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Human Rights Act)
- Experience of managing complex, high-cost cases and leading disputes or appeals
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to present robust, evidence-based arguments
- Financial awareness and the ability to link practice decisions to budget impact
- A commitment to strengths-based, person-centred practice
You will be resilient, highly organised, and confident in challenging situations—able to influence at senior levels across organisational boundaries.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do and how we treat each other. They provide essential guiding principles about the way that we work and set the tone for our culture, and identify what we, as an organisation, care about. If you hold the same behaviours and approach, then we want to hear from you! In exchange, we will provide you with full training and support to help you succeed in your role.
What We Offer
- A high-profile leadership role with real system influence
- The opportunity to shape and improve CHC practice across the county
- A supportive and forward-thinking Adult Social Care leadership environment
- Ongoing professional development and career progression
About us
Here are some of the benefits we offer in return for your hard work:
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays
- Membership of a Local Government Pension Scheme
- Agile working with a mix of office and home working
- Regular formal and informal support
- Safe, supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Access to training opportunities, enabling you to develop your skills and progress your career
- Discounts at a number of major supermarket chains and high street retailers
- Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Card Scheme (T&C's apply)
- GCC’s Cycle to Work Salary
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- Strong emphasis on a supportive working environment and developing our employees with 94% having participated in their annual appraisal and regular health and wellbeing events.
We’re closer than you think. We are an easy commute from many locations, view our commuting times map to see what we mean. However, we understand that commuting isn’t for everyone, so if you are in the process of relocating, why not email us to discuss opportunities further.
Applying
To start your journey with us, click ‘Apply’ today! Please write your application with consideration for the criteria in the Job Description. This should include examples of why you should be considered and the experience, transferable skills and knowledge that you would bring to the post.
Additional Information
This Position is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early due to the volume of applications received. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
If you are an Internal applicant and consider yourself to have a disability as per the Equality Act (2010), please declare this in an email, as this is NOT currently covered in the application due to a technical error. By providing this information, you can choose to be considered for a guaranteed interview under our Disability Confident pledge if you meet all essential criteria. It also enables the recruiting manager to arrange any reasonable adjustments you may need during the process.
Applications from any Gloucestershire County Council's employees who are currently on the redeployment register or at risk of redundancy will be considered first at shortlisting stage.
CHC Lead employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. With flexible hybrid working options and opportunities for professional growth, staff are encouraged to develop their skills in a collaborative environment dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in care.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CHC Lead
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Gloucestershire County Council.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Gloucestershire County Council.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Gloucestershire County Council, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace CHC Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Gloucestershire County Council.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Gloucestershire County Council.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Gloucestershire County Council. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Gloucestershire County Council. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Gloucestershire County Council’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
