At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead NHS Continuing Healthcare decisions and improve outcomes for residents in Gloucestershire.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council, committed to impactful social care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving lives and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health and social care while shaping community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in Adult Social Care and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 54495 £ per year.
This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Job Location: Shire Hall, Block 5, 3rd Floor
Salary: 52,413 - 54,495 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 26/07/2026
This post is not open to job share.
Make a difference where it matters most. 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. You will bring:
- 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. Gloucestershire County Council Adult Social Care practise the Three Conversation approach, a model that re-emphasises focus on people, their strengths and the networks and community around them.
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
CHC Lead, Permanent 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
