At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform mental health and learning disability services across Swansea Bay University Health Board.
- Company: Swansea Bay University Health Board, committed to compassionate care and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and compassionate leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health services and improve lives in your community.
- Qualifications: Significant senior experience in mental health or related health and care settings.
The predicted salary is between 101995 - 124661 £ per year.
Location: Health Board Headquarters, Baglan Port Talbot (Pan-Health Board remit across all SBUHB sites and localities)
VSM Band 12
Closing Date: September 21, 2026
Reference: SBUHB-DMHLD-0826
We are looking for an exceptional leader with significant senior experience in mental health, learning disability or a closely related health and care setting. You will bring a strong track record of leading complex services, delivering improvement, working across organisational boundaries, and building trusted relationships with partners, communities, people who use services, and staff.
You will be able to operate effectively at Board and system level, balancing strategic leadership with grip on delivery, quality, safety and performance. You will demonstrate a deep commitment to compassionate leadership, reducing inequalities, co-production, partnership working and improving outcomes for people with mental health needs and learning disabilities.
The Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities provides strategic leadership for all Mental Health and Learning Disability (MH&LD) services across Swansea Bay University Health Board. The role enables the delivery of high-quality, safe, compassionate and sustainable services aligned with the NHS Wales Duty of Quality and Duty of Candour, while leading implementation of the Welsh Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2035 and the Learning Disability Strategic Action Plan 2022-2026.
As a member of the Health Board’s senior leadership team, the postholder leads the delivery, transformation and continuous improvement of MH&LD services across community, inpatient and specialist pathways, ensuring alignment with the Health Board’s Transforming for the Future Clinical Services Plan, ten-year organisational strategy, A Healthier Swansea Bay and the Integrated Medium Term Plan (IMTP).
The Director will lead the redesign of services to strengthen prevention, early intervention and integrated community-based alternatives to hospital admission while ensuring safe, therapeutic and effective inpatient care.
The Director provides visible system leadership across the MH&LD portfolio, working in partnership with Local Authorities, police, housing, education, the third sector and Regional Partnership Boards to develop integrated pathways that improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.
Central to the role is meaningful co-production with people who use services, their families and carers, ensuring lived experience informs service design, governance and improvement.
The Director acts as Senior Responsible Officer for MH&LD elements of the Health Board’s Integrated Medium-Term Plan (IMTP) and provides strategic oversight of commissioning, market shaping and independent sector provision. The role represents the Health Board within regional commissioning arrangements, including the Joint Commissioning Committee, ensuring sustainable and person-centred pathways across organisational boundaries.
The Director will provide visible, values-based leadership across the MH&LD workforce, fostering a culture of compassion, partnership working and continuous improvement. The role will play a key leadership role in the Health Board’s Organised for Success programme alongside the rest of the executive team, supporting the transition to a care group structure and embedding a consistent organisational methodology for improvement and culture change.
Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities – Swansea Bay University Health Board employer: Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited
North London NHS Foundation Trust is an outstanding employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. As a leader in the healthcare sector, you will have access to unique growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on community mental health services in Camden and across North London.
Contact Details:
Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities – Swansea Bay University Health Board
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities – Swansea Bay University Health Board
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 Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited.
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Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited. 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 Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited. 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 Hunter Healthcare Resourcing Limited
✨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.
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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.
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