At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead patient experience and quality improvement initiatives across the Trust.
- Company: Join Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, dedicated to outstanding care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, NHS pension, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by improving patient experiences and reducing inequalities.
- Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields required.
The predicted salary is between 79504 - 91609 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and inclusive senior leader to join the Patient Experience, Digital and Innovation Directorate as Associate Director for Patient Experience, Engagement and Quality Improvement. This pivotal role will lead an integrated Trust-wide portfolio spanning co-production, engagement, patient experience and quality improvement, ensuring that patient, carer and community insight drives meaningful service improvement and organisational decision-making. Working with senior leaders, clinical and operational teams, communities and system partners, you will provide strategic leadership, robust assurance and visible improvement expertise. The role is based at Kings Court 2, with travel across Trust and partner locations and flexible working to meet service needs.
Main duties of the job
- You will develop and deliver a Trust-wide strategy that integrates co-production, engagement, patient experience and quality improvement.
- You will lead recognised improvement approaches, including alignment with NHS IMPACT and the development of QSIR capability across the organisation, and ensure that feedback, lived experience and qualitative and quantitative data are translated into clear priorities, actions and measurable benefits.
- You will provide expert advice to senior leaders and the Board, including on statutory consultation duties, and establish effective governance, reporting and escalation arrangements.
- The role will lead designated teams, oversee delegated resources, build partnerships with patients, carers, communities, voluntary sector and system partners, and use population health insight to target improvement and reduce health inequalities.
About us
At Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, we are working together to deliver outstanding care. We run community hospitals and community health services across Worcestershire and provide mental health and learning disability services across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our people (all 4500+ of them) provide services for people of all ages, experiencing both physical and/or mental health conditions from over 100 sites. We will support you to thrive; offer flexible working options for a great work-life balance, help you fulfil your ambitions, and empower you to make positive changes within your team or service. We value diversity and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities.
What we offer
- 27 days leave plus bank holidays, increasing up to 33 days with long service
- Generous NHS pension and enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- Great maternity, paternity, and adoption support
- Wide range of supportive staff networks
- Health and wellbeing opportunities
If you would like to know more, please visit our website Staff benefits | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will operate with a high degree of autonomy and be accountable for agreed objectives, outcomes and performance standards across the portfolio. They will lead complex programmes, manage risks and dependencies, support workforce capability and ensure effective use of resources. The role requires highly developed leadership, analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, alongside the ability to provide constructive support and challenge in sensitive and complex environments.
Person Specification
- Qualifications
- Essential: Educated to master's level or equivalent level of senior experience in a relevant field.
- Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, quality improvement, engagement, co-production or related disciplines.
- Desirable: Formal qualification in quality improvement, service redesign, organisational development, public engagement or related methodology.
- QSIR practitioner, QSIR facilitator, improvement coaching or equivalent recognised improvement training, with evidence of applying learning to support improvement.
- Experience
- Essential: Significant senior experience of leading patient experience, engagement, co-production, quality improvement or transformation functions within a complex health or care environment.
- Experience of developing strategies, frameworks and governance arrangements that demonstrate measurable improvement and assurance.
- Experience of working with senior leaders, clinical teams, patients, carers, communities and system partners to shape service improvement.
- Experience of developing volunteering, peer support or lived experience programmes that are co-produced with patients, carers and communities and contribute to inclusive engagement, service improvement and reduction of inequalities.
- Knowledge
- Essential: Specialist knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements relating to public involvement, engagement and consultation for NHS providers, including the duty to consult and the Gunning Principles.
- Expert knowledge of health inequalities, population health approaches and inclusive engagement methods.
- Skills & Abilities
- Essential: Highly developed leadership skills with the ability to influence at Board, executive and senior operational levels.
- Ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative data and translate insight into clear priorities, actions and measurable outcomes.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to manage sensitive, complex or contentious issues.
- Ability to design and lead inclusive engagement and co-production approaches that reach diverse and underserved communities.
- Additional Criteria
- Essential: Committed to improving patient, carer and staff experience and reducing health inequalities.
- Collaborative, inclusive and compassionate leadership style.
- Able to travel across Trust sites and system partner locations as required.
- Committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and reducing barriers to involvement for patients, carers, staff and communities.
Associate Director Patient Experience Engagement & Quality Improvement employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
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We think this is how you could land Associate Director Patient Experience Engagement & Quality Improvement
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Patient Experience Engagement & Quality Improvement
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 National Health Service.
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 National Health Service.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to National Health Service. 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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service
✨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.
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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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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 National Health Service’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!
