At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead healthcare services for vulnerable children in a pioneering Secure School.
- Company: Join the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in innovative healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team dedicated to improving health outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while shaping future healthcare practices.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered healthcare professional with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 53938 - 65924 £ per year.
This is a rare & exciting opportunity to lead healthcare within the UK's first Secure School & help shape a pioneering model of care for children in custody. Oasis Restore Secure School provides a fundamentally different approach to youth custody. Built on principles of education, wellbeing, relationships and hope, it creates an environment where children can recover from trauma, improve their health & wellbeing, & achieve positive futures.
Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) provides an integrated healthcare service delivering physical health, mental health, neurodevelopmental, substance misuse & health promotion services to children aged 12-18. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Healthcare who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children & young people & who can lead a compassionate, high-performing multidisciplinary team.
This is a senior leadership role requiring an experienced healthcare professional with a strong track record of service delivery, quality improvement, safeguarding, partnership working & staff leadership. The successful candidate will work closely with Oasis Restore, Youth Custody Service, NHS England & wider system partners to ensure healthcare is fully integrated into the child's journey and delivered in line with Child First & trauma-informed principles. This is an opportunity to influence practice at local and national level while making a lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable children in society.
Main duties of the job
- The Head of Healthcare will provide strategic, operational and professional leadership for all healthcare services delivered within Oasis Restore Secure School.
- Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and developing an integrated multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Ensuring delivery of safe, effective, high-quality and child-centred healthcare services.
- Providing visible clinical and professional leadership that promotes a positive culture and high standards of care.
- Leading safeguarding, quality, governance and patient safety agendas.
- Working collaboratively with Oasis Restore, Youth Custody Service, NHS England and other key partners.
- Ensuring services are trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate and responsive to the complex needs of children in custody.
- Managing performance, workforce, budgets and service development.
- Driving innovation, service improvement and clinical excellence.
- Acting as a key member of the senior leadership team and contributing to the wider strategic direction of the Secure School.
We are looking for a leader who is:
- A registered healthcare professional.
- Experienced in leading complex healthcare services.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Skilled in partnership working and managing across organisational boundaries.
- Experienced in safeguarding and working with vulnerable populations.
- Committed to equality, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.
- Able to inspire, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
About us
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) is one of the largest and most innovative NHS trusts in the country, providing services to a diverse population across London, Milton Keynes and the South East. We are recognised for our commitment to delivering high-quality care, developing our workforce and improving outcomes for vulnerable and excluded populations.
Health and Justice Services is one of CNWL's most ambitious and forward-thinking directorates, delivering healthcare across prisons, secure settings, courts, police custody, liaison and diversion services, and community justice pathways. Our services are built on the principles of compassion, partnership and reducing health inequalities.
By joining CNWL you will benefit from:
- Leadership development opportunities through local, divisional and Trust-wide programmes.
- Protected supervision, appraisal and personal development planning.
- Access to a wide range of internal and external learning opportunities.
- Opportunities to contribute to service innovation, research and quality improvement.
- Flexible working arrangements where operationally appropriate.
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Access to staff wellbeing services, psychological support and occupational health.
- Access to MyTrustBenefits, offering a wide range of national discounts and wellbeing resources.
- The opportunity to work within a supportive and values-driven organisation committed to Compassion, Respect, Empowerment and Partnership.
Details
- Date posted: 09 September 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8b
- Salary: £66,582 to £77,368 a year per annum (pro rata if P/T)
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 333-D-HJ-2077
- Job locations: Oasis Restore Secure School, Sir Evelyn Road, Rochester, ME1 3ND, United Kingdom
Job description
The Head of Healthcare will provide strategic, operational and professional leadership for healthcare services delivered within Oasis Restore Secure School, ensuring children receive safe, effective, trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate care. The post holder will lead a multidisciplinary healthcare team and work closely with Oasis Restore, NHS England, Youth Custody Service, local authorities and other key partners to deliver integrated, child-centred services.
The role is responsible for:
- Leading and developing an innovative integrated healthcare service across physical health, mental health, neurodevelopmental, substance misuse and health promotion services.
- Delivering high-quality healthcare services that meet commissioning requirements, clinical standards, safeguarding responsibilities and regulatory expectations.
- Providing visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, promoting a positive culture of learning, inclusion, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Developing strong partnerships across healthcare, education, safeguarding and operational services to support a 'One Team' approach for children in custody.
- Driving service development, transformation and quality improvement initiatives to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Monitoring performance, quality, workforce and contractual requirements, ensuring key performance indicators and governance standards are achieved.
- Leading financial management, budget oversight and workforce planning to ensure effective and sustainable service delivery.
- Managing clinical governance, patient safety, safeguarding, complaints, risk management and service assurance processes.
- Developing staff through effective supervision, appraisal, performance management and professional leadership.
- Representing healthcare within senior leadership and governance forums and contributing to wider organisational and strategic developments.
- Working collaboratively with commissioners, partner organisations and subcontracted providers to ensure healthcare services remain responsive, innovative and evidence based.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Registered healthcare professional with current professional registration (NMC, HCPC, GPhC or equivalent). Degree qualified or equivalent professional qualification.
- Desirable: Management or leadership qualification (e.g. ILM, Chartered Management, Leadership Programme, MSc Leadership). Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to senior healthcare leadership.
Experience
- Essential: Significant experience in a senior healthcare management role equivalent to Band 8a or above. Experience leading large multidisciplinary teams including professional, clinical and managerial staff. Experience managing operational healthcare services, including responsibility for performance and service delivery. Experience leading service improvement, transformation or change programmes with demonstrable outcomes. Experience of managing quality, governance, safeguarding, risk management or patient safety within healthcare services. Experience of working in partnership with multiple organisations and stakeholders. Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable populations.
- Desirable: Experience working within a secure, residential, custodial, forensic or youth justice environment. Experience leading integrated healthcare services across physical health, mental health and neurodevelopmental pathways. Experience of contract management or oversight of subcontracted services.
Skills and Knowledge
- Essential: Knowledge of clinical governance, safeguarding, quality assurance and healthcare regulation. Ability to analyse information and make sound decisions in complex situations. Knowledge of safeguarding and child-centred healthcare practice.
- Desirable: Knowledge of Child First approaches, trauma-informed care or restorative practice. Knowledge of commissioning, healthcare contracts or NHS service development. Knowledge of 'Healthcare Standards for Children and Young People in Secure Settings (2023)'.
Attitudes, Aptitudes and Personal Characteristics
- Essential: Demonstrates compassionate and inclusive leadership. Strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. Demonstrates integrity, openness and professional credibility.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Head of Healthcare - ORSS in Rochester 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Healthcare - ORSS in Rochester
✨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 National Health Service.
✨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 National Health Service.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like National Health Service, 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 Head of Healthcare - ORSS in Rochester
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.
✨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 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!
