AHP Head of Service

AHP Head of Service

Guildford Temporary 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of a Trust-wide AHP strategy and oversee therapy team operations.
  • Company: Join Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, known for its outstanding care and collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive health programme and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AHP services while making a real impact on patient outcomes.
  • Qualifications: Strong operational background and understanding of national AHP priorities required.
  • Other info: Face-to-face interviews on 29 July 2025; early application encouraged.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Due to a recent retirement, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity for a senior AHP professional to join Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust at a pivotal time. This 18-month fixed-term role will lead the design and development of a Trust-wide AHP strategy, aligned with the national AHP Strategy for England (2022–2027), and play a key role in shaping the future of AHP services across the organisation.
As AHP Head of Service, you will work in close partnership with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, co-developing a shared vision for AHP leadership, workforce development, and integrated care delivery. You will also hold divisional operational responsibility for the therapy team, ensuring strategic alignment with high-quality, patient-centred service delivery.
This is a senior leadership role requiring a strong operational background, a deep understanding of national AHP priorities, and a passion for innovation. If you are a forward-thinking, inclusive leader with a track record of delivering high-quality care in acute or community settings—and are ready to shape the future of AHP services at Royal Surrey and beyond—we would love to hear from you.
Kindly note if invited to interview, you will be required to attend a stakeholder panel in the first instance, and if successful at this stage you will then be invited to interview. Both of these stages will require you to attend a face to face appointment in an on site environment, and we will not be able to offer an alternative date. Stakeholder and Interview will be held on Tuesday 29 July 2025.
You will lead on the development of a robust AHP leadership framework, promote digital transformation, and champion the appropriate AHP patient led pathways and community-based care models. Your work will directly contribute to reducing hospital admissions, improving patient outcomes, proposing an AHP leadership team and enhancing the professional development and retention of AHPs.
Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.
Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.
Although it isn\’t the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
A video about the Royal Surrey – further details / informal visits contact: Name: Hayley Connoley Job title: Associate Director of Operations for DCSS Telephone number: 01483 571122
If you are passionate about playing a vital and senior role in the design and delivery of safe, high-quality, and compassionate AHP services, this could be the perfect role for you.
Interested candidates should contact Jo Michie ( ), or Associate Director of Nursing and Hayley Connoley ( ), Associate Director of Operations, Diagnostic and Clinical Support services.

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AHP Head of Service employer: Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for senior AHP professionals to lead transformative initiatives in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, our outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission reflects our dedication to high-quality patient care and innovation. Join us in Guildford, where you will be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
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Contact Detail:

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land AHP Head of Service

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the national AHP Strategy for England (2022–2027) and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with its goals. This will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the broader context in which you'll be working.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former AHP leaders within the NHS, especially those at Royal Surrey or Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how it fosters collaboration and innovation. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects that align with the Trust's vision of high-quality, patient-centred care.

✨Tip Number 4

Since the interview process includes a stakeholder panel, practice articulating your vision for AHP services clearly and confidently. Consider potential questions they might ask about your approach to integrated care delivery and workforce development.

We think you need these skills to ace AHP Head of Service

Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning
Operational Management
Understanding of AHP National Priorities
Patient-Centred Care
Collaboration and Partnership Development
Digital Transformation
Community-Based Care Models
Quality Improvement
Workforce Development
Change Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Innovation in Healthcare

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the AHP Head of Service position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities, required qualifications, and the strategic goals of the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in AHP leadership, operational management, and patient-centred care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to align with national AHP priorities and your track record in delivering high-quality services.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for innovation in AHP services. Address how your vision aligns with the Trust's goals and your commitment to developing a robust AHP leadership framework. Be sure to mention your collaborative approach and any relevant achievements.

Prepare for the Interview Process: If invited for an interview, prepare for both the stakeholder panel and the final interview. Research common interview questions for senior leadership roles in healthcare and be ready to discuss your strategic vision for AHP services and how you would implement it at Royal Surrey.

How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

✨Understand the AHP Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the national AHP Strategy for England (2022–2027) and how it aligns with the Trust's goals. Be prepared to discuss how your experience can contribute to the development of a robust AHP leadership framework.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As this is a senior leadership role, be ready to provide examples of your previous leadership experiences. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and innovation within teams, especially in acute or community settings.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement

Since the interview process includes a stakeholder panel, think about how you would engage with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to co-developing a shared vision for AHP leadership and integrated care delivery.

✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Patient-Centred Care

Be ready to articulate your passion for high-quality, patient-centred service delivery. Discuss specific initiatives you've led or been part of that improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital admissions.

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