Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mental health innovation and ensure high-quality patient care in emergency settings.
- Company: Join South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in urgent mental health response.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community-based mental health care and shape the future of emergency services.
- Qualifications: Must have at least 3 years post-qualifying experience in mental health and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Based in vibrant Bristol with excellent transport links and a commitment to continuous professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate and experienced mental health clinician ready to lead innovation at the frontline of 999 care?
Join South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) — a national leader in urgent mental health response. We’re redefining crisis care with dedicated Mental Health Response Vehicles (MHRVs), specialist triage teams in our control rooms, and a leading role in the award-winning Integrated Access Partnership. This is your opportunity to make a real difference, driving change and shaping the future of community-based emergency mental health support.
As our Deputy Head of Mental Health, you’ll play a vital role in shaping and delivering high-quality patient care, driving strategic development, and ensuring best clinical outcomes for those experiencing a mental health crisis across the South West.
This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of mental health care in the emergency pathway. You’ll collaborate with emergency services, healthcare providers, and commissioners to develop pathways that transform pre-hospital mental health care.
We’re looking for a strong clinical leader with expertise in mental health strategy, governance, workforce development, and partnership working. You’ll have the authority and autonomy to influence services at local, regional, and national levels, ensuring innovative, patient-centred care.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of mental health services within emergency care, we’d love to hear from you.
This role requires a highly skilled mental health clinician and operational leader (with at least 3 years post qualifying experience) who is passionate about enhancing mental health care, fostering collaboration, and driving strategic improvements within the Trust.
Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive mental health strategy, policies, and clinical guidelines to ensure high-quality patient care.
Alongside the Head of Mental Health, oversee all SWASFT mental health delivery and quality improvement initiatives across the South West.
Operational & Clinical Leadership: Lead the delivery of key service targets, integrated governance, workforce planning, and financial sustainability within mental health services.
Training & Development: Support the education and development of staff within the Ambulance sector.
Quality & Patient Safety: Lead clinical governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with national guidelines and enhancing patient safety measures.
Crisis Management: Participate in the on-call senior management rota, making informed decisions in complex, high-pressure situations.
Clinical Expertise & Case Reviews: Provide expert clinical advice, contribute to Coroner’s cases, and support patient safety investigations across the Trust.
Staff & HR Support: Provide clinical guidance in disciplinary or capability concerns, recruitment, and staff development
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Bristol, a lively yet laid-back city with top class shopping, street food, dynamic events and friendly festivals and excellent national and international transport links.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
Benefits
- Competitive NHS salary
- A standard working week of 37.5 hours
- Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Career and salary progression
- Car leasing scheme
- Free parking across Trust sites
- Staff networks
- Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the U
For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Matthew Truscott Job title: Head of Mental Health Email address: matthew.truscott@Swast.nhs.uk Telephone number: 07977110667 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Head of Mental Health employer: South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and innovations in mental health crisis care. Understanding the specific initiatives that SWASFT is implementing, such as Mental Health Response Vehicles and integrated triage teams, will help you demonstrate your passion and knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health field, especially those involved in emergency services. Engaging with current employees or attending relevant conferences can provide insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in mental health settings. Highlight specific examples where you've driven strategic improvements or led successful initiatives, as this role requires strong operational and clinical leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to articulate your vision for enhancing mental health care within emergency services. Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the role and how they align with SWASFT's commitment to patient-centred care and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Head of Mental Health position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in mental health care, particularly any leadership roles or strategic development work. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve patient outcomes.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to crisis management, clinical governance, and workforce development. Mention any relevant training or certifications that align with the requirements of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for mental health services and your vision for the future of emergency care. Address how your values align with those of the Trust and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Showcase Your Clinical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your clinical experience in mental health, particularly in crisis situations. Highlight specific cases where you made a significant impact and how your expertise can contribute to the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Mental Health, leadership is key. Share examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, focusing on your ability to drive change and improve patient care.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, especially around teamwork, compassion, and innovation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your crisis management skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle high-pressure situations, including decision-making processes and collaboration with other emergency services.
