At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform specialist adult services for individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to high-quality, person-centred care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, and opportunities for meaningful change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with system-level influence and a focus on inclusion and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape impactful services and improve lives in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior operational management experience in health or care environments required.
This is a remote role, but you should be based in and around areas such as Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as there is travel to multiple sites.
This is a permanent position; however, if you are seeking an immediate start in an interim role for a minimum of three months, we would also encourage you to apply.
Salary: £79K to £91K DOE
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Specialist Adult Services to lead a diverse portfolio of services supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for operational performance, service quality, financial recovery, and transformation delivery. You will play a key part in shaping services that are safe, effective, and person-centred, while driving continuous improvement and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Service Delivery
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across specialist adult services, including LDAN and community provision
- Take accountability for service quality, safety, and patient experience across the portfolio
- Build and lead high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams through visible and values-driven leadership
- Ensure strong governance frameworks, including risk management, escalation processes, and performance monitoring
- Represent services at system level, working with commissioners and key stakeholders
- Financial Performance
- Lead financial recovery plans and maintain overall budget accountability
- Analyse and respond to financial and activity data, working closely with finance partners
- Identify and deliver cost improvement opportunities without compromising care quality
- Provide clear and accurate financial reporting to senior leadership
- Transformation & Development
- Drive service transformation programmes that are clinically led and evidence based
- Support integrated working across NHS, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners
- Identify opportunities to expand and develop services in line with local need and commissioning priorities
- Contribute to service redesign, contract mobilisation, and TUPE processes where required
- Specialist Services (LDAN)
- Lead services supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and neurodevelopmental conditions
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards and relevant regulatory frameworks
- Oversee workforce planning, training compliance, and professional standards
- Champion co-production, personalisation, and improved outcomes for people with complex needs
- People & Culture
- Recruit, develop, and retain a motivated and high-performing workforce
- Lead performance management processes, including appraisals and objective setting
- Manage complex people matters in partnership with HR
- Foster a culture of inclusion, psychological safety, and continuous learning
About You
We’re looking for a confident and values-driven leader with a strong track record in complex health or care environments.
Essential
- Significant senior operational management experience in community health, mental health, or specialist adult services
- Proven experience delivering financial recovery and cost improvement programmes
- Strong background in leading transformation and service improvement
- Experience working with LDAN, complex care, or similar specialist services
- Excellent stakeholder management skills across NHS, local authority, and third sector partners
- Strong understanding of CQC, governance, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification in health or care
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- Leadership qualification or equivalent experience (desirable)
- Professional registration (desirable, depending on background)
Skills
- Excellent financial and analytical capability
- Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills
- Ability to lead through complexity and deliver results under pressure
- Passion for person-centred care and equality, diversity, and inclusion
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to shape and lead high-impact specialist services
- Visible senior leadership role with system-level influence
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Real opportunity to deliver meaningful change and improve lives
Apply now to be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled. Interviews will take place throughout this period, therefore we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Tate is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Tate is committed to promoting equal opportunities. To ensure that every candidate has the best experience with us, we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make during the application or interview process. Your comfort and accessibility are our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Additionally, we value and respect your individuality, and we invite you to share your preferred pronouns in your application.
Head of Specialist Adult Services (LDAN & Community Services) employer: Tate
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises person-centred care and offers a supportive, collaborative work culture. As the Head of Specialist Adult Services, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact services while enjoying flexible remote working arrangements in the beautiful areas of Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire. With a strong focus on employee growth and meaningful change, this role provides a unique chance to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Specialist Adult Services (LDAN & Community Services)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and care sectors, especially those who might know about opportunities in specialist adult services. A friendly chat can often lead to job leads that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in community health and learning disabilities. Show us you’re not just a candidate but a thought leader who’s passionate about person-centred care and service improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our forward-thinking organisation committed to high-quality care.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Specialist Adult Services (LDAN & Community Services)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in community health and specialist adult services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Head of Specialist Adult Services, your leadership approach is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've built high-performing teams and driven service improvements in previous roles. We love to see values-driven leaders!
Be Clear About Your Financial Acumen:Since financial performance is a big part of this role, make sure to include specific examples of how you've managed budgets or led financial recovery plans. We’re looking for someone who can balance care quality with financial sustainability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tate
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Specialist Adult Services. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around leadership, financial performance, and service transformation. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your values-driven leadership and ability to foster a culture of inclusion and continuous learning.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Since financial recovery and cost improvement are crucial for this role, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and delivered financial results without compromising care quality.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your experience in stakeholder management by preparing examples of how you've worked with NHS, local authorities, and third sector partners. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence others to achieve common goals.
