Clinical Lead & Registered Manager – Digital Discharge Service in Birmingham

Reports to – Health & Care Director / or Regional Care Director when service extended

Function – Health & Care

Location - Midlands (with regional/national remit and hybrid working)

Context

WM5G Limited was formed six years ago as a leading digital connectivity, innovation, and transformation business. The company is a subsidiary of the WMCA and is governed by an independent board and subject to usual audits and company accounts. Since then, the company has successfully led pioneering health and care technology trials – including early bowel cancer diagnosis, connected ambulances, and remote care home monitoring. In 2023-24, WM5G secured £10m of funding to scale-up remote monitoring, community diagnosis, and prevention trials into live clinical services, working in partnership with the West Midlands’ three NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to support over 7,000 citizens. This role supports WM5G’s mission to simplify adoption of digitally enabled care across health and social care settings. Following the success of our TEC programmes in community settings, we are now expanding our impact through the Digital Discharge Service (DDS) model.

The DDS Clinical Lead & Registered Manager will lead the operational delivery and strategic development of the Digital Discharge Service (DDS), supporting the expansion of the service across multiple regions. The postholder will ensure the service meets its objectives for safe, timely, and effective patient discharge, working closely with NHS, local authority, and third‑sector partners. The postholder will act as the Registered Manager and will be legally accountable to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for ensuring the service is delivered in compliance with regulatory requirements and conditions of registration.

Purpose

To lead and manage the DDS, ensuring high standards of clinical care, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. To oversee the delivery of the DDS operating model in the Midlands and support the partnership approach in other regions. To act as the CQC Registered Manager for the service, holding legal responsibility for regulated activity and compliance. To champion digital innovation and technology‑enabled care in discharge pathways. To provide direct line management and professional leadership to the Digital Discharge Care Navigators, supporting their development, performance, and wellbeing. Work alongside the Health & Care Director to develop the DDS and support creation of additional patient pathway alignment.

Accountabilities:

• Strategic & Operational Leadership

Lead the operational delivery of DDS in the Midlands, ensuring safe, effective, and timely patient discharge. Implement the DDS operating model, adapting for regional needs and supporting partner delivery in other regions. Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS, local authority, and third‑sector partners. Oversee service performance, including patient volumes, outcomes, and financial targets. Lead on risk management, mitigation, and reporting, ensuring robust governance. Support the development and delivery of proposals for service expansion, including resource planning and pricing. Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice sharing across the service.

• Line Management of Digital Discharge Care Navigators

Provide direct line management, supervision, and support to the Digital Discharge Care Navigators. Oversee recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing professional development of the navigator team. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and conduct regular appraisals. Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture, promoting wellbeing and professional growth. Ensure navigators are equipped to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred digital discharge support.

• CQC Registered Manager Responsibilities

Hold legal accountability for the regulated activity, ensuring the DDS is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well‑led. Ensure the service operates within its CQC registration conditions and meets all fundamental standards. Lead on compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014. Oversee the implementation and review of policies, procedures, and audits to maintain regulatory compliance. Prepare for and manage CQC inspections, acting as the main point of contact for the regulator. Ensure robust systems for incident reporting, safeguarding, complaints, and notifiable events. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of CQC requirements and embed these into service delivery. Ensure staff are effectively trained, supported, and supervised to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred care. Exercise appropriate professional autonomy and authority to challenge decisions, escalation of concerns, and take action where patient safety, quality of care or regulatory compliance may be compromised.

• Service Development & Scaling

Support the identification and onboarding of regional partners. Contribute to the development of delivery plans, benefits realisation, and financial modelling. Identify and address constraints, dependencies, and risks associated with scaling the service. Promote the DDS proposition to stakeholders and support business development activities.

Experience

Minimum 5 years in nursing, AHP or Social Care roles within an acute setting. Significant experience managing or leading a health or care service, ideally in discharge or digital health, at Band 7/8a or equivalent level. Experience of operational and strategic leadership in a multi‑agency environment. Proven ability to deliver service improvement, manage risk, and drive innovation. Experience in regulatory compliance and/or previous CQC Registered Manager role (desirable). Experience of partnership working and/or service expansion models (desirable). Experience in line management, supervision, and development of staff teams.

Skills

Strong clinical leadership, management, and decision‑making skills. Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities. Skilled in managing complex operational challenges and resolving barriers. Proficient in data analysis, performance monitoring, and reporting. Ability to train, coach, and develop staff and partners. High level of resilience, adaptability, and problem‑solving. Commitment to patient‑centred care, equality, and diversity. Strong understanding of CQC regulations, quality assurance, and risk management. Meet Fit and Proper Persons Test, including requirements relating to integrity, good character, competence, and fitness to manage a regulated service.

Qualifications

Registered health or social care professional (e.g., Nurse, AHP, Social Worker) with current professional registration. Educated to degree level or equivalent experience. Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards this, as required by CQC). Evidence of continued professional development.