At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team of Allied Health Professionals and drive strategic initiatives across the Trust.
- Company: Join East London NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on workforce transformation and service modernisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health and community services while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Masters level education and full HCPC registration as an Allied Health Professional required.
The predicted salary is between 103102 - 117560 £ per year.
Employer: East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) – NHS Foundation Trust based at Alie Street; work across Trust sites in London.
Deputy Director Allied Health Professionals Band 8d – NHS AfC. Salary £103,102 – £117,560 per annum (inclusive of HCAs). Closing date 08/06/2026. Interview date 30/06/2026.
Job overview
Working closely with the Director of AHPs, the Deputy Director will provide visible, credible, compassionate and inclusive professional leadership for a large and diverse Allied Health Professional workforce (780 WTE). The role is responsible for strategic leadership and professional oversight, supporting delivery of the Trust Strategy and the ELFT AHP Plan. The initial portfolio covers Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism, Specialist Services and CAMHS (approximately 320 AHPs), with flexibility to adapt responsibilities to evolving Trust priorities.
Main duties of the job
- Provide visible, credible and compassionate professional leadership for the AHP workforce, acting with delegated authority on behalf of the Director of AHPs.
- Act as a senior professional leader (Tier 2) within the Trust, providing expert AHP advice and contributing to corporate and clinical governance structures as required.
- Partner with Directorate Management Teams, Clinical Directors, Professional and Discipline Leads, and corporate teams to align AHP priorities with Trust, place‑based, system and national strategies.
- Translate complex strategic priorities into deliverable service, workforce and quality plans, communicating effectively with clinical, professional and system stakeholders.
- Lead the AHP Quality and Safety agenda, including oversight of the AHP Quality Dashboard and implementation of risk management, incident, complaints and audit processes.
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, establishment reviews, job planning, productivity and benchmarking, and lead workforce transformation and service modernisation.
- Provide professional line management and supervision for senior AHP leads and designated corporate AHP roles.
- Advise on complex AHP matters, including workforce issues, clinical risk, complaints and fitness to practise processes.
Person specification
Qualifications
- Full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an Allied Health Professional.
- Educated to Masters level.
- Evidence of senior leadership and management development, gained through formal qualification, accredited programme, or equivalent experience.
- Post‑Doctoral qualification and/or quality improvement or improvement science qualification preferred.
Experience
- Significant clinical experience in the relevant specialist clinical field (CHS, MHLDA, Specialist Services, Forensics or CAMHS).
- Substantial experience leading AHP services within community health services, learning disability, mental health or CAMHS settings.
- Demonstrable experience of professional governance, quality, safety and workforce transformation, including service redesign and new models of care.
- Experience of leading or sponsoring research, service evaluation or quality improvement programmes.
- Experience of system‑level leadership and engagement (ICS, regional or national AHP forums, professional bodies or higher education institutions).
Knowledge
- In‑depth knowledge of AHP professional governance, HCPC standards and regulatory responsibilities.
- Strong understanding of the NHS structure, policy environment and transformation agenda, including Integrated Care Systems.
- Detailed knowledge of mental health, learning disability and autism service pathways, relevant legislative and governance requirements.
- Knowledge of population health, inequalities and assets‑based approaches within service design.
- Knowledge of digital enablement and data‑enabled clinical systems supporting professional practice.
Skills
- Highly developed strategic thinking and analytical skills, with ability to manage and present complex information.
- Demonstrable ability to lead change and influence without direct authority in complex systems.
- Excellent influencing, negotiation and communication skills at senior and system level.
- Ability to lead through ambiguity and manage contentious issues.
- Experience of using dashboards and benchmarking to drive improvement.
Benefits and support
Relocation scheme: up to £10,000 to assist with removal and associated expenses (subject to change and terms and conditions apply). You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Deputy Director Allied Health Professionals employer: www.healthjobsuk.com - jobboard
East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With a commitment to compassionate leadership and a focus on workforce transformation, ELFT provides ample opportunities for career growth within a diverse Allied Health Professional team, all while being located in the vibrant city of London. The Trust also offers a generous relocation scheme to assist new employees in settling into their roles.
Contact Details:
www.healthjobsuk.com - jobboard Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Allied Health Professionals
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at East London NHS Foundation Trust. A quick chat can give us insider info on the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to leadership and strategic thinking. We should also think about how our experience aligns with their priorities, especially in mental health and AHP services.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for AHPs! During the interview, let’s share specific examples of how we've led change or improved services. This will help us stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Allied Health Professionals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Director Allied Health Professionals. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about providing professional leadership, don’t hold back on sharing examples of your past leadership experiences. We want to see how you've influenced teams and driven change in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help ensure that your key points stand out and are easily understood by the hiring team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at www.healthjobsuk.com - jobboard
✨Know Your AHP Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the Allied Health Professional sector, especially within mental health, learning disabilities, and autism. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role's context and how you can contribute to the Trust's strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles and how you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your experience in professional governance and quality improvement, as these are crucial for the Deputy Director position.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Given the need to communicate with various stakeholders, being able to present your thoughts in an engaging manner will set you apart. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to solve hypothetical problems or navigate challenging situations. Think about how you would lead through ambiguity or manage contentious issues, as this will showcase your strategic thinking and analytical skills.
