Job overview
The Head of Dietetics reports to the Divisional Director of Allied Health Professions and is responsible for operational management and professional leadership for Dietetics within the division. The role involves coaching and mentoring the hospital site Therapy & Dietetic leads, overseeing budgets, and ensuring systems and processes support high‑quality, safe patient care.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route, subject to meeting the specific requirements set by UKVI.
Main duties of the job
The post holder provides professional leadership for Dietetics across UHSx, supporting the AHP Lead to deliver strategic goals, resolve operational pressures, and reduce unwarranted variation. They ensure accurate activity data, delivery of KPIs, statutory compliance, and the production of monthly performance reports. The role oversees high‑quality, safe, efficient dietetic care and contributes to wider public health initiatives.
They promote distributive leadership, coaching, and mentoring to empower site Therapy & Dietetic Leads and develop a diverse, values‑driven workforce. The post holder supports achievement of clinical, operational, and quality targets, chairs operational/governance meetings, and ensures robust governance.
As part of the senior AHP leadership team, they influence clinical and operational decisions, provide out‑of‑hours professional leadership, participate in on‑call duties, and contribute to performance indicators that drive flow, sustainability, and continuous improvement. They build partnerships within the Trust and regional/national networks, support integrated care priorities, and lead the development of new care models.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Communication & Representation
* Represent the Trust in national, regional, and local forums regarding Dietetic workforce and service matters.
* Work with committees, staff, and external bodies to promote the Trust’s Dietetic vision and goals.
* Influence policy development internally and externally.
* Promote the Trust’s Dietetic services through clear communication of objectives and achievements.
* Ensure meaningful stakeholder engagement, including staff side and union partners.
* Attend relevant Trust, divisional, and system meetings and communicate issues effectively.
* Deliver presentations on complex subjects and manage the communication of sensitive information to patients and families.
2. Service Delivery & Improvement
* Lead continuous professional development across Dietetics and support advanced/consultant practice.
* Provide senior management advice, promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and resolve complex service issues.
* Support quality improvement, analyse quality data, and produce reports for divisional leadership.
* Develop and implement care standards, pathways, policies, and governance systems.
* Promote safety, risk management, and compliance with Health & Safety and regulatory requirements.
* Lead or support investigations of serious incidents and complaints.
* Oversee clinical governance, safer staffing, HCPC fitness‑to‑practice processes, and equipment standards.
* Manage delegated budgets responsibly and maintain financial governance.
* Contribute to pathway redesign, procurement activity, cost improvement programmes, and business continuity responses.
* Support delivery of national strategies including the NHS Long Term Plan, NICE guidance, and AHP frameworks.
* Participate in the Trust on‑call rota.
3. People Management & Development
* Lead, mentor, and inspire Dietitians, ensuring a positive culture and safeguarding is maintained.
* Ensure staff work within HCPC requirements and maintain robust registration checks.
* Manage e‑rostering, workforce planning, recruitment, and performance issues.
* Represent Dietetics in multi‑agency and regional networks and support Trust‑wide service development.
* Lead service strategy, business planning, improvement work, and the development of new roles.
* Support high‑quality Dietetic training and clinical placements.
* Conduct continuous learning needs analysis and development strategies for Dietetic teams.
* Develop specialist expertise across conditions such as diabetes, allergy, eating disorders, IBS, malnutrition, renal disease, and bowel disorders.
4. Patient Care Delivery
* Maintain clinical credibility and HCPC registration.
* Provide expert clinical advice within an agreed specialist area.
* Ensure safe, high‑quality, cost‑effective Dietetic care aligned with national standards and Trust values.
* Establish and monitor KPIs, take action on performance issues, and contribute to strategic planning.
* Support Trust priorities and commissioning requirements.
* Maintain data systems, conduct skill mix reviews, and introduce new workforce models where needed.
* Manage performance, conduct, grievances, and workforce challenges.
* Escalate concerns appropriately to divisional leadership or the Chief Nurse.
* Ensure mandatory training compliance across Dietetics.
* Undertake personal development and fully participate in appraisal processes.
* Identify personal learning needs and plan development with line management.
* Translate the latest public health and scientific research into patient‑centred guidance.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Masters level qualification or evidence of postgraduate study.
* Management qualification or additional short courses to evidence experience.
Professional registration
* Current registered HCPC member, UK.
Skills
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Demonstrable evidence of managing a sizeable Dietetic service at a senior level in health or social care setting.
* Evidence of delivery of service improvement.
* Evidence of managing staff/financial processes and change, including knowledge of public involvement.
* Sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management processes.
* Ability to lead, motivate, and influence individuals both within and external to the organisation.
* Facilitate good working relationships with other colleagues across Trust and Health Economy.
Experience
* Understanding of and experience with disciplinary/capability procedures.
* Proven ability to develop and implement highly specialised programmes of care and care packages.
* Commitment to improve patient care, standards, and services throughout the organisation and the ability to sustain a clear focus on achieving demanding goals.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles, where appropriate to the role.
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