Job overview
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Band 7 Clinical Team Lead Physiotherapist to assume clinical and operational leadership of the Respiratory Physiotherapy Team at St Richards Hospital, Chichester to cover 12 months secondment leave. This role would suit a practitioner with highly developed leadership and people skills who are able to balance the day-to-day operational running and governance of a past paced, multi-faceted team with a clear vision for the future development of the service and staff. Candidates should be skilled in the assessment and treatment of complex, acutely unwell patients as well as the long-term management of those with ongoing respiratory conditions. We are a research active therapies department with strong links to the Trust Research and Innovation Committee and local HEI's. We are continuing to develop local clinical research activity and will support staff to develop clinical academic careers. Full details of requirements for this role are detailed in the person specification within the job description. For further information about the role or the service please contact Victoria Bulbeck/Deb Dykes. Informal visits are recommended.
Main duties of the job
1. To be responsible for the operational management of the Respiratory inpatient team including; Medical and surgical wards, ITU and the ITU MDT follow up clinic, cardiac ward and support the paediatric ward.
2. To be responsible for the training and development of the staff working in the respiratory physiotherapy team and on-call service
3. To lead in the advanced assessment, clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients who may have complex respiratory needs
4. To provide an effective high quality service to all patients and assist with the supervision and teaching of physiotherapists/students/technicians/assistants in that speciality
5. To provide skilled team leadership and service development
6. To implement policy and policy changes in own clinical area and to assist with the setting and monitoring of standards of practice.
7. To undertake evidence based projects in conjunction with the Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, including recommendations for change in practice and to lead in appropriate departmental research in this clinical area.
8. To problem solve clinical and non-clinical complex situations
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the detailed job description and personal specification for more details. Please contact if any queries.
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
9. HCPC Registered
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. Experience of operational team management
11. Experience of facilitating education of students and co-ordinating placements
Skills - Clinical
Essential criteria
12. Previous Band 6 experience in core in-patient areas
13. On-call competent
14. Experienced working in ITU with a strong knowledge around weaning patients from ventilator/with a tracheostomy
Desirable criteria
15. Experience managing paediatrics with respiratory conditions.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
17. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications