We are seeking an experienced Improvement Director with a mental health background to support an NHS Trust in reducing delays and length of stay, while providing assurance to the ICB under increasing regulatory scrutiny. This position is an initial 3-month contract (likely extension), with an immediate start ideally week commencing 21st, working a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Sussex.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and assurance to the ICB and Trust on improvement plans to reduce 12-hour delays and lengths of stay within mental health services.
Conduct a baseline assessment and develop a clear strategic plan aligned with existing initiatives.
Engage and build relationships with C-suite leaders, the Chief Medical Officer, ACU, and divisional leadership to drive improvement priorities.
Guide, support, and align teams around improvement delivery while maintaining a hands-off, assurance-focused position.
Monitor, evaluate, and report progress to executive leadership and regulatory bodies.
Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities within operational and clinical processes to support sustainable improvements.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Senior leadership experience at C-suite or equivalent level within mental health services.
Background in operations and/or clinical leadership within NHS or mental health provider settings.
Experience leading or providing assurance on service improvement and transformation initiatives within pressured regulatory environments.
Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and collaborative skills to align clinical, operational, and system leaders.
Ability to assess service delivery rapidly and develop a clear improvement roadmap.
Details:
Location: Sussex (South Coast)
Days: Minimum 3 days per week on-site (flexible)
Rate: £650-£750 per day (Outside IR35)
Start: Ideally week commencing 21st
Contract: Initial 3 months, likely extension
Why This Role: This is an opportunity to make a strategic impact on patient flow, quality, and regulatory assurance within a mental health system under significant scrutiny while working with a supportive executive team, shaping improvement in a focused, meaningful way.