As University Hospitals Dorset, we are a three-site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m.
We offer highly regarded health services, employing approximately 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £250m estates programme aims to deliver state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet current and future healthcare needs.
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches, you’ll find opportunities to achieve a healthy work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks nearby, and less than three hours from London by road or train, our location offers both tranquility and connectivity. The towns of Poole, Bournemouth, and Christchurch, along with scenic villages, are just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that a diverse workforce and allowing people to be themselves are essential for an inclusive, welcoming, and productive environment. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented minority groups in our community.
Our active staff networks include the Women’s Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group. We are also signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead our clinical coding department. The Head of Clinical Coding Services will oversee the clinical coding team, enhancing coding accuracy, depth, completeness, and productivity through ongoing training and quality audits.
The postholder will serve as the primary contact for senior Trust colleagues and be the Trust’s main expert on clinical coding, providing oversight and guidance to ensure excellent service delivery. They will also represent the Trust in external regional and national groups and develop a commercially viable clinical coding service.
The department has a strong track record in coding development, audit, and transformation, with staff committed to delivering a first-class service.
Base Location: Cross sites - Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital, and Christchurch Hospital
Interview Date: TBC
Main duties of the job
For more details, please read the full job description and person specification documents attached to this advert.
Working for our organisation
Our values define #TeamUHD and underpin all our actions—how we treat our patients, visitors, and colleagues. We foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and professionalism.
Please note, if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Other changes not related to relocation will be managed according to Trust or national terms and conditions.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For detailed responsibilities, please refer to the full job description and person specification attached to this advert.
Person specification
Qualifications
* National Clinical Coding Qualification with significant senior-level experience
* National Approved Clinical Coding/Auditor
* Evidence of continuous professional development
* Masters level qualification or equivalent knowledge, training, and experience
* First Degree
* PRINCE 2 certification
* Experience in a similar role
Experience
* Senior-level experience in Clinical Coding and Data Quality
* Deep specialist knowledge of clinical coding
* Experience collaborating with clinicians and commissioners to influence outcomes
* Developing and maintaining clinical coding action plans
* Interpreting complex/sensitive information and presenting to senior audiences
* Proficiency with systems and managing information systems
* Knowledge of digital health initiatives and potential partners
* Understanding of medical records management
* Experience integrating quality and assurance in coding performance
* Contract management of SLAs
* Advanced analytical skills for complex cases and benchmarking
* Leadership experience including performance management and coaching
* Experience as a Head of Clinical Coding
* NHS Foundation Trust experience
* Operational management in a clinical setting
* Understanding statutory and coding responsibilities
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office
* Strong influencing and negotiation skills, capable of communicating complex information to diverse audiences
Knowledge
* Expert NHS clinical coding knowledge
* Understanding of NHS statutory frameworks
* Ability to interpret complex policies
* Knowledge of clinical coding audit and training portfolios
Other requirements
* Clear communication skills, both oral and written
* Political awareness of healthcare, business, and economic contexts
* Report writing and presentation skills
* Networking abilities within the healthcare economy
* Resilience and openness to feedback
* Organizational skills and ability to multitask
* Ability to meet deadlines and manage stakeholder expectations
Personal attributes
* Active listening skills
* Relationship-building with senior managers and clinicians
* Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills
* Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders
* Autonomy, flexibility, and leadership qualities
* Ability to communicate sensitive financial information effectively
* Full UK driving license
Language requirement
* Proficiency in English for role requirements
Please note:
Staff may be required to work flexibly across Trust locations. The advert may close early if sufficient applications are received. COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged but not mandatory; vaccination remains the best protection for staff and patients.
Internal candidates employed prior to the merger who change roles voluntarily will be appointed under UHD terms and conditions.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Appropriate UK professional registration is required.
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