Job overview
Join Us in Transforming Head & Neck Cancer Care in Sussex! We have an exciting new opportunity for an Advanced Dietitian for Head & Neck Cancer Care (Band 7) Base: Eastbourne and Brighton | Service: Oncology (Radiotherapy) Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust We’re pleased to introduce a newly created advanced dietitian role within an innovative H&N Radiotherapy service. This new multidisciplinary team includes a Dietitian, Speech & Language Therapist and Advanced Care Practitioner, delivering pioneering care for patients receiving complex radiotherapy. As part of the Radiotherapy Review Project, we are expanding Category 1 radiotherapy at Eastbourne Radiotherapy Unit (ERTU), improving access and reducing travel for vulnerable patients. The post will take the lead in establishing this service at a new site, implement cross profession, site and Trust working while delivering excellent care to this nutritionally vulnerable patient group. This role offers the chance to shape services, contribute to research, and develop professionally in a supportive environment. We welcome applications from HCPC registered dietitians with a strong clinical background.
Main duties of the job
1. Nutritional management in head and neck cancer patients.
2. Facilitating enteral and home enteral feeding
3. Training, mentoring, audit, quality improvements, service development, risk management and research.
4. Cross site and partnership working
Why This Matters H&N radiotherapy is among the most complex and challenging treatments in cancer care, with risks including malnutrition, dehydration, hospitalisation, and significant functional decline. The Advanced Dietitian role is integral to improving patient safety, outcomes, and quality of life through timely, expert-led nutritional care and multidisciplinary working. We’re Looking For
5. Passionate, skilled clinicians, preferably with H&N oncology experience, but training can be provided
6. Commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care
7. Interest in service innovation, design, and research
8. Motivation to contribute to the growth of a high-functioning Sussex-wide H&N MDT
9. What We Offer
10. A unique opportunity to shape a new model of care within a newly created team
11. Strong clinical supervision, MDT support, and peer learning
12. A values-led organisation committed to staff wellbeing, innovation, and career development
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
13. Nutritional assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment.
14. Facilitating enteral and home enteral feeding
15. Pre-treatment and prehabilitation.
16. Attendance at MDMs and clinics
17. Patient support.
18. Clinical administration
19. Clinical governance - risk management, audit, quality improvement, research.
20. Education, mentoring and training to others.
21. CPD
22. Cross site and partnership working
Person specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential criteria
23. BSc/Msc/PhD or equivalent in Nutrition and Dietetics
24. HCPC registered
25. Evidence of extensive CPD relevant to post
26. Student Clinical Educators Course
27. Proven teaching and presentation skills
28. Proven skills in service development/change
Desirable criteria
29. Member of a relevant oncology body/bodies e.g. BDA Oncology Group/BAHNO
30. Training and skills in motivational interviewing and behaviour change
31. Auding and Research experience
32. Experience of supervising /people development
33. Experience of working within oncology / Head and Neck teams
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
34. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
35. 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