Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Podiatry Operational Lead to provide clinical and operational leadership for our recently integrated Community Podiatry and Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) Podiatry Service supporting communities across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring safe, effective, and high‑quality podiatry services. You will be accountable for service delivery, workforce development, governance, and performance. Working closely with the Heads of Service and Professional Leads, you will support transformation programmes, drive service improvement, and ensure excellent patient experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide operational and clinical leadership for the recently integrated Community Podiatry and Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) Podiatry Service.
* Ensure effective governance and safe clinical practice for all staff within the service.
* Lead service delivery, manage daily operations, and monitor demand and capacity.
* Line‑manage staff in accordance with SCFT policies, including recruitment, performance, and absence management.
* Deliver workforce development initiatives, including competency frameworks and skill‑sharing across professions.
* Manage a delegated budget and contribute to annual business planning.
* Support the implementation of Trust transformation programmes and the SCFT Clinical Strategy.
* Provide specialist clinical advice for complex cases and maintain a personal caseload.
* Lead on audit and contribute to research to inform service development.
* Represent the service at senior management meetings, leadership forums, and transformation events.
* Work collaboratively with Heads of Service, Professional Leads, multidisciplinary teams, and internal departments such as HR, Finance and Governance.
* Engage with external partners across the local health economy, including acute trusts and community services.
* Communicate effectively with patients and carers, ensuring person‑centred care.
* Manage complaints and incidents in line with Trust policy, ensuring learning is shared.
* Support podiatry student placements and supervise clinical staff involved in training.
* Provide performance data to inform service planning, workforce development, and KPI delivery.
* Act as a professional role model and uphold Trust values at all times.
Qualifications
* Qualified and experienced podiatrist with strong leadership and management skills.
* Proven track record in service delivery, workforce development, and clinical governance.
* Confident managing complex situations and leading change.
* Collaborative approach across professional boundaries and external stakeholders.
* Passionate about delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
* Full driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle (required to travel across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex).
The post will be split across two sites – Brighton General Hospital and Moulsecoomb Health Centre, with a requirement to travel across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Therefore, a full driving licence and suitable vehicle is a key requirement for this role.
We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays. Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community.
Benefits & Perks
* Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing
* Varied environments: community hospitals, patients' homes, and bases across Sussex
* Flexible working options: part‑time, flexi‑time, annualised hours, and flexi‑retirement
* Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
* Accredited Living Wage Employer – we ensure fair pay for all staff
* Cost‑effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
* Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
* Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust
Our values – Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence – guide everything we do.
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