Overview
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join our senior leadership team on a part-time basis (3 sessions per week). This key role combines clinical assurance and service support with strategic leadership and system innovation. You will ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and innovative care across all Federation services and drive quality improvement and collaboration within the Brighton & Hove health system.
About You
Job summary
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to join our senior leadership team on a part-time basis (3 sessions per week). This key role combines clinical assurance and service support with strategic leadership and system innovation. You will ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and innovative care across all Federation services and drive quality improvement and collaboration within the Brighton & Hove health system.
You will be a qualified, practising GP or senior clinician with a proven track record in clinical leadership, governance, and service improvement within Primary Care or a similar NHS environment. You combine strategic thinking with operational awareness, building strong partnerships to achieve system-wide impact.
Essential Skills and Experience
* GMC registration and relevant postgraduate qualifications.
* Leadership experience in clinical governance and quality improvement.
* Understanding of integrated care systems and Primary Care transformation.
* Excellent communication, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills.
Working Arrangements
This is a part-time role (3 sessions per week) with a hybrid working pattern, requiring on-site presence for around 50% of contracted hours to support leadership visibility, collaboration, and operational engagement.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
* Provide clinical oversight and assurance across all B&HF services, including vaccination, training, and infection control.
* Chair the Clinical Governance Committee and lead on quality, audit, and patient safety.
* Mentor and support clinicians, overseeing clinical performance, training, and development.
* Build strong relationships with PCNs, ICBs, NHS partners, and Sussex Federations to improve integrated care.
* Champion sustainability and prevention-focused care aligned with the Sussex Integrated Care Strategy.
* Deputise for the Chair and contribute to Board-level strategic leadership.
* Ensure compliance with CQC and NHS regulatory standards.
Strategic Leadership and Citywide Innovation
1 session/week
* Lead on strategic engagement with practices, PCPC, the ICB, and other local providers to improve clinical care across Brighton & Hove.
* Identify and implement ways to save money, time, and energy while improving patient care and experience.
* Support and enable neighbourhood working, building stronger connections between practices, communities, and system partners.
* Lead citywide clinical improvement programmes aligned with ICS priorities, Core20PLUS5, and prevention-focused care.
* Champion sustainability in healthcare, embedding environmental considerations into clinical and operational decisions.
* Understand the financial situation and context of the federation within the current system.
* Cover for the chair when the chair is away on leave.
Safeguarding
Oversee safeguarding leadership, advise team/service area colleagues on safeguarding matters, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues and processes. Communicate safeguarding information and support staff in identifying those in need of protection. Maintain awareness of organisational safeguarding policies and participate in local safeguarding meetings as required.
Personal Performance Management
* Adhere to Professional Code of Conduct and maintain ongoing professional development.
* Manage time, workload, and resources effectively. Undertake duties appropriate to the role and participate in annual appraisal/performance review.
* Ensure compliance with mandatory and statutory training and follow policy and procedures related to safe storage, administration, and disposal of medication.
Onsite Working
Onsite presence required for 50% of contracted hours to ensure strong leadership visibility and hands-on operational oversight.
Communication
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills in internal and external communications, address barriers to patient communication, and provide professional advice to patients and carers in line with protocols.
Leadership
Accountable for own actions, contribute to continual improvement, lead within the team, mentor staff, and promote peer review and direct observation of practice.
Working Relationships
Collaborate with colleagues, PCNs, practices, commissioners, and partner organisations; attend meetings as required.
Patient & Public Involvement
Engage with patients and stakeholders, understand patient experience, ensure patient voice is heard and acted on, and contribute to patient engagement activities and responses to complaints where appropriate.
Risk Management & Audit
Promote a culture of learning, maintain risk and learning registers, and make recommendations based on audit outcomes and shared learning.
Collaborative Support
Support colleagues across Operations, Finance, HR, and Corporate Services as needed, including potential temporary coverage during absences. Provide training and peer support for Senior Leadership Team members; travel between practices and offices; work with stakeholders to meet targets.
Person Specification
Essential
* Flexibility to work outside core office hours
* Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
* Maintain confidentiality at all times
Desirable
* Full UK driving licence
Qualifications
* GMC-registered medical professional with significant experience in Primary Care.
Experience
* Demonstrated clinical or non-clinical leadership experience within complex health systems.
* A sound understanding of NHS frameworks, integrated care models, and clinical governance.
* Track record of innovation, service improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
* Experience in team management/ leadership
* Visionary, compassionate leader with a patient-first mindset
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* EMIS / SystmOne / user skills
* Committed to data-informed decision making and continuous learning.
* Passionate about improving the Primary Care environment for both patients and professionals.
* Enthusiastic about shaping a financially and environmentally sustainable future for local healthcare.
* Effective time management (planning & organising)
* Ability to network and build relationships
* Proven problem-solving & analytical skills
* Ability to develop, implement and embed policy and procedure
* Ability to motivate and train staff
* Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of the nursing team and wider Federation team
* Motivated and proactive
* Ability to use initiative and judgement when making decisions
* Forward thinker with a solutions-focused approach
* High levels of integrity and loyalty
* Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
* Ability to work under pressure
* Confident, assertive and resilient
* Ability to drive and deliver change effectively
* Ability to motivate teams, enhance morale and maintain a positive working environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer details
Employer name
Brighton and Hove Federation
Address
Unit W4 Knoll Business Centre 325-327
Old Shoreham Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 7GS
Employer's website
https://www.brightonandhovefed.co.uk/
Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
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