Job overview
We are seeking an experienced clinician to take a leading role in developing a new Head & Neck Radiotherapy service at our tertiary centre, working autonomously across Eastbourne and Brighton. The postholder will provide expert assessment, management of radiotherapy-related toxicities, and holistic care for patients undergoing complex head and neck cancer treatment.
This is a substantive ACP role, not a trainee post. We would consider a developmental appointment for the right candidate, with support to achieve the ACP qualification (for example, through the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or an equivalent pathway).
Applicants must hold registration with a professional body that permits prescribing and be either a qualified prescriber or willing to complete the non-medical prescribing course as part of their development.
We are seeking applications from:
• Qualified ACPs with extensive experience,
• Head & Neck Clinical Nurse Specialists,
• Therapeutic Radiographers with extensive radiotherapy experience,
• Registered Nurses with acute or oncology ward experience supporting patients with head and neck cancer,
• Clininicians with other applicable clinical experience
The postholder will play a key role in service development, coordinating complex pathways (including enteral feeding), and working closely with oncology consultants, dietitians, SLTs, and wider support teams to provide person-centred, evidence-based care.
Main duties of the job
Provide advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of Head & Neck oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy, working autonomously within the advanced clinical practice scope.
Lead the new multidisciplinary Head & Neck radiotherapy team (ACP, Dietitian, SLT), ensuring safe, coordinated, patient-centred care.
Prescribe independently or train to do so if a Trainee ACP, initiating and adjusting treatment plans per clinical need and governance.
Identify and manage treatment toxicities and late effects such as malnutrition, dehydration, and functional decline to reduce hospitalisation risk.
Support altered airway management including tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and site/manage nasogastric tubes for nutritional support.
Order and justify scans in line with IRMER protocols as part of assessment and monitoring.
Support palliative patients, aiding decisions on treatment cessation or de-escalation aligned with patient wishes and best practice.
Provide clinical leadership, education, and mentorship, fostering advanced practice development.
Contribute to care pathway design and evaluation within the Radiotherapy Case for Change for evidence-based, cost-effective delivery.
Collaborate with the Head & Neck team in Brighton and across UHSussex for consistent, equitable care.
Engage in governance, audit, service improvement, and professional development including MSc completion if a trainee.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Why This Matters
Head & Neck radiotherapy is complex, with risks including malnutrition, dehydration, hospitalisation, and functional decline. The ACP role is critical to improving safety, outcomes, and quality of life through expert multidisciplinary care.
We’re Looking For
1. Passionate clinicians with Head & Neck oncology experience
2. Commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care
3. Interest in innovation, service design, and research
4. Motivation to build a Sussex-wide Head & Neck team
5. Essential: ability to train and practice as an independent prescriber
What We Offer
6. A chance to shape a new care model in a new team
7. Funded MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice for trainee ACPs, supporting entry requirements (usually a first degree or recent Level 7 study)
8. Support for independent prescribing training if eligible
9. Strong supervision, MDT support, and peer learning
10. A values-led organisation committed to wellbeing, innovation, and development
Essential Criteria
11. Registered with a UK professional healthcare body (e.g. HCPC, NMC)
12. Minimum 3 years post-registration experience
13. Normally hold a first degree (or agreed study plan for recent/non-graduates)
14. English and Maths Level 2 qualifications (Ofqual, CCEA, or Qualifications Wales regulated)
15. Eligible to train/practice as an independent prescriber
16. Experience in Head & Neck cancer management
17. Strong leadership, autonomy, and resilience demonstrated through:
• Service development or pathway redesign
• Clinical leadership in MDTs
• Managing complex caseloads independently
• Mentoring colleagues or students
• Maintaining patient safety under pressure
Person specification
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
18. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Qualifications/Experience
Essential criteria
20. Professional Registration and Education – Current HCPC or NMC registration (or working towards) and evidence of education to Level 6 or above. Willing to undertake MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.
21. Clinical Experience – Significant post-registration experience at a senior level within oncology, radiotherapy, or head and neck cancer, demonstrating enhanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
22. Autonomous Practice & Leadership – Proven ability to work independently within scope of practice, exercising advanced clinical judgement in complex situations, and acting as a clinical leader and role model within the multidisciplinary team.
23. Service Development & Quality Improvement – Experience contributing to or leading service improvement, innovation, or pathway development relevant to clinical practice
24. Commitment to Equity and Professional Development – Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and ongoing professional learning and reflection.
Desirable criteria
25. MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing qualification completed.
26. Experience in Head & Neck cancer care, radiotherapy, and/or altered airway management.
27. Evidence of leadership or service development initiatives improving patient outcomes.
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