Are you an experienced NHS leader ready to shape the future of adult community nursing services? Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic Head of Service to lead our Adults Long Term Services across ten Primary Care Network areas in West Kent on a 6‑month basis.
This pivotal role offers the opportunity to drive strategic service development, ensure high‑quality care delivery, and champion clinical excellence. You’ll work closely with the Assistant Director to define service strategy, oversee performance, and empower teams to deliver transformative care. As part of our senior leadership team, you’ll collaborate with partners across health and social care, including Primary Care, Acute Trusts, Hospices, and Social Services.
Key Responsibilities
As Head of Service, you’ll be responsible for the operational and strategic leadership of Community Nursing services, including:
* Managing performance, quality, workforce planning, and financial control to ensure services meet national standards.
* Leading service transformation, managing Operational Managers, overseeing clinical governance, and driving quality improvement.
* Analyzing complex data, developing strategic plans, and representing the locality at quality and performance meetings.
* Contributing to policy development, managing budgets, and supporting staff development.
* Deputising for the Assistant Director and shaping the future of community care in Kent.
Working Pattern
30 hours per week over 4 days (Monday to Friday). You will also be required to take part in the On‑Call Manager rota, which may involve weekends and out of hours.
Values & Diversity
We’re proud to have a CQC rating of “Outstanding” and a passion for delivering high standards of patient care. We value compassion, aspiration, responsiveness, and excellence in all our staff.
We recognise that a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion leads to better patient care and a happier workforce. We welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We ask for information about your protected characteristics on our application forms. This information is not visible to anyone involved in short‑listing or interviewing you, except where you choose to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme for disability.
Flexible Working & Driving
As a flexible‑working friendly organisation, we support working arrangements that suit both you and the service, without compromising personal interests or family commitments.
Many of our roles require the ability to drive. If driving is required for the role you will be asked to confirm you have a full UK driving licence. We are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities; if you are unable to drive due to a disability, please contact the Recruitment Team.
Application Process
Review the job description and person specification for full details. Please respond to the criteria listed in the person specification to demonstrate how you meet the requirements.
Questions can be directed to the recruiting manager (contact details in the advert). We encourage early application as the vacancy may close early if interest is high.
Health and Safety
We strongly encourage clinical and non‑clinical staff who have contact with patients to be fully vaccinated in order to protect you, your colleagues and our patients.
Selection Process
As part of the selection process you will be invited to complete additional activities beyond the competency‑based interview. The provisional date for the selection event is 26 November 2025, subject to change.
This advert closes on Monday 9 March 2026.
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