Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to drive the development and delivery of our Primary Care Networks strategic plan, aligned with NHS England and local system priorities. You will translate national policies into local initiatives, oversee service delivery, manage day-to-day operations, and support workforce development across member practices. The role involves leading transformational projects, managing finances and governance, coordinating with partners and practice managers, and ensuring compliance with NHS standards and contractual requirements. You will foster collaboration, monitor performance, and support continuous improvement to enhance population health outcomes.
If you\'re passionate about strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovative healthcare delivery, apply to join our team and make a meaningful impact.
Responsibilities
* Lead the operational management and strategic direction of the PCN to ensure effective coordination of care and achievement of NHS targets
* Collaborate closely with Clinical Directors, practice leaders, ARRS workforce, Integrated Care Board representatives, and community partners
* Drive innovation and transformational change to improve service delivery, efficiency, and sustainability
* Support equality, diversity & inclusion (ED&I), health & safety (SHEF), quality improvement, and continuous learning and development
* Ensure compliance with CQC regulations and NHS policies
* Manage resources to promote a profitable and efficient practice environment
The senior leadership role demands strong strategic thinking, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, coordinated, and sustainable care within a collaborative primary care setting.
Details
Based in the Inner West of Gateshead, our Primary Care Network serves over 45,000 patients across five member practices. We provide integrated services to our local population, aiming to deliver more personalised, coordinated health and social care for people close to home.
Successful candidate will work alongside our four practices.
Job Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the PCN\'s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with NHS England priorities and ICB/local system goals. Translate national and regional policy into actionable local initiatives that improve population health and reduce health inequalities. Support the Clinical Director and PCN Board with strategic decision-making, planning cycles, and partnership development. Represent the PCN in place-based partnerships, collaborative forums, and ICB meetings.
* Operational Management: Oversee the delivery of all PCN services and workstreams, ensuring compliance with PCN DES, IIF targets, and local contractual obligations. Manage day-to-day PCN operations, coordinating activities across member practices and ARRS teams. Develop and implement robust processes, policies, and governance systems to support efficient PCN operations. Monitor service delivery, performance metrics, and patient access, responding promptly to issues or gaps.
* Workforce and Team Development: Support recruitment, induction, and training of PCN staff, ensuring all hold appropriate qualifications, registrations, and skills. Develop a workforce strategy that promotes integration, skill mix optimisation, and sustainability. Foster a culture of collaboration, wellbeing, and high performance across multidisciplinary teams. Ensure appropriate line management, support structures, and training opportunities are in place.
* Transformation and Service Improvement: Identify and deliver transformation opportunities to improve care models, efficiency, equity, and access. Lead project management for new service development or redesign, including scoping, delivery, and evaluation. Support network implementation and standardisation of service changes, contracts, policies, pathways, and quality improvement. Act as point of contact for practice managers regarding delivery of PCN projects and schemes.
* Financial and Contractual Oversight: Monitor income, expenditure, forecasting, and manage the PCNs financial position, including ARRS budget and IIF income. Work alongside practice managers to set up and maintain financial systems. Ensure accuracy and timely submission of enhanced services claims and contractual requirements. Identify financial risks and ensure appropriate actions are taken. Present financial plans, strategic goals, and monitoring reports to the PCN quarterly.
* Governance and Compliance: Maintain PCN-wide governance structures, including risk management, SOPs, and data protection. Review guidance and liaise with PCN staff and practice managers to ensure compliance with NHS England, NICE, and CQC requirements. Manage risks and issues, reporting to the PCN Clinical Director. Assist in resolution of complaints and support formal investigations as required. Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, clinical governance, and NHS policies.
* Communication and Reporting: Present feedback and data analysis on behalf of the PCN to the ICB. Provide management oversight at board and strategic meetings. Develop and maintain administrative systems for organisational collaboration projects.
* Secondary Responsibilities: Undertake additional tasks consistent with the post and role scope as required, adapting to duties that may vary without changing the post\'s overall character or responsibility level.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Excellent standard of education with excellent literacy and numeracy skills
* Leadership and/or management qualification
Desirable
* AMSPAR qualification
* Educated to degree level in healthcare or business and evidence of postgraduate studies or equivalent experience
Skills
* Ability to communicate complex and sensitive information effectively with people at all levels by telephone, email, and face to face
* Ability to develop business cases
* Knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing, emails, and the internet to create simple plans and reports
* Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and organisation skills with the ability to constructively challenge the views and practices of managers and clinicians
* Be flexible and able to manage sudden and unexpected demands
* Strategic thinker and planner with the ability to consider and act upon complex issues
* Effective time management (planning and organising)
* Ability to prioritise own work effectively and to direct activities of others
* Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and work well under pressure
Experience
Essential
* Experience of working with the general public
* Strategic understanding and experience of working in the NHS with extensive knowledge of NHS roles and primary care sector
* Experience of Microsoft Office applications
* Experience at a senior level in a project, transformation, or business management area
Desirable
* Knowledge of healthcare improvement methods and practices
* Experience of using EMIS system
* Experience of managing accounting procedures including budget and cash flow forecasting
Personal Qualities
* Ability to use own initiative, discretion, and sensitivity
* Ability to follow legal, ethical, professional, and organisational policies/procedures and codes of conduct
* Able to work with diverse backgrounds and communities
* Ability to identify and manage risk
* Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
* Able to provide leadership and to complete tasks
* Problem solving and analytical skills
* Ability to maintain confidentiality
* Professional calm and efficient manner
* Effective organiser, influencer, and networker
* Knowledge of policies and procedures including confidentiality, safeguarding, lone working, information governance and health and safety
Other
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS disclosure will be required.
Employer details
Gateshead Inner West Primary Care Network, Whickham Cottage Medical Centre, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 4PD
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