Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Improvement Director with a mental health background to support an NHS Trust in reducing delays and length of stay, while providing assurance to the ICB under increasing regulatory scrutiny. This position is an initial 3-month contract (likely extension), with an immediate start ideally week commencing 21st, working a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Sussex.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide strategic leadership and assurance to the ICB and Trust on improvement plans to reduce 12-hour delays and lengths of stay within mental health services.
* Conduct a baseline assessment and develop a clear strategic plan aligned with existing initiatives.
* Engage and build relationships with C-suite leaders, the Chief Medical Officer, ACU, and divisional leadership to drive improvement priorities.
* Guide, support, and align teams around improvement delivery while maintaining a hands-off, assurance-focused position.
* Monitor, evaluate, and report progress to executive leadership and regulatory bodies.
* Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities within operational and clinical processes to support sustainable improvements.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Senior leadership experience at C-suite or equivalent level within mental health services.
* Background in operations and/or clinical leadership within NHS or mental health provider settings.
* Experience leading or providing assurance on service improvement and transformation initiatives within pressured regulatory environments.
* Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and collaborative skills to align clinical, operational, and system leaders.
* Ability to assess service delivery rapidly and develop a clear improvement roadmap.
Details:
* Location: Sussex (South Coast)
* Days: Minimum 3 days per week on-site (flexible)
* Rate: £650-£750 per day (Outside IR35)
* Start: Ideally week commencing 21st
* Contract: Initial 3 months, likely extension
Why This Role: This is an opportunity to make a strategic impact on patient flow, quality, and regulatory assurance within a mental health system under significant scrutiny while working with a supportive executive team, shaping improvement in a focused, meaningful way.