Deputy Head of Audiology & Paediatric Clinical Lead
This is a senior clinical leadership post combining advanced scientific expertise, paediatric clinical leadership, and strategic service development. The post holder will act as the Trust's principal specialist for paediatric audiology and will deputise for the Head of Audiology across the full breadth of service management and professional accountability.
This role requires HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist or equivalent RCCP/AHCS registration, with post‑qualification clinical and leadership experience commensurate with Band 8b (subject to job matching). The post holder will be expected to contribute to the evidence base for audiology practice and to support the development of trainees and junior staff.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will:
* Provide expert clinical and scientific leadership in paediatric audiology, acting as the Trust's lead specialist for children's hearing services across all sites
* Hold professional accountability for the quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness of paediatric audiology pathways, including newborn hearing screening, early years diagnostics and complex case management
* Drive service development and quality improvement in line with national standards, including NHSP, IQIPS, NICE guidance and BSA professional frameworks
* Act as Deputy Head of Audiology, providing operational and strategic leadership across adult and paediatric services in the absence of or alongside the Head of Audiology
* Champion a culture of scientific rigour, clinical excellence and continuous improvement across the department
Benefits
* Learning and development opportunities to support career progression
* Flexible and agile working opportunities alongside NHS benefits such as generous annual leave entitlement, pension and access to NHS discount schemes
* Range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce
Qualifications / Experience / Skills
* MSc Audiology (or equivalent) with HCPC/RCCP/AHCS registration
* Minimum 6 years post‑qualification experience in audiology, including significant paediatric experience
* Substantial specialist experience in paediatric audiology including complex diagnostics (ABR, ASSR, behavioural testing)
* Demonstrable senior clinical leadership and line management experience
* Experience of leading NHSP delivery and meeting national KPIs
* Experience of clinical governance, including audit, incident investigation and quality improvement
* Knowledge and experience of IQIPS accreditation and national audiology standards (NICE/BSA)
* Ability to lead service development, transformation and workforce planning
* Excellent communication skills and ability to manage complex and sensitive situations with families and staff
* IQIPS assessor status or experience supporting accreditation
* Experience of research, audit publication or guideline development
* Active involvement in professional bodies (e.g. BSA, BAA, AHCS)
* Experience with clinical systems (e.g. Auditbase) and data‑driven performance improvement
Knowledge
* Ability to provide assurance and operate effectively in a high‑scrutiny environment, including responding to incidents, complaints and external review
Experience
* Demonstrable experience of leading service recovery, quality improvement or transformation within a complex healthcare setting
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.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time, Part‑time, Job share, Flexible working
Salary
£66,582 to £77,368 per annum (pro rata for part time)
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