Job overview The Clinical Director for the Acute Floor is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality clinical care within the directorate. The postholder will support the Chief of Division to ensure operational efficiency and service improvement across RSCH and PRH. The role includes ensuring compliance with national standards, enhancing staff engagement, and supporting the Trust’s mission to deliver “excellent care every time.” Main duties of the job - Operational Management: Oversee job planning, manage departmental resources, and ensure safe staffing levels.
- Quality and Safety: Lead initiatives to maintain and improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, and staff engagement.
- Teaching and Training: Ensure effective training and supervision for medical and allied health staff, meeting required standards.
- Strategic Development: Work with divisional and Trust leaders to deliver departmental objectives and align with wider organisational goals.
- Collaboration and Communication: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support service delivery and development. Working for our organisation At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Detailed job description and main responsibilities The Clinical Director for the Acute Floor will:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the department, ensuring services meet patient needs and organisational priorities.
• Manage departmental budgets and workforce planning to ensure financial and operational sustainability.
• Develop and implement governance systems to uphold quality and safety standards.
• Support staff development through appraisals, training programmes, and mentoring.
• Act as an advisor on clinical policy and strategy, contributing to both local and national healthcare initiatives.
• Represent the department and the Trust in external partnerships and forums. Person specification Experience/Qualificatins Essential criteria • Previous experience in substantive consultant or general practitioner role.
• Significant evidence of success in a consultant or general practitioner leadership role.
• Operational management experience.
• Business/service planning in management or educational role.
• Evidence of ambition and relevant experience / qualifications in clinical leadership.
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Understanding of the provision and delivery of health care services, and of the Government’s strategy and plans for modernising health care
• Sound understanding of the principles of clinical governance and clinical quality improvement.
• Clear understanding of the NHS systems, agenda and strategic issues in healthcare and ability to interpret these in a given setting.
• Detailed understanding of current clinical and other issues relating to acute healthcare. Desirable criteria • Postgraduate qualification in leadership or management.
• On the specialist register.
• Postgraduate clinical qualification
• Case management or case investigation training.
• Lean management system knowledge.
• Experience as an appraiser to support revalidation. Skills Essential criteria • Ability to build effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment and passion for customer focused service with the ability to embed such an ethos at all levels of the organisation.
• High degree of report writing skills.
• Demonstrate attitudes and behaviours in support of the Trust’s vision “We Care.”
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• Environmental and political awareness
• Service improvement skills. People Management & Development Essential criteria • Demonstrable leadership and ambassadorial skills with an ability to demonstrate a flexible leadership style.
• Performance Management skills.
• Ability to develop others Freedom to Act Essential criteria • Ability to work autonomously, liaise and coordinate the Management Team on a day-to-day basis and to take appropriate action as necessary.
• Identify and adhere to best practice.
• Responsible for own professional actions and have sufficient autonomy for the delivery of the role
• Able to interpret national and local guidance and to develop local policies to reflect these standards. 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
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