Job summary Improvement Lead Department: Transformation Band 8b £62,215 - £72,293 Per annum Hours 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working Do you have significant experience of leading transformation in large and complex environments? Have you implemented LEAN or other improvement methodologies? We are looking for FOUR dynamic and experienced Improvement Leads, with a passion for transforming services to work in our busy and fast-paced Transformation team at Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS FT - a critical function in supporting the Trust to respond to national operational and financial pressures. Whilst delivering our longer-term strategic ambitions, the successful candidates will be responsible for delivering our Transformation programme as a senior transformation and programme manager adept at delivering and communicating ambitious change programmes at all levels.You will be responsible for finding and contributing to new ways of working to deliver cost and quality improvement, and be used to working in a complex system, managing sensitive issues, and competing priorities. If you have a track record in delivering service innovation / transformation and working at scale to deliver high quality programmes, we would be interested to hear from you. For informal discussions about the role, please contact heather.titcombemkuh.nhs.uk Interview Date: 13th February 2025 Main duties of the job 'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute' As an Improvement Lead, you will work collaboratively with senior leaders within the hospital, the broader health and care system and with regional and national organisations The Improvement Lead will lead on improvement, efficiency and transformation projects to enable the delivery of services that are efficient and productive outcomes. They will lead in the delivery of projects within the overarching MKUH Transformation programme, working across the Trust (and with the system partners, as required) to ensure that improvement is driven, embedded and supported by the Divisions and Directorates. They will help develop, implement and monitor robust change management processes, advising, coaching and training others and building constructive relationships with Divisional staff, to help build and maintain the positive momentum of their transformation projects. The post holder will also be responsible for supporting a culture of innovation and improvement across the Trust through regular sharing of ideas and best practice along with ensuring effective implementation. Thus, enabling and promoting the Trust's collaborative working arrangements to provide the innovative and exceptional standards of patient care and experience the Trust is striving to consistently provide. About us MKUH staff scored highest for 'I look forward to coming to work' (NHS Staff Survey 2023). You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including: Free on-site parking Free tea and coffee Great flexible workingopportunities Discounted gym membership Lease car scheme Generous annual leave and pension scheme On site nursery (chargeable) Extensive staff health and well-being programme Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news. Date posted 16 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 430-CORP4053A Job locations Transformation Project (Dept) Milton Keynes MK6 5LD Job description Job responsibilities Leading a process of robust programme / project planning that engages effectively with key stakeholder groups and encourages ownership, buy-in and commitment to key activities and timescales for delivery; Identification of opportunities through a range of approaches including the use of benchmarking data, review of financial data, networking with peers in other local and national NHS organisations and close liaison with operational and clinical teams; Delivering complex cross cutting programmes of significant value in terms of quality and cost improvement. This might be across the system and involve working across health and social boundaries Analysis of complex financial and activity data to understand and identify opportunities for operational change; Facilitating operational and clinical managers in the identification and implementation of operational/ clinical improvements; Driving the development, implementation and tracking of the projects; Operating within the governance and quality arrangements of the programme; Maintaining an effective risk and issue and dependencies management framework and supporting processes (including ensuring that all mitigating actions are being carried out to reduce the level of risk and likelihood of issues arising); Coordinating the delivery of work programme activities and their interdependencies to increase effectiveness and efficiency; Proactively monitoring and controlling programme delivery, overseeing the production of regular progress reports and ensuring consistent and effective communication relating to the status of the programme to key stakeholder groups and meetings; Leading change projects / schemes to best practice project and Transformation team standards; Please refer to Job Description for further details We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us. MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices. We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology. By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months. Job description Job responsibilities Leading a process of robust programme / project planning that engages effectively with key stakeholder groups and encourages ownership, buy-in and commitment to key activities and timescales for delivery; Identification of opportunities through a range of approaches including the use of benchmarking data, review of financial data, networking with peers in other local and national NHS organisations and close liaison with operational and clinical teams; Delivering complex cross cutting programmes of significant value in terms of quality and cost improvement. This might be across the system and involve working across health and social boundaries Analysis of complex financial and activity data to understand and identify opportunities for operational change; Facilitating operational and clinical managers in the identification and implementation of operational/ clinical improvements; Driving the development, implementation and tracking of the projects; Operating within the governance and quality arrangements of the programme; Maintaining an effective risk and issue and dependencies management framework and supporting processes (including ensuring that all mitigating actions are being carried out to reduce the level of risk and likelihood of issues arising); Coordinating the delivery of work programme activities and their interdependencies to increase effectiveness and efficiency; Proactively monitoring and controlling programme delivery, overseeing the production of regular progress reports and ensuring consistent and effective communication relating to the status of the programme to key stakeholder groups and meetings; Leading change projects / schemes to best practice project and Transformation team standards; Please refer to Job Description for further details We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us. MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices. We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology. By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers. Upon commencing employment with the Trust, all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months. Person Specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential Educated to master's level, or equivalent experience Ability to demonstrate a high degree of self-awareness and a commitment to self-development / continuous professional development Experience Essential Significant experience of leading transformation in large and complex environments within the NHS or similar organisations, which should include one or more of: Customer (patient) focus, Lean principles, Mapping (Value stream mapping, Workplace organisation (5S, visual management systems, kanban, waste walks, KPIs) Demonstrable experience in leading meaningful collaborations with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams Experience of implementing lean methodology Demonstrable experience of leading significant programmes of work and change initiatives in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including at system and regional levels Experience of working in broad set of specialties within a health care environment and across different healthcare sectors Desirable Experience of preparation and delivery of business plans, and the commissioning framework Experience of working with Boards Skills Essential Highly developed programme and project management skills Skilled in all aspects of effective problem solving and project management, including written and verbal communication, analysing complex data sets and driving others to action and impact Knowledge of and skills in lean management methodology, patient flow pathway development and introducing quality systems Has a good understanding of workforce issues, including requirements of workforce consultation. Highly developed leadership skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams, and have them understand the Trust's and your performance expectations Excellent inter-personal, communications and influencing skills, both oral and written Ability to manage and deliver to deadlines and within resources Ability to collaborate constructively with internal and external partners to create the conditions for successful partnership working Desirable Skilled in performance management, organisation design and capability building and coaching Skills Essential Understands the requirements of Public and Patient Engagement Able to work in a rapidly changing environment Ability to motivate, inspire and provide innovative solutions Confidence in achieving results in an inclusive and collaborative manner. Confident, independent and effective decision maker Ability to "broad scan" to keep abreast of developments in the healthcare sector Flexible and adaptable to change Ability to work under pressure to demanding timetables Personal and people development Essential Has the drive and energy to make things happen Frequently goes "above and beyond" the call of duty. Works across boundaries, looks for collective success, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others. Uses evidence to make improvements, seeks out innovation. Has resilience, patience, authority, gravitas, and an ability to influence widely. Demonstrable commitment to and focus on quality, promotes high standards to consistently improve patient outcomes Must be able to travel to and work at different locations and attend external events when required, including out of 'normal office hours' Persistence in achieving objectives Reasonable flexibility in working hours to meet service needs Demonstrably involves patients and the public in their work Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness Actively develops themselves and others Is honest and trustworthy Communication Essential Ability to communicate highly complex / sensitive information to a wide range of audiences within the organisation and externally Ability to deal with confidential issues in a professional and sensitive manner Exceptional influencing and negotiating skills, able to promote innovative approaches to transformational change Person Specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential Educated to master's level, or equivalent experience Ability to demonstrate a high degree of self-awareness and a commitment to self-development / continuous professional development Experience Essential Significant experience of leading transformation in large and complex environments within the NHS or similar organisations, which should include one or more of: Customer (patient) focus, Lean principles, Mapping (Value stream mapping, Workplace organisation (5S, visual management systems, kanban, waste walks, KPIs) Demonstrable experience in leading meaningful collaborations with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams Experience of implementing lean methodology Demonstrable experience of leading significant programmes of work and change initiatives in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including at system and regional levels Experience of working in broad set of specialties within a health care environment and across different healthcare sectors Desirable Experience of preparation and delivery of business plans, and the commissioning framework Experience of working with Boards Skills Essential Highly developed programme and project management skills Skilled in all aspects of effective problem solving and project management, including written and verbal communication, analysing complex data sets and driving others to action and impact Knowledge of and skills in lean management methodology, patient flow pathway development and introducing quality systems Has a good understanding of workforce issues, including requirements of workforce consultation. Highly developed leadership skills with the ability to enthuse, motivate and involve individuals and teams, and have them understand the Trust's and your performance expectations Excellent inter-personal, communications and influencing skills, both oral and written Ability to manage and deliver to deadlines and within resources Ability to collaborate constructively with internal and external partners to create the conditions for successful partnership working Desirable Skilled in performance management, organisation design and capability building and coaching Skills Essential Understands the requirements of Public and Patient Engagement Able to work in a rapidly changing environment Ability to motivate, inspire and provide innovative solutions Confidence in achieving results in an inclusive and collaborative manner. Confident, independent and effective decision maker Ability to "broad scan" to keep abreast of developments in the healthcare sector Flexible and adaptable to change Ability to work under pressure to demanding timetables Personal and people development Essential Has the drive and energy to make things happen Frequently goes "above and beyond" the call of duty. Works across boundaries, looks for collective success, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others. Uses evidence to make improvements, seeks out innovation. Has resilience, patience, authority, gravitas, and an ability to influence widely. Demonstrable commitment to and focus on quality, promotes high standards to consistently improve patient outcomes Must be able to travel to and work at different locations and attend external events when required, including out of 'normal office hours' Persistence in achieving objectives Reasonable flexibility in working hours to meet service needs Demonstrably involves patients and the public in their work Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness Actively develops themselves and others Is honest and trustworthy Communication Essential Ability to communicate highly complex / sensitive information to a wide range of audiences within the organisation and externally Ability to deal with confidential issues in a professional and sensitive manner Exceptional influencing and negotiating skills, able to promote innovative approaches to transformational change 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Transformation Project (Dept) Milton Keynes MK6 5LD Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)