Job summary University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for detailed job description of the role. Main duties of the job The Head of Strategic Networks provides leadership, strategic direction, and management of the commissioned Critical Care Networks in the NHS South East England Region. You will develop the Strategic Network and ensure effective interface and alignment with National, Regional (Southeast (SE) and ICS (Integrated Care Systems) policy and stakeholders The strategic network includes Adult and neonatal critical care operational delivery networks. The Strategic Networks are the link between providers and commissioners. Any recommendations given to both regional and ICB commissioners, must follow the triple aim. This includes consideration of health inequalities in relation to health and wellbeing, ensuring high quality services, and sustainable and efficient use of resources. About us University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations. Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast. We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information. At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients. At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute. Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8c Salary Depending on experience £74290 to £85601 per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 188-THQ1HH040225 Job locations DIVC Critical Care Network Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YD Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will provide leadership and strategic direction for the commissioned Network within NHSE Regions, ensuring alignment with National, Regional (SE), and ICS policies. It acts as a bridge between providers and commissioners, focusing on the triple aim of addressing health inequalities, ensuring high-quality services, and efficient resource use. The role maintains national, regional, and local standards, fosters partnerships with Commissioning Leads, Tertiary Centres, Secondary Care, and ICSs, and supports mutual aid processes. It leverages strong data and digital technologies, ensures robust governance and risk management, and reports to NHSE Specialised Commissioning and the Strategic Oversight Board. Success indicators for the post holder included improved and equitable access, facilitating care closer to home, reducing variation and improved outcomes of care by ensuring quality improvement, increased productivity and involving patients and public voice in workstreams. The post holder will ensure that the Strategic Networks activities are based on strong data, and where possible maximise the use of digital technologies. The Head is responsible for ensuring strong governance systems are in place in the Strategic Networks and that there are effective risk management arrangements. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will provide leadership and strategic direction for the commissioned Network within NHSE Regions, ensuring alignment with National, Regional (SE), and ICS policies. It acts as a bridge between providers and commissioners, focusing on the triple aim of addressing health inequalities, ensuring high-quality services, and efficient resource use. The role maintains national, regional, and local standards, fosters partnerships with Commissioning Leads, Tertiary Centres, Secondary Care, and ICSs, and supports mutual aid processes. It leverages strong data and digital technologies, ensures robust governance and risk management, and reports to NHSE Specialised Commissioning and the Strategic Oversight Board. Success indicators for the post holder included improved and equitable access, facilitating care closer to home, reducing variation and improved outcomes of care by ensuring quality improvement, increased productivity and involving patients and public voice in workstreams. The post holder will ensure that the Strategic Networks activities are based on strong data, and where possible maximise the use of digital technologies. The Head is responsible for ensuring strong governance systems are in place in the Strategic Networks and that there are effective risk management arrangements. Person Specification Qualifications, knowledge and experience Essential Educated to master's level or equivalent experience Evidence of further leadership and management training or equivalent. Substantial experience in a management/leadership role including substantial recent experience in an acute hospital setting An understanding of the complexity of service delivery in a large organisation Extensive recent programme and project management experience Desirable Senior management qualification e.g. MBA or equivalent or working towards Accredited teaching and assessing qualification Management of clinical services Role leading a Clinical network/ Strategic Network Experience of working directly with specialised commissioners at a national level Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Patients First Always Improving Working Together Person Specification Qualifications, knowledge and experience Essential Educated to master's level or equivalent experience Evidence of further leadership and management training or equivalent. Substantial experience in a management/leadership role including substantial recent experience in an acute hospital setting An understanding of the complexity of service delivery in a large organisation Extensive recent programme and project management experience Desirable Senior management qualification e.g. MBA or equivalent or working towards Accredited teaching and assessing qualification Management of clinical services Role leading a Clinical network/ Strategic Network Experience of working directly with specialised commissioners at a national level Trust Values and Behaviours Essential Patients First Always Improving Working Together 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 University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust Address DIVC Critical Care Network Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YD Employer's website https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)