Job summary As St Elizabeth Hospice embarks on its transformative journey, we are seeking an Associate Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development and delivery of high-quality care services across our care services. Reporting to the Director of Care and as part of the Senior Management Team, this pivotal role will create a vision for the future of care services, ensuring that the organisation remains at the forefront of best practice and innovation. If you are a dynamic and innovative leader who is passionate about making a difference, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Main duties of the job We are seeking a visionary leader to join our team as the Associate Director of Care Operations. You will have a passion for improving the lives of patients and their families. To thrive in this role, you will need to demonstrate exceptional leadership with a strong understanding of the healthcare landscape, especially in palliative care services. St Elizabeth Hospice is committed to safeguarding and protecting the adults and young people that we work with and has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect and discrimination of any person. As such, all posts are subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We have a range of robust safeguarding policies in place which promote safeguarding across the hospice and staff are expected to undertake regular, mandatory safeguarding training to equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential risks. About us St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity & hospice, which improves life for people in the East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth & Waveney areas living with a progressive or life-limiting illness. Established in 1989, the hospice has built a reputation for delivering high-level care to patients & the community it serves. Through medicine & therapy, they ease pain; give life purpose & make life liveable. Last year the charity supported over 4,000 patients & their families. The hospices work is centred on the individual's needs & they provide specialist support wherever it is needed; whether that is in the home, another setting in the community, in hospital or in the hospice itself. Support is provided to patients & their families via the Inpatient Unit, the Community Care Unit including outpatients clinics, home visits from the community nursing, medical or therapy team, the OneCall 24/7 telephone helpline & bereavement support. In 2023, St Elizabeth Hospice merged with East Coast Hospice to form a collaborative approach to developing achievable & sustainable specialist palliative care services for people living in the Great Yarmouth & Waveney area. In addition to being part of a wonderful local charity & a friendly & collaborative team, the hospice offers a rewarding benefits package: Generous holiday allowance Life Cover Access to our Employee Assistance Programme Eligibility for a Blue Light Card (offering a wide range of discounts) Pension scheme Car Leasing Scheme Date posted 20 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary Depending on experience Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number B0291-25-0004 Job locations 565 Foxhall Road Ipswich Suffolk IP3 8LX Job description Job responsibilities JOB DESCRIPTION: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CARE OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF CARE BASED AT: ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE JOB SUMMARY To provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development and delivery of high-quality care services across our care services. The Associate Director will collaborate with senior leadership to create a vision for the future of care services, ensuring that the organisation remains at the forefront of best practice and innovation. There will be two Associate Director roles, who between them will cover the entirety of care services, with their respective portfolios determined by current organisational priorities and individual skill sets. SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrate a commitment to keeping adults and young people safe Report any disclosure made to you to the appropriate person Report any safeguarding concerns in the workplace to the appropriate person Maintain an awareness of the Hospices policies in relation to safeguarding KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Drive and own a strategic vision for care services that align with the hospices mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Develop and implement robust clinical governance frameworks, policies and procedures to ensure the consistent delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care. Collaborate with key stakeholders to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive workforce development strategy that directly addresses the current and future care and clinical services needs of the hospice. Continuously seek out and pursue opportunities for service development and improvement, ensuring that care services remain responsive to the needs of patients and their families. Cultivate a commitment to continuous quality improvement initiatives, utilising data-driven approaches to identify and address areas for enhancement. Develop and implement effective risk management strategies to mitigate risks and protect the safety of patients, staff, and visitors, including infection prevention and control. Provide visible leadership and ownership to designated project work, to be agreed alongside their fellow Associate Director, which will span across the Care Directorate. Collaborate with other departments and organisations to facilitiate seamless care transitions and coordination. Working alongside clinical leads foster a culture of exceptional patient safety and compliance excellence, ensuring adherence to all regulatory obligations and industry standards. Ensure the hospice is fully compliant with all relevant regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Lead and inspire a team of experienced professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and support as required. Accountable for the efficient allocation and utilisation of allocated budgets, ensuring that resources are used to drive maximum organisational impact. GENERAL Where you are a member of a professional body you are required to conform to the professional standards set by that body. You are required to ensure your registration is current and practice continuous professional development. Because of the special nature of the hospice and its work the post holder may on occasion be asked to undertake other duties to help maintain our high standard of care; to uphold the hospice values at all times. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT NECESSARILY EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE DIRECTOR OF CARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POST HOLDER Job description Job responsibilities JOB DESCRIPTION: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CARE OPERATIONS REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF CARE BASED AT: ST ELIZABETH HOSPICE JOB SUMMARY To provide strategic leadership and oversight for the development and delivery of high-quality care services across our care services. The Associate Director will collaborate with senior leadership to create a vision for the future of care services, ensuring that the organisation remains at the forefront of best practice and innovation. There will be two Associate Director roles, who between them will cover the entirety of care services, with their respective portfolios determined by current organisational priorities and individual skill sets. SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES Demonstrate a commitment to keeping adults and young people safe Report any disclosure made to you to the appropriate person Report any safeguarding concerns in the workplace to the appropriate person Maintain an awareness of the Hospices policies in relation to safeguarding KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Drive and own a strategic vision for care services that align with the hospices mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Develop and implement robust clinical governance frameworks, policies and procedures to ensure the consistent delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care. Collaborate with key stakeholders to lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive workforce development strategy that directly addresses the current and future care and clinical services needs of the hospice. Continuously seek out and pursue opportunities for service development and improvement, ensuring that care services remain responsive to the needs of patients and their families. Cultivate a commitment to continuous quality improvement initiatives, utilising data-driven approaches to identify and address areas for enhancement. Develop and implement effective risk management strategies to mitigate risks and protect the safety of patients, staff, and visitors, including infection prevention and control. Provide visible leadership and ownership to designated project work, to be agreed alongside their fellow Associate Director, which will span across the Care Directorate. Collaborate with other departments and organisations to facilitiate seamless care transitions and coordination. Working alongside clinical leads foster a culture of exceptional patient safety and compliance excellence, ensuring adherence to all regulatory obligations and industry standards. Ensure the hospice is fully compliant with all relevant regulatory frameworks, standards, and guidelines, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Lead and inspire a team of experienced professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and support as required. Accountable for the efficient allocation and utilisation of allocated budgets, ensuring that resources are used to drive maximum organisational impact. GENERAL Where you are a member of a professional body you are required to conform to the professional standards set by that body. You are required to ensure your registration is current and practice continuous professional development. Because of the special nature of the hospice and its work the post holder may on occasion be asked to undertake other duties to help maintain our high standard of care; to uphold the hospice values at all times. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT NECESSARILY EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE DIRECTOR OF CARE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POST HOLDER Person Specification Qualifications Essential Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, public health, social work) or equivalent experience Evidence of continuous professional development Strong understanding of the national healthcare agenda Desirable Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, nursing leadership) Current registration with a relevant professional body Certified in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) Advanced qualifications in quality improvement or risk management Experience Essential Extensive experience in strategic planning, development, and implementation within a healthcare setting Deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly palliative care services Proven track record of successful leadership and strategic development in a healthcare setting Proven experience in implementing clinical governance initiatives including developing and implementing clinical governance strategies and policies. Knowledge of national healthcare policies and regulations, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards Understanding of the concepts which underpin approaches to improving patient safety in health systems Proven ability to drive organisational growth and innovation Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., internal, commissioners, healthcare providers, community partners) Experience in managing budgets and financial resources effectively Desirable Experience in developing and implementing new models of care delivery Experience in working in a hospice or similar setting Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential applications in healthcare Demonstrable knowledge and skills in specialist palliative service provision Specific Skills Essential Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Ability to think strategically and creatively Ability to influence and negotiate effectively Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Strong organisational and time management skills Proficiency in using relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools) Desirable Experience in change management Personal Qualities Essential Passion for improving the lives of patients and their families Commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered care Strong ethical principles and values Adaptability and resilience Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines A collaborative and team-oriented approach A positive and enthusiastic attitude A willingness to learn and develop professionally Person Specification Qualifications Essential Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, public health, social work) or equivalent experience Evidence of continuous professional development Strong understanding of the national healthcare agenda Desirable Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, nursing leadership) Current registration with a relevant professional body Certified in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) Advanced qualifications in quality improvement or risk management Experience Essential Extensive experience in strategic planning, development, and implementation within a healthcare setting Deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly palliative care services Proven track record of successful leadership and strategic development in a healthcare setting Proven experience in implementing clinical governance initiatives including developing and implementing clinical governance strategies and policies. Knowledge of national healthcare policies and regulations, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards Understanding of the concepts which underpin approaches to improving patient safety in health systems Proven ability to drive organisational growth and innovation Experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., internal, commissioners, healthcare providers, community partners) Experience in managing budgets and financial resources effectively Desirable Experience in developing and implementing new models of care delivery Experience in working in a hospice or similar setting Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential applications in healthcare Demonstrable knowledge and skills in specialist palliative service provision Specific Skills Essential Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Ability to think strategically and creatively Ability to influence and negotiate effectively Ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Strong organisational and time management skills Proficiency in using relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools) Desirable Experience in change management Personal Qualities Essential Passion for improving the lives of patients and their families Commitment to quality, safety, and patient-centered care Strong ethical principles and values Adaptability and resilience Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines A collaborative and team-oriented approach A positive and enthusiastic attitude A willingness to learn and develop professionally 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. Employer details Employer name St Elizabeth Hospice Address 565 Foxhall Road Ipswich Suffolk IP3 8LX Employer's website https://www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)