Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy

Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy

Hywel Dda University Health Board (West Wales) is seeking a Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy to help shape and deliver outstanding services.

As part of the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in strategic and operational management, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred occupational therapy services. You will lead and inspire teams across a defined portfolio, championing innovation and excellence within the resources available.

What makes this role special?

• Drive service development and influence how occupational therapy supports health and wellbeing across diverse communities.
• Work alongside passionate professionals and service users to create meaningful change.
• Enjoy the unique work‑life balance that West Wales offers, from breath‑taking coastlines to vibrant local culture.

• Has exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Brings experience of working across a variety of NHS services and is able to build strong partnerships.
• Is passionate about occupational therapy and can inspire others.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reporting to the Head of Occupational Therapy and supporting the delivery of all operational functions.
• Deputising for the Head of Occupational Therapy when required, representing the profession at senior forums and influencing strategic decisions.
• Ensuring evidence‑based, high-quality occupational therapy services, leading service development projects and identifying gaps to champion innovative solutions.
• Providing operational line management and professional leadership, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, service users, and stakeholders to develop plans that inform the wider occupational therapy strategy and align with organisational priorities.

Hywel Dda University Health Board serves people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. We have over 13,000 staff providing primary, community, in‑hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services in partnership with local authorities and other sectors.

• Four main hospitals:
  Bronglais Hospital (Aberystwyth), Glangwili Hospital (Carmarthen), Prince Philip Hospital (Llanelli), and Withybush Hospital (Haverfordwest).
• Five community hospitals:
  Amman Valley and Llandovery (Carmarthenshire), Tregaron (Ceredigion), Tenby and South Pembrokeshire.
• Two integrated care centres:
  Aberaeron and Cardigan (Ceredigion), plus other community settings.
• 47 general practices (six are Board‑managed) and dental practices (including four orthodontic).
• 97 community pharmacies, 43 general ophthalmic practices, and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers.
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services.

The Health Board is committed to supporting staff in embracing bilingualism. Applicants who communicate in Welsh are welcomed. If you do not meet the Welsh language requirements, the Board offers learning options.

Interviews will be held on 04/02/2026.