Onward Care Team Deputy Clinical Lead, Band 7

Onward Care Team Deputy Clinical Lead, Band 7

The closing date is 30 September 2026

Are you passionate about helping people return home from hospital safely, effectively and with their voice at the centre of every decision?

Would your patients and colleagues describe you as a clinician who leads with compassion, influences positive change and champions outstanding discharge planning?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated clinician to join our Onward Care Team (OCT) as Deputy Clinical Lead, providing maternity leave cover for one of our two deputy leadership posts.

This is a fixed-term opportunity for 6 months, with the potential for a further 6-month extension, offering the chance to play a key role in supporting patients across Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals to achieve the right discharge outcome at the right time.

As part of the OCT senior leadership team, you will help lead a team of specialist clinicians, provide expert advice on complex onward care planning, support workforce development and contribute to the continued transformation of discharge services across Gloucestershire.

We are looking for a dynamic, proactive and compassionate leader who can embrace change, inspire others and help shape the future of onward care planning for the people of Gloucestershire.

The proposed interview date is: 9th October

As Deputy Clinical Lead for the Onward Care Team, you will provide leadership and expert clinical support to deliver safe, timely and person-centred discharge planning. Working across Gloucestershire Hospitals and the wider health and care system, you will support patients to return home wherever possible, develop colleagues, lead service improvements and help shape the future of Home First and integrated discharge planning

The Onward Care Team works across Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals, supporting ward teams to deliver safe, timely and person-centred discharge planning.

We are a highly supportive, collaborative and solutions-focused team. We are trusted to respond flexibly to operational challenges, working together to find practical solutions that help patients achieve the right discharge outcome at the right time.

As our service continues to evolve, we are strengthening our partnerships with therapy, nursing and medical colleagues, alongside system partners across health and social care, to support the Trust's ambition of delivering outstanding onward care planning and achieving #Landing Outstanding.

We are proud of our positive team culture. Working in OCT means balancing complex operational demands with professionalism, resilience, compassion and a healthy sense of humour. We value colleagues who are approachable, supportive of others and committed to making a difference for patients and teams across the Trust.

The Deputy Clinical Lead for the Onward Care Team (OCT) is a senior clinical leadership role responsible for supporting safe, timely and person-centred discharge planning across Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals. Working as part of the OCT senior leadership team, the postholder will help shape discharge practice across the Trust and wider health and care system, ensuring patients are supported to achieve the right discharge outcome at the right time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clinical, operational and professional leadership within the Onward Care Team.
• Supporting and developing a team of specialist clinicians across both hospital sites.
• Delivering expert advice and guidance on complex onward care planning and discharge arrangements.
• Promoting a Home First approach that maximises independence and supports patient choice.
• Working…