Deputy Director

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, dynamic and motivated leader to join NELFT as Deputy Director for Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock. This senior leadership role will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of community health services, working closely with clinical, operational and corporate colleagues to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care for local communities.

As a key member of the Directorate Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping service delivery, driving transformation & delivering value and supporting the achievement of local and Trust-wide priorities. You will lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams, develop strong relationships with system partners, commissioners and stakeholders, and ensure services remain responsive to the changing needs of the population we serve

Main duties of the jobThe successful candidate will be an experienced senior manager with a proven track record of leading complex services, managing organisational change and delivering sustainable improvements in quality, performance and patient experience. You will be able to demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills, with a commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement

About us

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and community services for over 4.9 million people living in the London Boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and across Essex.

We work to ensure our patients, their friends and family, feel confident that their health needs are well met. With an excellent reputation for research and development, our skilled health professionals are at the cutting edge of evidence-based innovation, opening up the possibilities for better ways of working and delivery of care.

Details Date posted
04 September 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 8dSalary
94,356 to 108,814 a year

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference numberNDD-001915

Job locations

Phoenix House Basildon Essex SS
14 3EZ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

Joining NELFT means becoming part of a compassionate, inclusive and ambitious organisation that values its staff and is committed to delivering outstanding care. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a significant contribution to the future of healthcare services across Basildon and Brentwood.

This is an exciting time to join NELFT as we continue to strengthen integrated working, improve outcomes for our residents and deliver innovative services across our local communities. We are looking for an exceptional leader who shares our values and is passionate about making a positive difference for patients, carers and staff.

Our Values We are Kind We are respectful We work together with our communities

Main duties of the jobTo formally deputise for the Service Director, both externally and internally on all aspects of the directorate.

To build effective partnerships with ICBs, Local Authorities, Acute Care Trusts, and other Public Sector/Voluntary Sector providers in both your own portfolio and other directorate portfolios (supporting ADs).To ensure that communication with partners is effective and enables a cohesive system-wide environment to foster positive patient outcomes from both a health and social care perspective.

To communicate effectively to ensure that Directors and above are appraised of key operational issues.

To effectively communicate with direct reports and all staff to cascade decisions, operating procedures, policies and learning, to ensure effective and safe services.

To communicate escalations promptly, in order to ensure the Trust’s reaction is responsive, considered and with an awareness of the effect on the Trust’s reputation.

To set and review objectives, in the context of strategic developments, within the Services.

To work in partnership with patients and carers working towards the highest standards.

To establish effective means of service co-ordination of services to ensure care is delivered in the least restrictive and disruptive manner possible.

To hold budgetary responsibility and accountability relating to all service areas within the remit of the post.

To effectively report against targets and provide insights into the performance of the Directorate.

To develop effective patient centred decision-making processes.

To…