Director of Care

The Director of Care is a key leadership role responsible for the strategic development, operational management, and continuous improvement of patient care services within the Mary Stevens Hospice. Ensuring the highest standards of palliative and end-of-life care are delivered in line with regulatory requirements, national best practices, and the values of the hospice. Working closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Care will provide visionary leadership, fostering a culture of compassion, excellence, and innovation in patient care.

They will take the role and responsibilities as the registered manager for the hospice and its regulated activities in accordance with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The postholder will act as the Director for Infection Prevention.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·       As the Registered Manager, you will ensure that all legislative requirements of the Care Quality Commission are adhered to within the necessary timeframes, maintaining outstanding ratings where possible.

·       Develop and implement the hospice’s care strategy in line with the organisational vision.

·       To lead on the delivery of care strategies to always ensure outstanding standards of patient care and safety.

·       Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies, including the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

·       Chair the Infection Prevention committee and report to the Senior Leadership Team any actions required.

·       Monitor and be responsible for quality assurance and governance standards across all clinical services.

·       Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and quality assurance frameworks.

·       Ensure hospice compliance with local and national standards and ensure that regular audits of all care services are carried out and improvements in practice are instigated as needed.

·       Attend regular Trustee meetings as a member of the Senior Leadership Team providing reports as requested.

·       Provide the CEO with information on clinical operational issues and any risks to service delivery with recommendations for action, in a timely manner.

·       To develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with external stakeholders, including the Integrated Care Board and commissioning bodies, to influence palliative care provision across Dudley and the wider community.

·       Represent the hospice at local Place and End of Life meetings as required.

·       Provide strong leadership, support and supervision across the clinical and supportive care teams maintaining professional and ethical standards.

·       Manage and monitor clinical effectiveness, ensuring continuous quality improvement.

·       Management of direct reports by providing support, supervision and advice through regular 1:1s and annual appraisals fostering a developmental culture and consistently applying the hospice HR policies and procedures as appropriate.

·       Being a role model and advocate for the hospice values of Care, Compassion and Kindness. 

·       Provide inspirational leadership to clinical teams, ensuring a culture of professional development, well-being, and engagement.

·       Support and mentor clinical managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

·       Champion staff training and development, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory standards.

·       Participate in the development of the hospice’s education programme both internally and externally.

·       Work with senior colleagues to monitor cost efficiencies and cost improvement opportunities.

·       Represent the hospice at regional and national forums, influencing policy and best practices in palliative care.

·       Develop strong relationships with commissioners, donors, and external healthcare organisations to ensure service sustainability.

·       Work with the CEO and Finance Director to manage care budgets efficiently.

·       Ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining high standards of care.

This is not an exhaustive list and you may be required to carry out other reasonable tasks to support the smooth running of the hospice. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Educated to degree level in related healthcare field

Registered health professional

Leadership qualification/ or demonstratable leadership experience

Excellent IT skills-Excel, Word, MS Office

Minimum of 5 years’ post registration experience

Excellent leadership skills

Knowledge of healthcare sector

Experience of leading infection prevention practice

Strong knowledge of CQC and other regulatory requirements

Evidence of advanced communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Enhanced DBS 

Desirable

Experience in a palliative care environment

Non-medical prescriber