Clinical Director: MH, LD, Autism and Neurodivergence

Job summary
The Clinical Director (mental health, learning disability and autism, and neurodiversity) is a senior clinical leader who will provide local system leadership connecting Surrey and Sussex ICB's clinical leadership team with commissioning colleagues working in these areas.

Main duties of the job
The postholder will support the strengthening of clinical and professional collaboration across system and place, build partnerships with system partners, provider collaboratives, public health and community organisations and champion improvements in access, patient outcomes and equity in care for local populations. They will inspire and lead clinical colleagues to embed the ICB's population health strategy locally, target health inequalities and drive transformation of primary and community services.The postholder is accountable to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and CMO directorate. They are responsible for ensuring high standards of clinical governance, information governance and professional leadership across primary care and neighbourhood portfolios. There will be a need to cross cover colleagues and show flexibility adjusting to the organisational priorities as well as supporting the wider executive team in a multi-disciplinary approach.The post holder may be required to carry out other duties as required, in line with their skills and experience.

About us
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has the responsibility to decide what health services are needed in Surrey and Sussex and set out how they will be provided, making sure hospitals, primary care, and other services work together, rather than in silos, for the benefit of everyone in the community. NHS Surrey Heartlands and Sussex ICB achieve this by working in partnership with local health and care organisations, staff, patients, carers, families and the public, to support three million people across Surrey and Sussex to live healthier lives. Together, we have an ambitious vision for improving health and care services across Surrey and Sussex. We are working to: Improve health and care outcomes for everyone, with a focus on preventing ill health and proactive care. Tackle inequalities to reduce unfair gaps in access, experience, and outcomes. Get better value from our services by enhancing productivity and value for money. Support local communities to grow and thrive through social and economic development. We also work with NHS trusts and organisations which deliver healthcare services through developing Provider Collaboratives to improve healthcare pathways, so local people experience better care and outcomes.

Date posted: 22 July 2026
Pay scheme: Hospital medical and dental staff
Grade: Doctor - other
Salary: Depending on experience
Aligns with VSM pay framework
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 256-SH-7942563-4
Job locations: Dukes Court, Woking, GU21 5BH, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
Work with ICB colleagues and system partners to collectively oversee the quality and safety of all health services, ensuring that there is a collective accountability for high standards of clinical care across the System. Take a lead role on behalf of the ICB and where required on behalf of NHS England and NHS Improvement, to ensure there are appropriate and effective clinical monitoring, and performance arrangements in place, such that the system has robust quality and safety of clinical care outcomes through insight, involvement and improvement which meet the needs of its population. Work with ICB colleagues and system partners to identify and address underperformance in a timely manner and promote continuous quality improvement through learning, improvement methodologies, research, and innovation. Promote and lead data-driven quality improvement initiatives which have a direct impact on the population health needs of the system through innovative solutions driven by research Support wider executive colleagues in influencing strategic change and collaborative initiatives which have a direct impact on population health outcomes, including key matters such as future workforce supply, quality and safety initiatives and system-wide joint working at a strategic board level with system partners. Promote patient and public involvement in service design and decision-making and champion the delivery of personalised care in all clinical practice. Engage with key system leaders to collectively provide leadership for the medical profession within health and social care. Ensure there is clinical input, including robust and considered challenge, into ICB decision-making at all levels. Lead the clinical support function spanning all aspects of service delivery.

Person Specification
Qualifications

• Registered Medical practitioner with a registered body (GMC) or equivalent for other professions.
• Evidence of sustained personal & professional development.
• Masters level qualification or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Postgraduate management and leadership qualification at Master level.

Experience

• A proven track record of driving improvements in performance and standards of care and delivering change within an organisation.
• Experience in dealing with the complex field of litigation, regulation & improvement.
• Experience in the management of complex projects.
• Experience of successfully operating in and delivering priorities in a partnership environment.
• Significant experience in leading and developing strategy across multiple partners and stakeholders, achieving consensus and managing successful delivery.
• Significant experience in performance management approaches including analysis of data and performance reporting.
• Substantial experience of providing board level and/or system leadership within a regulatory environment and across complex systems with demonstrable impact.

Knowledge

• In depth understanding of the NHS and social care workforce and an ability to develop capability within the ICS.
• Demonstrable understanding of strategic commissioning, oversight and control of public funds and national policy and direction.

Skills

• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, building confidence across communities, clinicians, politicians and partners.
• Strong critical thinking and strategic problem-solving, anticipating and framing complex issues.
• Advanced data-literacy and analytical capability, converting insights into strategic decisions.
• Ability to provide effective clinical leadership, mentorship and professional development at a very senor level.
• Ability to manage highly sensitive situations with stakeholders and manage relationships with the media.

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.

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.