Head of Dietetics

The Head of Dietetics role reports to the Divisional Director of Allied Health Professions. There will be an expectation for close working relationships with other Managers and deputies across the Trust. The post holder is responsible for operational management and professional leadership for Dietetics within the division.

The post holder will guide, coach and mentor the hospital site Therapy & Dietetic leads regarding Dietetics ensuring day to day delivery of services. An expectation to oversee and give delegated responsibility for that Dietetic budgets that are in financial balance and support the generation of efficiency savings and business cases. Leadership to ensure systems and process are established to support the quality and safety of patient care is essential.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.

The post holder provides professional leadership for Dietetics across UHSx, supporting the AHP Lead to deliver strategic goals, resolve operational pressures, and reduce unwarranted variation. They ensure accurate activity data, delivery of KPIs, statutory compliance, and production of monthly performance reports. The role oversees high‑quality, safe, efficient dietetic care and contributes to wider public health initiatives.

They promote distributive leadership, coaching, and mentoring to empower site Therapy & Dietetic Leads and develop a diverse, values‑driven workforce. The post holder supports achievement of clinical, operational, and quality targets, chairs operational/governance meetings, and assures robust governance, best practice, and effective systems.

As part of the senior AHP leadership team, they influence clinical and operational decisions, provide out‑of‑hours professional leadership, and participate in on‑call duties. They contribute to performance indicators that drive flow, sustainability, and continuous improvement, including attendance at escalation meetings when required.

They build strong partnerships within the Trust and regional/national networks, supporting ICS priorities, improved discharge pathways, reduced admissions, and potential 7‑day service models. The role leads the development of new care models and pathways aligned to population needs. This is primarily a management-focused position with responsibilities agreed in the job plan.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

1. Communication & Representation

Represent the Trust in national, regional, and local forums regarding Dietetic workforce and service matters.

Work with committees, staff, and external bodies to promote the Trust’s Dietetic vision and goals.

Influence policy development internally and externally.

Promote the Trust’s Dietetic services through clear communication of objectives and achievements.

Ensure meaningful stakeholder engagement, including staff-side and union partners.

Attend relevant Trust, divisional, and system meetings and communicate issues effectively.

Deliver presentations on complex subjects and manage the communication of sensitive information to patients and families.

2. Service Delivery & Improvement

Lead continuous professional development across Dietetics and support advanced/consultant practice.

Provide senior management advice, promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and help resolve complex service issues.

Support quality improvement, analyse quality data, and produce reports for divisional leadership.

Develop and implement care standards, pathways, policies, and governance systems.

Promote safety, risk management, and compliance with Health & Safety and regulatory requirements.

Lead or support investigations of serious incidents and complaints.

Oversee areas such as clinical governance, safer staffing, HCPC fitness-to-practice processes, and equipment standards.

Manage delegated budgets responsibly and ensure financial governance is maintained.

Contribute to pathway redesign, procurement activity, cost improvement programmes, and business continuity responses.

Support delivery of national strategies including the NHS Long Term Plan, NICE guidance, and AHP frameworks.

Participate in the Trust on‑call rota.

3. People Management & Development

Lead, mentor, and inspire Dietitians, ensuring a positive culture and safeguarding is maintained.

Ensure staff work within HCPC requirements and that registration checks are robust.

Manage e-rostering, workforce planning, recruitment, and performance issues.

Support Trust‑wide service development and represent Dietetics in multi-agency and regional networks.

Lead service strategy, business planning, improvement work, and development of new roles.

Support high-quality Dietetic training and clinical placements.

Ensure continuous learning needs analysis and development strategies for Dietetic teams.

Develop specialist expertise across conditions such as diabetes, allergy, eating disorders, IBS, malnutrition, renal disease, and bowel disorders; influence food and health strategies Trust‑wide.

4. Patient Care Delivery

Maintain clinical credibility and HCPC registration.

Provide expert clinical advice within an agreed specialist area.

Ensure safe, high-quality, cost-effective Dietetic care aligned with national standards and Trust values.

Establish and monitor KPIs, take action on performance issues, and contribute to strategic planning.

Ensure Dietetic services support Trust priorities and commissioning requirements.

Maintain data systems, conduct skill mix reviews, and introduce new workforce models where needed.

Manage performance, conduct, grievances, and workforce challenges.

Escalate concerns appropriately to divisional leadership or the Chief Nurse.

5. Learning & Development

Ensure mandatory training compliance across Dietetics.

Undertake personal development and participate fully in appraisal processes.

Identify personal learning needs and plan development with line management.

Ensure practice is based on the latest public health and scientific research and translate this into patient‑centred guidance.