We are seeking an experienced Improvement Director with a mental health background to support an NHS Trust in reducing delays and length of stay, while providing assurance to the ICB under increasing regulatory scrutiny. This position is an initial 3-month contract (likely extension), with an immediate start ideally week commencing 21st, working a minimum of 3 days per week on-site in Sussex.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and assurance to the ICB and Trust on improvement plans to reduce 12-hour delays and lengths of stay within mental health services.
• Conduct a baseline assessment and develop a clear strategic plan aligned with existing initiatives.
• Engage and build relationships with C-suite leaders, the Chief Medical Officer, ACU, and divisional leadership to drive improvement priorities.
• Guide, support, and align teams around improvement delivery while maintaining a hands-off, assurance-focused position.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report progress to executive leadership and regulatory bodies.
• Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities within operational and clinical processes to support sustainable improvements.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Senior leadership experience at C-suite or equivalent level within mental health services.
• Background in operations and/or clinical leadership within NHS or mental health provider settings.
• Experience leading or providing assurance on service improvement and transformation initiatives within pressured regulatory environments.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing, and collaborative skills to align clinical, operational, and system leaders.
• Ability to assess service delivery rapidly and develop a clear improvement roadmap.

Details:

• Location: Sussex (South Coast)
• Days: Minimum 3 days per week on-site (flexible)
• Rate: £650-£750 per day (Outside IR35)
• Start: Ideally week commencing 21st
• Contract: Initial 3 months, likely extension

Why This Role: This is an opportunity to make a strategic impact on patient flow, quality, and regulatory assurance within a mental health system under significant scrutiny while working with a supportive executive team, shaping improvement in a focused, meaningful way.