Deputy Head of Learning Disability, Autism Programme & MH
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Surrey and Sussex ICB Deputy Head of Learning Disability, Autism Programme & MH
The closing date is 11 November 2026
Job summary
The postholder will require dynamic leadership and excellent communication skills, a proven capacity to work across the multidisciplinary spectrum at both strategic and operational levels, to engage service users and key stakeholders and demonstrable competencies in the management and delivery of the Mental Health S117 and Learning Disability Autism programme.
The post holder will contribute to the department's strategic workforce planning, governance, quality improvement, financial and performance management processes and will have responsibility for their effective implementation of these processes across those services for which they have responsibility
Main duties of the job
The key responsibilities of the postholder are to:
To support the Head LDA/MHS117 Service in managing the budget; ensuring expenditure is properly controlled through having in place appropriate commissioning and operational processes and practices that are adhered to by the operational team.
Communicate highly complex and sensitive information to large groups including patients, families, carers and other organisations
Support the development and delivery of joint training programmes with the Local Authority regarding all process and policies (local and national) regarding Section 117 Aftercare and Learning Disability and Autism Programme.
To develop and implement measures to ensure that services promote patient centred care, promote clinical quality and patient safety, ensure services provide value for money, contribute to commissioning intentions ensuring services fit the needs of the local population in relation to S117 aftercare.
Ensure that the LDA/MHS117 Team works in accordance with Adult Safeguarding policies and procedures; responding to safeguarding concerns, coordinating the team to carry out reviews as required, and participating in multi-agency safeguarding meetings
To ensure the service complies with all professional, regulatory and statutory standards
About us
The Integrated Care Board (ICB) has the responsibility to decide whathealth services are needed in Surrey and Sussex and set out how they'll 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 byworking in partnership with local health and care organisations, staff, patients, carers,familiesand 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.
To achieve this, we need a team of people who can think beyond organisational boundaries, strong collaborators who can navigate complexity, challenge constructively, and keep communities at the centre of decisions.
Details
Date posted
28 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8b
Salary
£66,582 to £77,368 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
256-SH-7947991-4
Job locations
Sackville House
Lewes
BN7 2FZ
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job description is an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role, and the job specification is an outline of the skills, experience and qualities needed. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Directorate and ICB.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The job description is an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role, and the job specification is an outline of the skills, experience and qualities needed. The job holder will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by their line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the Directorate and ICB.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Essential
- oEducated to master's level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- oExtensive knowledge of specialist areas such as LDA, S117 All Age Continuing Care, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience
- oEvidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- oMust have an understanding of the background to and aims of current health and care policies, priorities and strategy in ICBS and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- oShould have an appreciation of the relationship between key systems partners, including County Council and wider regional and national bodies e.g., NHSE.
- oMember of relevant professional body
- oProfessional Healthcare/Clinical qualification and current registration with relevant professional body e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council
Analytical
Essential
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to project or service delivery.
- Ability to understand a broad range of complex information quickly and making decisions where opinions differ/no obvious solution
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential
- Developed communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) to the organisation, some at very senior level.
- Good presentational skills for conveying complex concepts.
- Ability to use informed persuasion to influence others.
Management Skills
Essential
- Abilities for financial and staff management
Planning Skills
Essential
- Evidence of planning and delivering programmes and projects and services on time.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills.
Equality and Diversity
Essential
- Will consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and has the ability to take actions which support and promote this agenda.
Autonomy
Essential
- Ability to work without supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales
Financial and Physical Resources
Essential
- Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes
Other
Essential
- Team working skills
- Self-motivated
- Ability to move between details and the bigger picture.
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values.
- Embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and develop
- Ability to demonstrate the NHS and ICS values and behaviours in all aspects of work and interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, patients and service users.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Essential
- oEducated to master's level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- oExtensive knowledge of specialist areas such as LDA, S117 All Age Continuing Care, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training plus further specialist knowledge or experience
- oEvidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development
- oMust have an understanding of the background to and aims of current health and care policies, priorities and strategy in ICBS and appreciate the implications of this on engagement
- oShould have an appreciation of the relationship between key systems partners, including County Council and wider regional and national bodies e.g., NHSE.
- oMember of relevant professional body
- oProfessional Healthcare/Clinical qualification and current registration with relevant professional body e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council
Analytical
Essential
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to project or service delivery.
- Ability to understand a broad range of complex information quickly and making decisions where opinions differ/no obvious solution
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential
- Developed communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) to the organisation, some at very senior level.
- Good presentational skills for conveying complex concepts.
- Ability to use informed persuasion to influence others.
Management Skills
Essential
- Abilities for financial and staff management
Planning Skills
Essential
- Evidence of planning and delivering programmes and projects and services on time.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office with intermediate keyboard skills.
Equality and Diversity
Essential
- Will consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and has the ability to take actions which support and promote this agenda.
Autonomy
Essential
- Ability to work without supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales
Financial and Physical Resources
Essential
- Previously responsible for a budget, involved in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes
Other
Essential
- Team working skills
- Self-motivated
- Ability to move between details and the bigger picture.
- Demonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values.
- Embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and develop
- Ability to demonstrate the NHS and ICS values and behaviours in all aspects of work and interactions with colleagues, stakeholders, patients and service users.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Surrey and Sussex ICB
Address
Sackville House
Lewes
BN7 2FZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.surreysussex.icb.nhs.uk/home (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Surrey and Sussex ICB
Address
Sackville House
Lewes
BN7 2FZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.surreysussex.icb.nhs.uk/home (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Director Quality, Safety & Experience
Mandy Catchpole
Details
Date posted
28 October 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8b
Salary
£66,582 to £77,368 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
256-SH-7947991-4
Job locations
Sackville House
Lewes
BN7 2FZ
United Kingdom
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
Surrey and Sussex ICB's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)
Support links
© Crown copyright
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