Head of Therapies(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Lead and Shape Specialist Therapy Services

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is seeking a compassionate and forward-thinking healthcare leader to take on the role of Head of Therapies. This senior position provides the opportunity to guide the development and transformation of therapy services within one of the world’s most respected paediatric hospitals.

The successful candidate will play a central role in leading multidisciplinary therapy teams and supporting service redesign initiatives that directly improve the care and outcomes of children and young people receiving treatment at GOSH.

This position sits within the Core Clinical Services (CCS) Directorate Senior Leadership Team and will contribute to the strategic direction of therapy services during a period of organisational development and innovation.

The Role in Context

As Head of Therapies, you will oversee several allied health professional services and provide senior leadership for therapy teams across the hospital. The role is both strategic and operational, requiring collaboration with clinicians, senior managers and external partners to ensure therapy services remain responsive to patient needs and aligned with NHS priorities.

You will also contribute to broader programmes within the directorate, supporting initiatives that enhance clinical quality, workforce development and service delivery.

Core Responsibilities

Key responsibilities for this role include:

Leading the Therapies Service within the Core Clinical Services Directorate

Providing strategic leadership for the hospital’s therapy disciplines including:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Dietetics
• Supporting service transformation programmes aimed at improving patient care and clinical outcomes
• Ensuring therapy services align with NHS quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Promoting continuous quality improvement across therapy teams
• Collaborating with Heads of Profession and senior clinical leaders to develop operational and strategic plans
• Managing resources effectively while maintaining high standards of patient safety and care
• Supporting workforce development, engagement and professional leadership

Leadership and Strategic Impact

This is a highly influential leadership role. The successful candidate will help shape the future direction of therapy services within the hospital while also contributing to system-wide healthcare initiatives.

You will work closely with senior leadership across the organisation to:

• Implement service improvements and operational strategies
• Lead projects that support innovation and transformation
• Strengthen partnerships across clinical teams and external healthcare organisations
• Ensure therapy services remain patient-centred, effective and sustainable

Working at Great Ormond Street Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital is internationally recognised for delivering specialist healthcare for children and young people. The hospital’s mission is to combine clinical excellence with research and innovation to improve the lives of patients and families.

The organisation places strong emphasis on teamwork, professional development and inclusive leadership.

GOSH supports a number of staff networks that promote equality, representation and collaboration, including:

• REACH – Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Network
• ENABLED – Disability and Accessibility Network
• PRIDE Network
• Women’s Staff Network
• These initiatives ensure staff across all backgrounds feel supported and empowered.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate the following qualifications and professional credentials:

• First degree or equivalent professional experience at a senior clinical or managerial level
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Professional qualification in an Allied Health Profession (AHP) discipline
• Evidence of maintaining continuous professional development (CPD)
• Desirable qualifications include a Master’s degree in healthcare, leadership or management, or equivalent experience working at postgraduate level.

Essential Experience

• The successful candidate should demonstrate substantial leadership experience, including:
• Senior leadership experience within healthcare services
• Evidence of contributing to organisational change programmes
• Experience supporting professional workforce development and engagement
• Experience working with healthcare regulators such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Proven involvement in quality improvement programmes and patient safety initiatives
• Experience in workforce planning and service redesign
• Experience leading large-scale transformation projects within Allied Health Professional services would be beneficial.

Key Skills and Competencies

Candidates should possess strong professional and leadership capabilities, including:

• Proven leadership and team development skills
• Strategic thinking and service planning expertise
• Ability to produce business cases and professional reports
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
• Advanced IT and data analysis skills
• Experience addressing complex organisational challenges
• Formal project management training or experience in quality improvement methodologies would be an advantage.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Great Ormond Street Hospital is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups.

The Trust values diversity and believes inclusive leadership strengthens the quality of care delivered to children and families.

Recruitment Process

Applications will be assessed against the role’s person specification and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Due to high interest in senior NHS leadership roles, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Candidates who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered alongside all other applicants.

Useful UK Government Resources

For candidates interested in working in the United Kingdom healthcare sector, the following official government resources may be helpful:

• Skilled Worker visa guidance
• Proving your right to work in the UK
• Employment rights in the UK
• Professional regulation for healthcare professionals
• Information about the UK National Health Service