Programme Director(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a strategic and values-driven Director to lead a high-profile special interest programme across the organisation. This senior leadership role focuses on strengthening quality, safety, and experience for patients, carers, families, and staff while ensuring long-term sustainability of services.

The successful candidate will work across multiple systems and organisations, building trusted relationships with regulators, commissioners, and partner agencies. The role requires sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory and political environments while maintaining a strong focus on compassionate leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for a major special interest programme, ensuring it aligns with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Shape future service development by identifying risks, opportunities, and innovation pathways.
• Contribute to organisation-wide planning, including strategic and operational programmes.

Governance and Assurance

• Ensure all programme activities operate within established regulatory and governance frameworks.
• Oversee robust assurance processes that support transparency, accountability, and safe practice.
• Work closely with regulatory bodies and commissioners to maintain compliance and service standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with senior stakeholders across health and social care systems.
• Represent the organisation confidently in discussions with regulators, system partners, and community representatives.
• Manage sensitive relationships and communications with diplomacy and professionalism.

Leadership and Culture

• Lead multidisciplinary teams and promote collaborative working across departments.
• Encourage openness, accountability, and continuous learning within the organisation.
• Support a culture of respect, compassion, and inclusion in line with the Trust’s values.

About the Organisation

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health and learning disability services across County Durham, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York, and Selby.

The Trust works with communities, partners, and service users to deliver compassionate and effective care. Services range from prevention and early intervention to crisis and specialist support. The organisation is committed to innovation, partnership working, and improving wellbeing across the region.

Interview Dates

Provisional interviews: 23–24 April 2026

Person Specification

Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate the following:

• Master’s degree level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to senior leadership roles.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and statutory requirements affecting healthcare organisations.

Knowledge and Expertise

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of national NHS policy, governance structures, and regulatory expectations.
• Knowledge of statutory and non-statutory inquiry processes.
• Strategic insight into healthcare commissioning, legislation, and system transformation.
• Awareness of evidence-based practice and innovation in service improvement.

Experience

Essential experience includes:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex organisation or healthcare system.
• Leading large-scale programmes or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing strategic plans and operational frameworks.
• Managing multidisciplinary teams and working collaboratively with external partners.
• Delivering successful programme or project outcomes within challenging environments.

Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical abilities, including interpreting complex data to support decision-making.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
• Negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience and the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
• A leadership style that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

Compliance and Safeguarding

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

This role requires a criminal record check through the UK Disclosure and Barring Service in accordance with safeguarding regulations.

For guidance see:

Disclosure and Barring Service 

Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship

Applicants who require sponsorship to work in the UK may apply and will be considered alongside other candidates.

Further information is available through:

UK Visas and Immigration 

Criminal Record Requirements for Overseas Applicants

International applicants must provide criminal record certificates for countries where they have lived for 12 months or more during the past 10 years.

• Employment Rights and Workplace Standards
• Employees working in the UK are protected under national employment regulations.

Why Join This Organisation

Working with Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful improvements in mental health and learning disability services. The organisation encourages new ideas, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to improving the wellbeing of communities across the region.