Director of Improvement

Position Overview

The Director of Improvement is a senior, executive-level leadership position responsible for defining and leading the continuous improvement initiatives across University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. This role serves as the principal expert on continuous improvement within the organisation, ensuring that improvement efforts are fully integrated into corporate strategy, decision-making, and operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance the Trust’s improvement strategy, cultivating a powerful vision for the Patient First programme that motivates employees at all levels.
• Expand improvement capacity, expertise, and culture organisation-wide, enabling all staff members to contribute through coaching, training, and systematic approaches.
• Collaborate with care groups and clinical directors to embed improvement principles within clinical leadership and service design and redesign.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to ensure alignment with national priorities such as the NHS Long Term Plan and NHS People Plan, alongside regulatory requirements from the CQC, DHSC, and ICS.
• Serve as a senior system leader representing the Trust at local, regional, and national forums, influencing policies and practices, supporting academic research and professional networks, and ensuring patient and community perspectives are central to improvement efforts.

About the Trust

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust employs approximately 10,000 staff members and delivers widely respected healthcare services to local populations. The Trust is undergoing transformative change, including significant investment in hospital infrastructure, service redesign, and a commitment to sustainable, high-quality care. The Patient First initiative is central to these efforts, promoting a sustainable culture where continuous improvement supports thriving staff and enhanced patient care experiences.

Additional Information

The role includes senior leadership over the Improvement Team and deputises for the Chief Medical Officer within the relevant portfolio as required. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed per Trust policies and subject to internal evaluation.

For further enquiries or to arrange an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please contact Sandy Bruin, Executive Assistant/PA to the Director of Improvement, at sandy.bruin@nhs.net or via telephone at 0300 019 2595.

Application Process

• Applications close at midnight on July 29, 2026.
• Shortlisting will occur on July 30 and 31, 2026.
• Applicants will be contacted starting August 3, 2026.
• Interview selections will take place on August 11 or 12, 2026.