Head of Integrated Care
Job Description
Job summary
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Integrated Care to join the Primary, Community and Intermediate Care Clinical Board.
This senior leadership role will drive the development and delivery of integrated services that support timely hospital discharge, improve patient flow and strengthen care closer to home. Working across health, social care and third-sector organisations, the post holder will lead service transformation, oversee operational and financial performance, and contribute to strategic decision-making across the Health Board.
The successful candidate will have significant senior leadership experience within health and/or social care, a proven track record in service improvement and change management, and strong partnership-working skills. They will be an effective communicator, able to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining a focus on quality, safety and performance.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping integrated care services across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, improving patient outcomes and supporting the delivery of seamless, person-centred care.
This post is Fixed Term/Secondment until 26th March 2027 due to the needs of the service.
If you are interested in applying for the secondment position, you must obtain permission from your current line manager prior to applying for this post.
Main duties of the job
As Head of Integrated Care , you will provide strategic and operational leadership for integrated care services across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, supporting the delivery of the Home First and Care Closer to Home agendas. The role focuses on improving patient flow, reducing delays in hospital discharge and strengthening integrated care pathways.
You will lead the Integrated Discharge Service and community hospital wards, ensuring safe, effective and high-quality care. Working with Health Board colleagues, Local Authorities, primary care and third-sector partners, you will develop collaborative approaches that improve patient outcomes and support integrated care delivery.
The post holder will lead service transformation and improvement programmes, using data, evidence and best practice to improve performance, redesign services and maximise resources. You will contribute to strategic planning, workforce development and organisational objectives while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety and continuous improvement.
We are seeking an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of delivering change within healthcare services. You will demonstrate strong leadership, partnership-working and stakeholder engagement skills, alongside experience of leading teams and managing resources. A strong understanding of patient flow, discharge planning, community services and integrated models of care is essential.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Job responsibilities
The Head of Integrated Care is a senior leadership role within the Primary, Community and Intermediate Care Clinical Board, providing strategic, operational and professional leadership for integrated care services. The post holder will lead services that support timely hospital discharge, improve patient flow and strengthen care closer to home through effective partnership working across health, social care and third-sector organisations.
The role has overall responsibility for the Integrated Discharge Service and community hospital wards , ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred and aligned with Health Board priorities. Working closely with internal and external partners, the post holder will support the development of integrated models of care that improve outcomes and reduce reliance on acute hospital services.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and Service Development
- Lead the development and implementation of integrated care strategies supporting the Home First and Care Closer to Home agendas.
- Drive service transformation programmes that improve patient pathways and outcomes.
- Develop effective partnerships with Local Authorities, primary care, third-sector organisations and regional partners.
- Contribute to Clinical Board, Health Board, regional and national priorities.
- Support the development of innovative and sustainable models of care.
Operational Management
- Provide leadership and management for the Integrated Discharge Service and community hospital wards.
- Ensure delivery of agreed quality, performance, workforce and financial objectives.
- Lead initiatives to improve discharge planning and reduce delays in care transfers.
- Monitor performance and implement improvement plans where required.
- Maintain robust governance arrangements to support safe and effective services.
Quality, Safety and Governance
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, quality and patient safety.
- Ensure services are delivered in line with best practice, legislation and Health Board policies.
- Manage risks appropriately and lead service reviews, audits and evaluations.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, infection prevention and control, and information governance requirements.
Partnership Working and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders across health, social care and partner organisations.
- Represent the Clinical Board and Health Board at local, regional and national forums.
- Provide expert advice on integrated care, discharge planning and patient flow.
- Lead collaborative approaches to address system-wide challenges and improve service delivery.
Leadership and Workforce Development
- Provide visible leadership to multidisciplinary teams, fostering a positive and high-performing culture.
- Lead workforce planning, development and service redesign initiatives.
- Ensure effective recruitment, appraisal, supervision and performance management processes.
- Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Demonstrate and promote the Health Board's values and behaviours.
Financial and Resource Management
- Manage delegated budgets and resources, ensuring delivery of financial plans and efficiency objectives.
- Maximise the effective use of workforce, financial and physical resources.
- Identify opportunities for service improvement and value while maintaining quality and safety.
The post holder will work closely with:
- Director of Operations
- Director of Nursing, Primary, Community and Intermediate Care
- Clinical Board Executive Teams
- Senior Clinical Leaders and Healthcare Professionals
- Local Authority Directors and Senior Managers
- Regional Partnership Board Representatives
- Primary Care Providers
- Third Sector and Independent Sector Partners
- Welsh Government and NHS Wales Colleagues
- Trade Union and Staff Side Representatives
- Patients, Carers and Public Representatives
The post holder will work autonomously within agreed objectives, exercising a high level of professional judgement and decision-making while contributing to Health Board, regional and national priorities.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
Person Specification
Person Specification
Essential
- Registered Healthcare Professional with current registration with an appropriate professional regulatory body
- Master's Degree or equivalent ...
