Head of Adult Services NHS JD
Argyll and Bute Council · 10 July 2025
Back to Appointments Panel — 10 July 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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1 AGENDA FOR CHANGE NHS JOB EVALUATION SCHEME JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title: Head of Adult Services Reports to: Chief Officer, Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Department, Ward or Section: Argyll & Bute CHP, Directorate or Corporate Department: Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership Job Code: ARGLHSCPADLTMGMT01 No of Job Holders: 2 Effective date of this job description: June 2019 2. JOB PURPOSE The vision of Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland is that the people in Argyll and Bute will live longer, healthier, happier, independent lives. The core values of Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland are: compassion; respect; integrity; team work; equality; fairness; transparency; efficiency; improvement; involvement, co-production and a person-centred approach. The main purpose of integration is to improve the wellbeing of people who use health and social care services, particularly those whose needs are complex and involve support from health and social care at the same time. The Integration Scheme is intended to achieve the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board will plan for and deliver high quality health and social care services to and in partnership with the communities of Argyll and Bute. This is a Head of Service level post, providing strategic and operational leadership to sustain and improve delivery of high quality, effective and person-centred health and social care services to the adult population of the Argyll & Bute. The postholder will: New JD Updated 19/06/2019
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2 Provide leadership for the planning, management, delivery and improvement of an allocated portfolio across Argyll and Bute including hospital and adult community health and social care service across multiple localities. Act as the Portfolio Lead as allocated by Chief Officer on behalf of the A&B Health and Social Care Partnership. As a member of the Management Team fully contribute to and participate in the corporate management of the Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. Demonstrate political awareness and the need to liaise with elected members, Board members and all members of the Integration Joint Board. The post holder will be required to develop effective working relationships with the lead clinician roles and take account of professional issues impacting on service redesign and delivery (e.g. Lead Nurse, Lead AHP, etc.) 3. DIMENSIONS HSCP Annual budget: £380m Staff head count: 3000 approx Population: Argyll and Bute 89,200 approx Geography: 2,700 miles of coastline, 23 inhabited islands and 6 main towns. Operational Unit Budgets: TBA Area: Argyll and Bute HSCP comprises a remote and rural environment including a number of inhabited islands. This provides significant challenges in providing health and social care services, with a limited internal transport and communications infrastructure. There is also a large additional visitor population in summer and winter. To achieve effectiveness across the organisation a matrix management approach and collaborative working is essential. This will require explicit agreement between post holders to facilitate new ways of working and clarity of roles and expectations of staff.
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3 4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION (please note the strategic and operational management structure is currently being reviewed and finalised, the diagram notes reporting relationship and overall staff responsibility) Chief Officer Head of Adult Services (x2) Hospital, Community and Social Care Services across Argyll and Bute
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4 5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT The Health and Social Care Partnership is responsible for the planning and delivery of health and social care services across Argyll & Bute. This includes direct management responsibility for Social Care Services and for all Health services that are agreed to be within the HSCP Agreement. The following Adult Health and Social Care Services are within the remit of the two Heads of Adult Service posts split by allocated portfolio and include: • Adult protection • Adult health and social care community services • Hospital Services • Emergency care • Primary care • Pharmacy • Mental health • Addictions • Learning Disability • Registered social care services including Residential care and home care services • Integrated Community Services • Unscheduled care • Community Mental health services The purpose of the HSCP is to: To develop integrated Health and Social Care Services in partnership with other organisations to provide an efficient and effective service and achieve Local Outcome Agreements. To review all procedures, policies and practice guidelines in relation to Adult Services and to ensure that such are in keeping with best practice, Government circulars, Council objectives and legislation. To ensure that the quality of services provided are of the highest possible standards and Strategic and Service Plans address the needs of all communities throughout Argyll and Bute. The main purpose of integration is to improve the wellbeing of people who use health and social care services, particularly those whose needs are complex and involve support from health and social care at the same time. The Integration Scheme is intended to achieve the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes. Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board will plan for and deliver high quality health and social care services to and in partnership with the communities of Argyll and Bute. Argyll and Bute Integration Joint Board will set out within its Strategic Plan how it will
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5 effectively use allocated resources to deliver the National Health and Wellbeing Outcomes prescribed by the Scottish Ministers in regulations under section 5(1) of the Act, namely that: • People are able to look after and improve their own health and wellbeing and live in good health for longer. • People, including those with disabilities or long-term conditions or who are frail are able to live, as far as reasonably practicable, independently and at home or in a homely setting in their community. • People who use health and social care services have positive experiences of those services, and have their dignity respected. • Health and social care services are centred on helping to maintain or improve the quality of life of people who use those services. • Health and social care services contribute to reducing health inequalities. • People who provide unpaid care are supported to look after their own health and wellbeing, including reducing any negative impact of their caring role on their own health and wellbeing. • People using health and social care services are safe from harm. • People who work in health and social care services feel engaged with the work they do and are supported to continuously improve the information, support, care and treatment they provide. • Resources are used effectively and efficiently in the provision of health and social care services. Any other National Health and Well Being outcomes prescribed by the Scottish Ministers. • Improve the health of the local population and reduce inequalities in health. • Ensure achievement of National targets and the implementation of the Local Delivery Plan. • Manage and improve local health and social care services. • Access high quality specialist care for the population. • Lead and support the development of Primary Care. • Ensure effective and efficient use of resources and achievement of efficiency savings.
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6 6. MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Corporate Management/Strategic Planning • Lead and manage the planning and delivery of high quality safe, effective and person-centred health and adult social care services, integrating service provision across the Areas and with other Areas and other statutory organisations. • Lead the implementation of the Highland Quality Approach and Council’s Planning and Performance Management Framework in Argyll & Bute and ensure learning and innovation lead to improvements in the provision of person-centred, safe, effective and efficient services. • Contribute to the corporate management of the Argyll and Bute Social Care Partnership as a whole, ensuring the effectiveness of all Health & Social Care Services and meeting Government targets within allocated resources. • Manage Risk and Health and Safety and Fire within the Area ensuring systems are in place to identify, assess, manage, monitor and escalate risk appropriately. • Ensure that emergency planning and business continuity plans are developed, implemented and reviewed as appropriate. • To promote change and innovation in accordance with the Partnership’s vision and direction • To develop new ways of working to support continuous improvement • To maintain and promote the core values and corporate goals of the Partnership and ensure they are communicated effectively to employees • To undertake duties in relation to all staffing matters in accordance with policy and procedures. • To actively support and implement corporate objectives and be accountable for their delivery • To proactively manage the health and safety of employees within the posts functional area and ensure that all key elements of effective health and safety management are in place (e.g. risk assessments). • To work cooperatively with others (including external organisations where appropriate) to meet corporate objectives • To work collaborative with partners to develop and implement the HSCP Strategic Plan • To lead on the establishment and development of locality management in alignment with locality planning • Where appropriate deputise for HSCP Chief Officer within departmental and corporate governance structures Functional Leadership • Ensure that Adult Services develops objectives and personal development plans to create a culture of continuous improvement for all staff and support the professional teams to provide effective professional leadership and engagement. • Provide leadership and managerial advice to Adult services including the provision of advice directly to the Chief Officer and ensure clinical, professional and support staff utilise evidence based practice and meet legislative and regulatory Requirements.
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7 • To provide effective management and team leadership • To ensure that employees are kept well informed about corporate objectives and priorities and matters that impact on their employment and the service they provide • To develop service plans and continually review performance, striving to improve the quality and efficiency of the service. • To recruit competent employees • To value others by delegating responsibility and demonstrating trust within agreed boundaries • To actively contribute to a flexible, agile and learning organisation • Foster a culture which is focussed on excellence, ensuring that shoddy practice and lack of person-centred focus are addressed effectively • To ensure that all services meet the required national standards set by NHS HIS and Care Inspectorate for adult and health and social care services and..... • To reduce the risk as far as possible of infections and other healthcare acquired injuries to all people accessing health and care services Service Redesign • Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of agreed service redesign and business transformation projects for the HSCP including health improvement initiatives and promote and consult on proposals for organisation and service change to meet the health needs of the population. • To create a culture where innovation and managed risk taking are encouraged • To take initiative and accept responsibility to ensure that effective outcomes are met • Adopt a co-productive approach, with individuals, communities and staff to the identification of need and to the design, delivery and evaluation of services Patient/Service User Focus and Collaborative Working • Take responsibility for involving patients, clients, staff, staffside representatives, service users and other external organisations e.g. Voluntary and Private Sector in the redesign of services for Argyll & Bute and ensure the development of person- centred services and public involvement in line with the NHS Highland Quality Approach • Lead the involvement and engagement of patients, clients, staff, staff side representatives, service users and other external organisations e.g. Voluntary and Private Sector in the delivery, monitoring and redesign of services for Argyll & Bute HSCP. • Ensure the development and relentless pursuit of a person-centred services utilising NHS Highland Quality Approach management system • To place customer needs at the centre of all decision making. • To actively promote and deliver equality of opportunity to employees and service users. • Regional and National Working. • Contribute, as appropriate, to the Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership and Board and Regional developments reflecting experience within Argyll & Bute Council and NHS Highland and adding value to work within the Partnership. • To foster good and effective partnership arrangements with a range of partners.
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8 Lead Support and Develop Staff • Promote staff health and wellbeing and ensure that staff work in an improved and safe working environment and that the Staff Governance Standard and Health and Safety Policy is met and equivalent systems for Argyll & Bute Council. • Lead and support the completion of Personal Development Plans and Review documentation for all staff within the Area and support the Area Team to develop individual objectives and personal development plans. • Lead and chair grievance, disciplinary and other employment procedures across Argyll and Bute HSCP, including instigating reviews and investigating particular incidents. • Work in alignment with professional and clinical leaders to ensure that all staff work within the regulatory and professional frameworks of their registration bodies and Scottish Government • Develop an organisational culture that responds to frontline staff and enables them to make effective decisions which support rapid and flexible access to services for people who require them • Support staff to work in collaborative and person-centred way with individuals and communities where innovation and creativity are fostered to meet local needs Resource/Performance Management • Support the implementation of Argyll & Bute HSCP strategies and performance management arrangements within the Partnership i.e. Financial, Clinical, Professional, Information and Workforce, Risk Management and Health and Safety within the HSCP Performance Assessment Framework. • Ensure all financial targets are met and efficiency savings are achieved (whilst quality is maintained and improved) and fulfil the role of authorised signatory in accordance with The Standing Financial Instructions and Delegated Levels of Authority. • To demonstrate resilience and integrity and lead through challenging circumstances. • To use resources appropriately to achieve best value results for the organisation and wider community, keeping an appropriate balance between cost, quality and price. • Support the implementation of Argyll & Bute HSCP strategies and performance management arrangements within the Partnership i.e. Financial, Clinical, Professional, Information and Workforce, Risk Management and Health and Safety within the HSCP Performance Monitoring and management system. 7. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY USED • Computers and associated hardware/software/accessories • Telecommunications including video conferencing equipment • Audio-visual aids
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9 8. SYSTEMS • Computer software including e-mail, internet, PowerPoint, Excel • Management and authorisation of travel and expenses claims forms • Analysis of activity data – out of hours, bed occupancy, waiting lists. • Supplies/equipment ordering systems • Payroll • NHS or Council intranet, telecommunications and VC systems 9. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK The work of the Head of Adult Services is generated in relation to professional / functional development and local need in accordance with the Argyll and Bute HSCP Service Strategic Plans and within national policy and direction, as well as by corporate management and HSCP Board requirements. The post holder will have autonomy in utilising resources at Area level to plan for and react to the operational needs of the service, and also undertake work assigned by others such as the Chief Officer and the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. The review of performance is undertaken through the agreement of performance objectives and individual performance appraisal by the Chief Officer. Formal appraisal is undertaken on an annual cycle. 10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS Monitors and analyses statutory, clinical, financial and staffing activity information across the Argyll & Bute area to ensure that performance targets are being achieved. This will involve continuous assessment of the Areas’ success in implementing strategic objectives and business plans. Intervention and corrective action may be required to resolve situations where conflicts exist or changes in direction are required. The post holder is expected to anticipate and/or plan for possible deviations and develop contingency solutions. The post holder will require making astute and difficult decisions including some case based decisions. 11. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB This role will require effective leadership and management skills, in creating a vision for the development of high quality, integrated health and social care services in a new structure, in conjunction with staff, staffside representatives, local communities, and partner agencies and facilitating the delivery of that vision to improve health and social care for the people of Argyll & Bute. As a consequence of different organisational policies, the correct application of procedures
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10 to appropriate staff within the Area is important to avoid HR Risk. The Post holder will require to appreciate issues arising from different organisational cultures and backgrounds and seek to create integrated working across staff groups where the staff have experienced diverse management arrangements. This role will require effective leadership and management skills, in creating a vision for the development of highquality health and social care services in a new structure, in conjunction with staff, staffside/union representatives, local communities, and partner agencies and facilitating the delivery of that vision to improve health and social care for the people of Argyll and Bute It will require working within a demographic context of an ageing and reducing population in Argyll and Bute mirroring this in the workforce and operating within a tight/reducing fiscal environment to delivery high quality and equitable services. Needs planning and facilitating to effect the true shift in the balance of care from acute to community enabling a planned transition and transfer of resources 12. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS • Communicate and engage with a wide range of people through all disciplines within the Area and Operational Unit, the Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, wider Council and NHS Highland. Post holder requires good communication skills, tact, or patience in order to get complex messages understood and acknowledged. The skill set must include the ability to motivate, negotiate, present and persuade groups of staff who may on occasions be hostile to the information being relayed. • Communicate changes/new ways of working so that all are aware and understand. Some staff may not agree or adapt to change necessitating a high level of influencing and persuasive skills. • Utilise listening and reflective skills with the ability to negotiate and reach satisfactory conclusions. • Manage conflict positively, listening to and guiding staff in the agreed course of action to remedy conflict. • Be aware of and improve organisational cultures, the nature and use of different approaches and to be adaptable and sensitive in a range of communication skills to facilitate these differences • Ensure the effective interpretation of operational data, producing and organising information in a way that allows all staff to understand the local priorities in the context of the wider agenda. • Work within a matrix model ensuring clear alignment of operational priorities with professional requirements
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11 13. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB Physical • Driving over a large geographical area – three times a week on average but can be more • Driving on single track and unfenced roads Mental • Unpredictability of workload – daily • Concentration, decision making and organisational skills to cope with competing demands • Unsocial hours working – evenings – e.g. to attend community council meetings • Mental and emotional stability to be able to respond to high demands of the post. • Particular challenges of communicating with a large number of staff working over 24 hours 7 days a week. • Juggling competing demands of operational management with other aspects of the role. Emotional • Dealing with staff that are having personal difficulties that may affect their employment. • Dealing with staff who have long term illness • Dealing with staff who have performance issues including capability and competency • Terminating staff contracts • Meeting with staff to give information that may cause distress e.g. service change • Meeting with members of the community to discuss complaints • Supporting staff through the complaints process, where appropriate
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12 14. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB The post holder will require interpersonal, management and technical skills combined with a supportive and visible leadership style. He/she must have the necessary skills to earn confidence and respect within the Health and Social Care Partnership and with local communities and partner organisations to lead and deliver local improvement and change. It will be essential to have the skills to develop a culture that encourages innovation, individual and team responsibility with open communication that motivates staff. The post holder will be able to demonstrate significant experience in management roles within health and/or social care at a senior level, including highly developed skills in financial and staff management. The role requires knowledge at Masters level or equivalent together with additional knowledge acquired through experience or specialist training. Degree essential. Masters or equivalent desirable. Registered health care professional, social worker or relevant management qualification. 15. POLITICALLY RESTRICTED POSTS This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Accordingly, in accepting this appointment, you will be disqualified from becoming or remaining a member of a local authority, the Scottish Parliament, the European Parliament or from undertaking certain political activities as defined in regulations introduced from time to time by the Secretary of State for Scotland. A copy of the Council’s Policy on Politically Restricted Posts will be made available to the post holder. 16. JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT Job Holder’s Signature: Manager’s Signature: Date: Date: