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Public reports pack

Argyll and Bute Council · 10 July 2025
Back to Appointments Panel — 10 July 2025 and its agenda

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Page 1

Argyll and Bute Council
Comhairle Earra-Ghàidheal Agus Bhòid 
Executive Director:  Douglas Hendry 
Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT
Tel:  01546 605522
DX 599700 LOCHGILPHEAD 
3 July 2025 
NOTICE OF MEETING 
A meeting of the APPOINTMENTS PANEL will be held in COMMITTEE ROOM 1, KILMORY,
LOCHGILPHEAD on THURSDAY, 10 JULY 2025 at 9:00 AM, which you are requested to attend. 
Douglas Hendry
Executive Director 
BUSINESS 
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 
E1 3. APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF ADULT SERVICES (2 POSTS) 
To interview candidates for the post of Head of Adult Services (2 posts) and if so
resolved, make an appointment.  
(a) Job Descriptions (Pages 3 - 26)
E1  (b) Candidate Packs - to follow 
The Committee will be asked to pass a resolution in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local
Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public for items of business with an “E” on the
grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the
appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 7a to the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 
The appropriate paragraph is:- 
E1 Paragraph 1  Information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to
become an employee of, or a particular office-holder, former office-holder or applicant to
become an office-holder under the authority. 
Public Document Pack

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Appointments Panel 
Graham Bell Evan Beswick
Karen Leach Councillor Dougie McFadzean
Councillor Ross Moreland 
Carolyn Cairns Jane Fowler 
Contact: Hazel MacInnes, Senior Committee Officer Tel: 01546 604269

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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 1 
JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION  (JDPS)                           
Job Title:    Head of Adult Services
Job Evaluation        
Reference Number:   
Service:  Argyll and Bute Health and
Social Care Partnership 
Grade:  CO29 
Department/Section:  Adult Services  Location:  Location flexible in 
Argyll and Bute 
Line Manager (post):  Chief Officer, A&B Health and Social Care Partnership 
Date JDPS was created /
last reviewed / amended: 
May 2025
Version of JDPS: 
(Updated versions should be given the next number. 
Please also update “version”  & date at footer below,
using Insert/Footer/Edit Footer) 
v 2.2 
This JDPS should be read
in conjunction with: 
1 - HSCP Strategic Plan
2 – Portfolio Responsibilities for Heads of Adult Services 
Job Summary:   
This post is one of two Heads of Adult Services in the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership. Each Head of
Service will have a portfolio of integrated health and social care responsibilities for Adult Services as directed by the Chief
Officer.  
The post holder will:
•  Accountable to the Chief Officer, senior management team, customers and colleagues, develop and lead
the delivery and provision of efficient, effective and professional adult health and social care services to the
communities of Argyll and Bute, that reflect the vision, values and strategic objectives of the Health and
Social Care Partnership.
• Take responsibility for adult operational services across Argyll and Bute and share the operational line
management on an allocated portfolio basis.
• Ensure that arrangements are in place for professional leadership responsibility for adult social work, social
care and health services across Argyll and Bute within their portfolio.
• As part of Argyll and Bute HSCP’s Service Transformation approach, share the executive leadership for all
strategic adult services transformation and development via the Service Transformation Board.
• As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, fully contribute to and participate in the strategic and
corporate management of the A&B Health and Social Care Partnership
• Provide leadership for the planning, management, delivery and improvement of all adult services in a co-
productive, matrix management approach.
• Provide information and advice regarding adult services to the Integrated Joint Board as appropriate.
• Act as Portfolio Lead as allocated by Chief Officer on behalf of the A&B Health and Social Care Partnership.
• Demonstrate political awareness and understand the need to liaise with elected members and/or Board
members
•  Develop effective working relationships with the lead clinician roles and take account of professional issues
impacting on service redesign and delivery (e.g. Associate Medical Director, Lead Nurse , Lead AHP, etc)
•  Lead the service to sustain and improve delivery of high quality, effective and person centred health and
social care services to the adult population across Argyll & Bute.
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 2 
• Act as the Portfolio Lead as allocated by Chief Officer on behalf of the A&B Health and Social Care Partnership
from the following areas of service that are within the remit: 
Head of Adult Services – Complex Care and
Registered Services 
Head of Adult Services – Hospital and
Community Services
• Adult protection
• Mental health
• Addictions
• Learning Disability
• Registered social care services including
Residential care and home care services
• Community Mental health services
• Other portfolios as assigned by the Chief
Officer 
• Adult health and social work
community services
• Hospital Services
• Emergency care
• Integrated Community Services
• Unscheduled care
• Other portfolios as assigned by the
Chief Officer 
Scope / Dimensions:   
The Annual Budget (2025) is:   
Adult Services:
Older adult social care £49m
NHS Community Health Services £48m
Total £97m 
Mental Health / Lifelong Conditions:
Social Care £28m
NHS Acute & Complex Care £42m (approx. £18m of this is LIH)
Total £70m 
Heads of Service will assume line management / staffing responsibility for Adult Health and Social Care Teams,
employed by both NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council, in a portfolio of services across Argyll & Bute HSCP. 
The total head count in the HSCP (2025) is approx 2600 WTE. 
Argyll and Bute HSCP comprises a remote and rural environment including 23 inhabited islands, many small villages
and settlements and 6 towns. This presents 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. 
Population: Argyll and Bute 87,000. 
Geography: 2,700 miles of coastline, 23 inhabited islands and 6 main towns.
To achieve effectiveness across the organisation a matrix management approach, excellent remote leadership skills
and collaborative working is essential. This will require explicit agreement between post holders to facilitate new
ways of working and service delivery and clarity of roles and expectations of staff.
Strategic Planning 
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 delegated to the IJB as part of the Integration Agreement. 
The postholder will:
• Support the Chief Officer of the HSCP to develop the Partnership’s vision, values and strategic objectives by
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 3 
working in partnership with IJB members - elected Members, NHS Board members, stakeholders, communities,
patients, customers and colleagues (internal and external where appropriate) to develop services that place
client and patient needs at the centre of all decision making.
• Provide effective management and team leadership in developing and planning the delivery of the services
provided by the Adult Health and Social Care teams
• Take the initiative and accepting responsibility for ensuring that these are designed and delivered to reflect local
needs and expectations
• Ensure that there is a corporate approach to service provision, and that effective outcomes are achieved.
• 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.
• 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
• Promote change and innovation in accordance with the vision, direction, core values and corporate goals,
leading the development of new ways of working to support continuous improvement.
• Use resources appropriately to achieve best value results for the organisation and the wider community,
keeping an appropriate balance between cost, quality and price.
• Develop service plans and continually review performance, striving to improve the quality and efficiency of the
service.
• Advising Chief Officer of actions to be taken to take account of any new legislation
• Operating as a member of the departmental management team and lead in appropriate team meetings making
a positive contribution to the department’s leadership and progress in communicating and achieving corporate
objectives.
• Undertake Contingency Planning in relation to the Adult Health and Social Care team’s areas of responsibility,
including major incidents.
• Liaise with other departments/services of the Council/NHS regarding the development of service provision and
modifications to service level agreements.
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 Performance and Improvement 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 Operational Unit and the Argyll and Bute Social Care Partnership as a
whole, ensuring the effectiveness of all Health& Social Care Services and meeting Govenment target 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
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 4 
• 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. 
Service delivery / implementation:  
• Take responsibility for the overall management of the service, ensuring that appropriate mechanisms are in
place to deliver high quality services to service users.
• Actively support and implement corporate objectives and be accountable for their delivery in accordance with
Best Value. 
• In addition, introduce continuous improvement in the performance of the service, responding positively to
statutory, and other external and internal requirements. 
Functional Leadership 
• Ensure that Adult Services employees develop 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 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. 
• Provide effective management and team leadership, including the establishment of regular service/team meetings. 
• Ensure that employees are kept well informed about corporate objectives and priorities and matters that impact on
their employment and the service they provide. 
• Foster a culture which is focussed on excellence, ensuring that any practice that does not reflect a 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. 
• To reduce the risk as far as possible of infections and other healthcare acquired injuries to all people accessing
health and care services 
• Develop service plans and continually review performance, striving to improve the quality and efficiency of the
service. 
• Recruit competent employees 
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 5 
• Value others by delegating responsibility and demonstrating trust within agreed boundaries 
• To actively contribute to a flexible, agile and learning organization.
Service Redesign
• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of 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
• 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( Lean
methodology) and Business Process Re-engineering.
• Place customer needs at the centre of all decision making.
• Actively promote and deliver equality of opportunity to employees and service users.
Regional and National Working
• Contribute, as appropriate, to the A&B Health and Social Care Partnership and Integrated Joint Board
reflecting experience within A&B Council and NHS Highland and adding value to within the Operational
Unit.
• To foster good and effective partnership arrangements with a range of partners
In addition, represent the HSCP on relevant external bodies/committees; deputise for Chief Officer when appropriate;
chair / attend Committees as required; 
Budget management: 
• Have overall responsibility for the budgets within the remit of this post, taking account as appropriate of the
Council’s scheme of decentralisation, the NHS Highland scheme of delegation, Standing Financial instructions
and the Scheme of Integration.
• Act as budget holder, responsible for forecasting, preparing, monitoring and controlling assigned budget,
reviewing actual expenditure against budget, taking corrective action where appropriate.
• Ensure that all regulations and procedures (including the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulation,
and NHS Standing Financial Instructions) are adhered to, Reporting as required.
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 6 
Staff Management:  
Undertake duties in relation to all staffing matters in accordance with HSCP, Council and NHS policy and procedures,
ensuring that employees are kept well informed about core values, corporate objectives and priorities and matters
that impact on their employment and the service they provide.
Actively contribute to a flexible, agile and learning organisation, taking responsibility for ensuring compliance with all
HR policies and procedures , and that performance development is understood and practised effectively through the
Council’s PRD framework and the NHS Knowledge and Skills
Framework Personal Development Planning and Review Process.
Act as line manager for any direct reports within the service.
Ensure resourcing levels are appropriate at all times, within budget constraints, and that capability / skills levels are
maintained and developed as appropriate to meet workforce and succession planning requirements, participating in
recruitment programmes when required to ensure competent employees are recruited. 
Lead the development, implementation, monitoring and review of an agreed programme of work and team plan and
deliver on agreed performance measures for the team.
• 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 NHS Staff Governance Standard and Health and Safety Policy is met and
equivalent systems for 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 & 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 and Reporting: 
Develop, implement and maintain appropriate performance management reporting systems as a means of managing and
monitoring performance across the Service, to ensure standards are maintained, improvements developed and issues
addressed in a timely manner, and in particular: 
• Ensure that appropriate quality, performance and bench marking criteria are utilised or developed, and applied, in
respect to Best Value and Continuous Improvement. 
• Publish, monitor and set plans to achieve key performance targets for the HSCP. 
• Support the implementation of A&B 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. 
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 7 
• Demonstrate resilience and integrity and lead through challenging circumstances. 
• Use resources appropriately to achieve best value results for the organisation and the wider community, keeping
an appropriate balance between cost, quality and price. 
• Support the implementation of A&B 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. 
Health & Safety:  
Proactively manage the health and safety of employees within the appropriate functional area and ensure:
• that all key elements of effective health and safety management are in place (e.g. risk assessments).
• that employees and/or outside bodies under his/her control comply with the department’s or their own
health and safety at work procedures 
• that safe systems of work are used at all times.
Other duties & responsibilities:  
The work of the Head of Adult Services is generated in relation to professional / functional development and local
need in accordance with the A&B 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 A&B 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. 
Decisions and Judgements:
Monitor and analyse 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 solution
The post holder will require making astute and difficult decisions including some case based decisions. 
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 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. 
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 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 
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 8 
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#. 
This job description is not exhaustive, but indicates the general scope and nature of the jobholder’s duties. In
addition, he / she may be required to undertake such other duties as may be reasonably allocated by the Chief
Officer and deputise for/act on behalf of Chief Officer when required. 
Working with external partners to deliver key services jointly:  
Develop strong, positive working relationships with external partners and our communities to facilitate
achievement of the HSCP goals and delivery of a quality, safe person centered service.
Ensure that staff, service users and public are informed, consulted and engaged with appropriately in all areas of
activity.
• Communicate and engage with a wide range of people through all disciplines of 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 
Physical, Mental and Emotional Demands 
• 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.
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 9 
Emotional
• Supporting staff that are having personal difficulties that may affect their employment.
• Supporting staff who experience sickness absence
• Supporting 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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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 10 
Person Specification:  (see Note 2 below) 
CRITERIA:     E = Essential              D = Desirable     
Education and / or professional qualifications  (Including membership of professional bodies) 
E.1 
E.2 
D.1 
D.2 
Degree or equivalent, in a related subject. 
Membership of relevant professional body. 
Masters or equivalent experience desirable
Evidence of Continuous Professional Development 
Experience 
E.1 
E.2 
E.3 
E.4 
E.5 
E.6 
D.1 
D.2 
D.3 
Proven record of achievement in a multi-functional organisation. 
Experience in achieving service outcomes within the context of appropriate financial constraints. 
Experience of formulating policy and strategy on complex issues. 
Comprehensive experience of managing at a senior level. 
Experience of working in a political environment with elected and or board members. 
Thorough understanding of the workings of Health and Social Care Partnerships and IJBs. 
Proven track record of leading change management. 
Commissioning and tendering large projects and services. 
Excellent presentation and communication skills. 
Specific job-related knowledge   
E.1 
E.2 
E.3 
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the professional requirements as set out in the portfolio for this post.
Note Heads of Adult Services posts are responsible for service portfolios as directed by the Chief Officer.   
Candidates should demonstrate that they operate according to the values of the Health and Social Care
Partnership. 
Candidates must demonstrate experience and success in engaging with partners, communities, service users,
patients and stakeholders to design and deliver person centered, community focused services. 
Any additional job-related requirements   
E.1  The jobholder will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Argyll and
Bute and beyond to meet the operational requirements of the Service. 
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Head of Adult Services 2025 Page 11 
E.2 
E.3 
The jobholder may be required to work outside normal working hours. 
The post is defined as “politically restricted” and is therefore restricted  in terms of the Local Government and
Housing Act 1989 as amended, and by the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990
and 1998 
Competencies (The skills, knowledge & behaviours required to perform this job effectively)   (Link to Competency Framework) 
E.1  Level  4 
Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate at interview their how their Personal Qualities align with the
following leadership competencies: 
1. Demonstrate resilience and integrity and lead through challenging circumstances
2. Actively promote and deliver equality of opportunity to employees and service users. 
3. Foster good and effective partnership arrangements with a range of partners. 
4. Value others by delegating responsibility and demonstrating trust within agreed boundaries. 
5. Create a culture where innovation and managed risk taking are encouraged. 
6. Highly developed negotiating skills over a wide range of issues.
7. Highly developed conflict management skills.
8. Articulate and perceptive.
9. Acts with calmness and resilience under pressure and responds positively to challenge.
10. Self-disciplined and able to work to strict deadline.
11. Being Accountable.
12. Achieving Results. 
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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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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.  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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• 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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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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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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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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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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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: 
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