Band 8a Swindon Talking Therapies Deputy Service Lead (clinical)

Job overview

The NHS Swindon Talking Therapies service (IAPT) offers support to residents of Swindon who may be experiencing common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and low mood, offering evidence based treatments based on the difficulties the patient is experiencing.

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for the position of Deputy Service Manager (Clinical Lead), maternity cover.

You will work as a key member of the senior management team to provide leadership and contribute to the development of the talking therapies service with a focus on oversight of, and responsibility for the clinical provision within the service for all therapy modalities.

We are currently operating a hybrid working arrangement, where you will be based at Old Town Surgery combined with opportunities for remote working from home.

Interviews will be held on 28th August 2026, start date 2nd November 2026.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job:

To be an active member of the senior management team, including deputising for the Head of Talking Therapies (BSW) and the Swindon Talking Therapies Service Manager. To act as a Lead Clinician and offer 1:1 sessions To supervise and oversee the development of the service and quality of supervision provision To line manage and oversee the work of a team of High Intensity Therapists and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners To maintain a Talking Therapies manual compliant service. To represent the service at meetings and deliver presentations, both internally and to outside organisations. To oversee links with voluntary and community organisations

The successful candidate must have a qualification in one of the Talking Therapies clinical modalities, along with substantial post qualification relevant experience, including supervision. It is essential to have in-depth experience of managing staff in a stepped care service along with the capacity to cope with pressure and prioritise competing demands. We are a friendly and supportive team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see job description for full details.

Managerial

• To deputise for the Swindon Talking Therapies Service Manager as appropriate.
• To line manage a team of mental health Practitioners including managing sickness, appraisals and performance etc.
• To oversee audits and to report any difficulties to the Service Manager.
• To provide cover for other members of the Senior Management Team.
• Recruit staff as required
• To be a member of the Executive and Senior Management Team, including attending meetings and giving advice to the Head of Talking Therapies/service manager as appropriate
• Appropriately manage time for clinical work and managerial responsibilities.
• To initiate in-service development and expansion
• To over see the organisation and supervision of the work of the clinical team
• To liaise with other Primary Care Services
• To liaise with Secondary Services
• To oversee training in conjunction with the Head of Service.
• To be aware of budgetary constraints.
• Maintain a Talking Therapies manual compliant service.
• Monitor and follow up patients in line with guidance.
• To allocate and support staff as discussed with the Head of Talking Therapies and Swindon Service Manager.
• To supervise staff as appropriate.
• Induct and supervise new members of staff.
• To represent the Service and deliver presentations both internally and to outside organizations e.g. ICB and national organizations especially those related to Talking Therapies.
• To oversee links with voluntary and community organisations, educational and recreational opportunities and resources in the local area which may be of benefit to clients referred to the service
• To oversee the design and delivery of psycho-educational courses

Professional:

• To participate in the Talking Therapies business and professional meetings as appropriate.
• To be aware of and comply with all policies, procedures and directives of the Department, Service and AWP
• To maintain and further develop high standards of therapy and psychology practice through co-operative work with other practitioners of all disciplines and involvement in professional audit.
• To comply with British Psychology Society’s/ BABCP/ other regulatory body's ‘Code of Conduct’ as well as procedures and government legislation as it applies to the Service.
• To oversee the research in the service. To instigate and be involved in research as required.

Clinical Governance:

• To support the Service manager in the development and implementation of effective Clinical Governance across the Talking Therapies Service.
• To support and participate in multidisciplinary audit in the service.
• To promote the use of effective interventions in the service.
• To participate in Clinical Governance processes in the service and in the profession.
• To help in the design of audit forms
• Access GP data systems and input clinical notes.

General:

• To participate in liaison meetings with GPs and other members of the Primary Care Health Teams as appropriate.
• To participate in locality meetings.
• To participate in audit and personal review activity as required.
• To compile and return statistics and activity levels as required and monitor and act on statistics.
• To undertake such further training as might be required to maintain an appropriate level of expertise.
• To participate in individual and peer supervision.
• To be aware of and comply with all policies, procedures and directions of the department, service and AWP
• To participate in the research activities of the service and publish articles.
• To participate in disseminating good practice by publication and presentation.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.