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Job requirements
Essential
15 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Substantive experience in a number of senior manager roles including professional leadership experience
- Experience
Evidence of Service Development activities
- Experience
Recent significant experience at a senior level in the NHS with proven track record of using professional knowledge to bring about change
- Experience
Experience of staff leadership development to support service improvement
- Experience
Experience in mental health services
- Experience
Proven track record and significant experience of working with users and carers
- Knowledge and Skills
Advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills to support service decision making in complex scenarios
- Knowledge and Skills
In depth understanding of NHS strategy and policy agendas
- Knowledge and Skills
In depth knowledge of Clinical Governance principles, including their sound application in novel settings
- Knowledge and Skills
To have highly developed interpersonal skills, political awareness and sensitivity to support change within the service, the wider organisation and externally. Ability to negotiate, influence and manage conflict as required
- Knowledge and Skills
Ability to maintain the profile of OT within a MDT and the organisation
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
Diploma or degree in Occupational Therapy
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
Further qualification at Master’s level or equivalent experience
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
Experience of CPD and role development activities
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
HCPC Registration
Desirable
4 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of other healthcare settings
- Knowledge and Skills
Good organisational and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
Fieldwork Educator Training
- Education/ Qualification/ Training
Training in Quality Improvement methods
Job overview
We are looking for an experienced and visionary Borough Lead Occupational Therapist (Band 8B) to provide strategic, professional, and operational leadership for Mental Health Occupational Therapy services across Tower Hamlets. The successful candidate will spearhead the development and delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused occupational therapy services for adults, older adults, and individuals with learning disabilities, ensuring these align with the NHS Fit for the Future Plan, the Trust's strategy, and population health priorities.
As a senior leader within the Borough Senior Leadership Team, you will advocate for the importance of Occupational Therapy, foster innovation and quality improvement, and build strategic partnerships across health, social care, and voluntary sector organizations. Your efforts will ensure that occupational therapy services significantly enhance service user outcomes, improve staff experiences, and add value to the overall system.
This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned Occupational Therapist with strong leadership abilities, a passion for transforming services, and a commitment to promoting recovery, inclusion, and occupational engagement for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Main duties of the job
As the Borough Lead Occupational Therapist, you will provide strategic, professional, and operational leadership for Occupational Therapy services across adult mental health, older adult, and learning disability pathways. Your role will involve leading the development and delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused, and evidence-based services, ensuring they align with Trust priorities, national policies, and the needs of local communities.
As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will drive service improvement, innovation, and transformation. You will ensure that Occupational Therapy significantly contributes to clinical outcomes, population health, and the overall experience of service users. Additionally, you will provide expert professional leadership, oversee clinical governance and risk management, support complex decision-making, and ensure the effective use of workforce and financial resources.
You will develop strong partnerships with multidisciplinary teams, service users, caregivers, local authorities, community organizations, and other system partners to promote recovery, independence, and social inclusion. The role also involves leading workforce development through supervision, appraisal, education, recruitment, and leadership initiatives, fostering a positive culture where staff can thrive and deliver excellent care.
s the health and care system.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see JD (Job Description) and PS (Personal Specification) for full details of role requirements. Please consult the attached job description and person specification associated with the vacancy profile of this advertisement.
Applicant requirements
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Borough Lead Occupational Therapist with East London NHS Foundation Trust in London, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Occupational Therapist role. The advertised salary is £66,582 - £77,368 Per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 12 Nov 2026.
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