Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Job overview

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional clinical leader to join our senior medical leadership team as a Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO). This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious senior clinician to help shape the future of our services and play a key role in driving high‑quality, safe and compassionate care across the organisation.

Working closely with the Executive Chief Medical Officer and Executive Team, you will provide strategic leadership, strengthen clinical governance, and support the continual improvement of clinical quality and performance. You will help set the Trust’s clinical direction, lead service transformation, and ensure that change is clinically led and focused on improving outcomes for patients and staff

In return, we offer a flexible and supportive environment where your professional development is encouraged. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to negotiate a clinical portfolio aligned to their skills and interests.

If you are an innovative and compassionate leader looking to make a meaningful impact, we would welcome your application to join us at Airedale and help shape the future of our services.

Main duties of the job

As a senior medical leader, you will support the Trust’s medical workforce agenda in partnership with the Director of People & OD, including contributing to workforce strategy, managing underperformance, and acting as Case Manager or Case Investigator where required. You will also represent the Trust at regional and national forums, promoting our work and fostering effective partnerships.

We are looking for a collaborative, values‑driven leader with substantial experience at Deputy or Divisional Medical Director level (or equivalent), a strong track record of leading service improvement, and excellent communication and influencing skills. You will bring credibility, resilience, and the ability to engage and inspire colleagues across clinical and operational teams.

In this influential role, you will contribute to the development and monitoring of clinical performance indicators, oversee the delivery of the Annual Clinical Audit Forward Plan, and provide visible leadership for safety, learning and Care Quality Commission standards. You will also offer expert support in the investigation of serious incidents, management of complaints, and delivery of key improvement initiatives.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full job description and person specification for this role , please see attached documents....