Deputy Regional Directory of Services Lead

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to join our team as Deputy Regional Assurance Lead for the NHS Pathways Directory of Services (DoS) across the North West region. This fixed-term role provides senior leadership and operational support in implementing and maintaining the DoS and Capacity Management Modules, working collaboratively with over 60 NHS organisations including Acute Trusts, ICBs, NHS111, and NWAS.

The post-holder will deputise for the Regional Assurance Lead, managing the NWAS DoS team, chairing senior-level meetings, and representing NWAS at regional and national forums. Key responsibilities include driving service improvement initiatives, ensuring accurate DoS data, delivering specialist training, and supporting integrated urgent and emergency care systems aligned with the NHS Long Term Plan.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Strong leadership and line management experience
• Expertise in NHS Pathways and DoS systems
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and stakeholder relationships
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organisational skills

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in urgent and emergency care services across the North West.

Main duties of the job

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support the NWAS Directory of Services (DoS) team, deputising for the Regional Lead and coordinating workstreams to drive consistent regional delivery.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of the DoS system, ensuring it operates in line with best practice, national guidance and evolving local requirements.
• Evaluate national and local DoS policies, translating them into clear implementation plans, guidance and documentation to ensure full compliance across all user groups.
• Act as a trusted advisor to NHS Trusts, analysing complex and sometimes conflicting requirements, identifying suitable technical solutions, and supporting effective capacity and activity management.
• Promote strong collaborative working across the North West, building partnerships with commissioners and providers to ensure a fully integrated, cross‑regional approach to DoS development and issue resolution.
• Provide senior leadership on DoS capacity, performance and improvement initiatives, supporting the achievement of national and local strategic objectives, cost efficiencies and quality outcomes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please ensure you have read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this role.

The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a large number of applications are received.

Key Dates:

Shortlisting - 18.02.2026

Assessment Centre - 26.02.2026

Professional Discussion 1 - 26.02.2026

Professional Discussion 2 - 26.02.2026