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Job summary
The Diagnostics Recovery & Transformation Programme is the largest single investment programme in the NHS in terms of capital and revenue combined (second largest after New Hospital Programme in terms of capital only).It is delivering twin priorities:o A significant transformation in the NHS diagnostic model (delivering recommendations of 2020 Richards Review)o Recovery of diagnostic services as a key element of overall elective recovery and cancer performance.The national diagnostics has four key Diagnostic Disciplines, and each team is made of subject matter experts including clinicians and implementation leads who each lead work across a priority area:o Imagingo Pathologyo GI Endoscopyo Physiological SciencesThe pathology transformation element of this work seeks to boost the productivity and resilience of pathology services through the development of pathology networks, with the associated investment in shared digital infrastructure and equipment as well as workforce training and development.The National Specialty Adviser(s) are responsible for providing expert clinical advice to the Diagnostics Recovery & Transformation Programme as well as expert professional advice and support in the development of strategy and policy relating to the Diagnostics programme and specialty programme workstream.
Main duties of the job
The role of the National Specialty Advisor (NSA) is to support senior leaders including Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), National Clinical Directors and Medical Directors to provide clinical advice in four respects:o Clinical advice to drive transformation of services;o Clinical advice to support identification and delivery of our corporate clinical priorities (at national and regional level);o Clinical advice to support the commissioning of services; ando Clinical advice on ad hoc issues to support parliamentary accountability.
About us
The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:
- Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
- Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
- Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
- Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
- Delivering value for money.
If you would like to know more or require further information, please visithttps://www.england.nhs.uk/.
Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.
Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.
NHS England hold a Sponsor Licence; this means that we may be able to sponsor you providing the Home Office requirements are met. To be eligible for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. You can find more information on the Government website.
Details
- Date posted: 03 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 9
- Salary: £112,782 to £129,783 a year pro rata (inclusive of London Weighting)
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 9 months
- Working pattern: Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
- Reference number: 990-PC-EC3191-E
- Job locations: Wellington Place/Wellington House, Leeds/London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
The post holders will support senior leaders with the provision of clinical advice and leadership through: - Clinical advice to drive improvement of the performance of pathology services, in terms of laboratory effectiveness, unwarranted variation and demand optimisation. Clinical advice to support the commissioning of laboratory services across England. Clinical advice and support to front line units / systems as needed, complementing the work of regional pathology Clinical Leads in this area. Clinical advice on the development and delivery of improved models of pathology service delivery. Clinical advice on the achievement of an effective and sustainable pathology workforce. Ensuring benefits to population health and addressing health inequalities. Securing buy-in and removing barriers to project success, including working with trusts and relevant national bodies and societies.
You can find further details about the role,including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside theorganisational structureand person specificationin the attached Job Descriptionand other supporting documents.
Applicants from within the NHS willbe offered on a secondment basisonly, agreementshouldbeobtainedfromtheiremployerpriortosubmittingtheapplication.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant medical or scientific discipline and/or a relevant postgraduate qualification and experience in managing complex medical laboratory services.
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high performing teams
- Use resourcefulness and judgment to navigate and negotiate across the NHS and wider health, social care and political landscape
Skills and capabilities
Essential
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high performing teams
- Use resourcefulness and judgment to navigate and negotiate across the NHS and wider health, social care and political landscape
- The ability to deal with ambiguity and complexity
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Experienced clinical practitioner with credibility and the ability to command the respect of all clinical and non-clinical professionals across primary, secondary and community care
- Leadership experience in the NHS/DHSC
- Significant experience of working at a national or sub-national level as a clinical leader in the specialty.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Essential
- Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for National Specialty Adviser-Laboratory Medicine and Effectiveness with NHS England in Leeds, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Band 9 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £112,782 to £129,783 a year. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 19 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (03 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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