Clinical Lead - Neonatal Operational Delivery Network (ODN) South East

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

Provide senior clinical leadership across the South East Neonatal Network, with an initial focus on Thames Valley and Wessex, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, equitable, and high-quality neonatal care and ensuring alignment with national, regional, and system priorities.

• Lead and contribute to the development and delivery of the network workplan, driving quality improvement, service transformation, workforce sustainability, education and training, and reducing unwarranted variation in neonatal outcomes across the region.
• Work collaboratively with neonatal clinical teams, provider organisations, ICBs, and wider system partners to strengthen clinical engagement, promote best practice and innovation, and support a coordinated, data-informed, and population-focused approach to neonatal care across TVW and KSS.

Important Additional Information Relating to Your Employment

All applicants invited to interview will be asked to confirm and agree the following which will be managed through an MOU between the network and the employing trust:

• Employing manager’s approval required to undertake the role
• Confirmation of Manager’s Name, title, and email address (included on application form)
• Please confirm your employing Trust can release you for 1 PA and that this time will be dedicated to the network within your job plan
• To confirm that your employing organisation has agreed to your application understanding that reimbursement for Clinical Leads is standardised to employing Trust at the BMA rate of 8-13yrs experience. For 26/27 this is expected to be £16,907 PA, which is the basic rate plus NIC and employer pension contribution. Any other awards or added payments that consultants receive are not included in the reimbursement from NHSE and as such will need to be paid by the employing trust. Individual Clinical Lead salary is unaffected by the standardised reimbursement rate.
• Tenure will be for 3 years with a maximum of 2 terms (6 years)

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.

Additional Information

This is a hosted post where the network reimburses the current employing trust £16,907 per PA per year for the PAs worked (maximum of 2 PAs) under this role.

The successful candidate will be employed under the terms and conditions of service for Consultants (England) 2003.

Proposed interview date: 11th August 2026

This vacancy closes on or before: 23rd July 2026

Person Specification

Qualifications, Training & Experience

Essential criteria

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Appropriate knowledge base, and Specialist training in relevant area
• Experience working within the specialty at a senior level
• Demonstrable track record of leading change
• Experience of multi-disciplinary teamwork
• Experience working across organisational boundaries in the Health Service achieving collective success and demonstrates listening, respect, and learning from the contribution of others
• Knowledge and experience of working in formal clinical networks within the NHS
• Clinical governance and risk management concepts and techniques
• Good understanding of how to use data to improve quality and productivity

Desirable criteria

• Management qualification
• Senior leadership experience in the NHS at Trust level e.g. departmental or divisional lead clinician or GP principal if pathways extend to primary care
• Knowledge of service improvement tools and techniques
• Understanding of commissioning and contracting function and processes

Aptitudes and Skills

Essential criteria

• Evidence and ability to work effectively in multi-professional teams
• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to build & motivate high performing teams
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills including listening skills (verbal and written communication skills in English)
• Understanding of equality and diversity and how this affects patients, visitors, and staff
• Strong negotiation, persuasion, and influencing skills
• Ability to deal with conflict and challenge
• Ability to manage complex issues where a high degree of judgment is required
• Ability to think strategically and support the network with transformational change where this is necessary to meet standards
• Research, audit, and clinical governance experience

Desirable criteria

• Involvement in regional or national specialty training or curriculum development

Living Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together