Orchard Care Homes
Head of Specialist Services
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Head of Specialist Services
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Full-Time
Location: National, Field-Based
Shape the Future of Mental Health and Dementia Care
Orchard Healthcare Group are looking for an exceptional Registered Mental Health Nurse to lead the development of specialist services across our growing group of care homes. This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where your expertise will help shape the future direction of care delivery.
This is a unique opportunity to influence strategy at a national level, drive innovation in mental health and dementia care, and make a lasting difference to the lives of older people. As our Head of Specialist Services, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping how we support residents with complex mental health and dementia needs, ensuring they receive compassionate, evidence-based, person-centred care that enables them to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Working as part of our senior Quality leadership team, you will develop and implement our specialist services vision, provide expert clinical leadership, and work closely with operational colleagues to continuously improve outcomes, enhance quality standards, and support homes in managing complex presentations with confidence and excellence.
This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on clinical expertise, influencing care delivery across a portfolio of services whilst developing innovative approaches to mental health, dementia care, positive behaviour support and wellbeing.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Strategic Leadership & Service Development
- Lead the development and implementation of Orchard Healthcare Group's Specialist Services Strategy, encompassing mental health, dementia care and associated specialist interventions.
- Drive innovation and best practice, ensuring our services remain at the forefront of mental health and dementia care.
- Act as the organisational lead and subject matter expert for mental health, dementia and positive behavioural support approaches.
Clinical Leadership & Quality Improvement
- Provide expert clinical oversight of referrals involving complex mental health and behavioural presentations.
- Support operational teams to facilitate safe, effective and person-centred admissions.
- Lead on the development and review of clinical pathways, frameworks and interventions for residents experiencing mental health difficulties.
- Provide specialist support, advice and guidance to homes to improve resident outcomes, quality of life and overall wellbeing.
- Respond to and support services during mental health crises, ensuring effective partnership working across all relevant stakeholders.
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Governance & Regulatory Excellence
- Oversee governance arrangements for specialist services, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, standards and professional frameworks.
- Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations, identifying themes and ensuring improvements are embedded within operational practice.
- Monitor service effectiveness through data analysis, audits, outcomes monitoring and quality assurance activities.
- Lead the development and oversight of mental health documentation, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice whilst supporting excellent care planning.
- Work collaboratively with regulators, safeguarding teams, local authorities, integrated care systems and other key stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.
Education, Development & Professional Practice
- Design and deliver specialist training programmes that enhance workforce capability and confidence in supporting residents with mental health and dementia needs.
- Promote evidence-based practice throughout the organisation.
- Provide leadership and support to specialist mental health and Dementia colleagues, fostering a culture of learning, excellence and continuous improvement.
- Champion positive behaviour support approaches and therapeutic interventions that improve resident experiences and outcomes.
Collaborative Working
- Partner closely with the Quality, Operations and Learning & Development teams to ensure a joined up, holistic approach to care.
- Support the delivery of Orchard Healthcare Group's broader quality and strategic objectives.
- Develop strong relationships with external healthcare professionals, commissioners, regulators and partner organisations.
About You
You will be an experienced and credible clinical leader with a genuine passion for improving the lives of older people living with mental health conditions and dementia.
You Will Bring
- Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) qualification with current NMC registration.
- Ideally educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
- A minimum of 10 years' experience in senior mental health and/or dementia care leadership roles.
- Significant experience working within older people's services, healthcare or social care environments.
- Demonstrable evidence of ongoing professional development relating to mental health, dementia care, quality improvement or clinical leadership.
- Experience and/or qualifications in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) or equivalent approaches (desirable).
- Strong understanding of the UK regulatory landscape, safeguarding frameworks and quality governance processes.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to inspire teams, drive change and deliver measurable improvements in quality and resident outcomes.
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In Return We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- Access to hundreds of discounts on retail, travel, dining, technology and leisure.
- Industry-leading recognition schemes including our Making a Difference Awards and Long Service Awards.
- 24/7 access to confidential emotional, practical and financial wellbeing support.
- Company pension scheme.
- Fully funded DBS check.
Additional Information
This is a field-based role requiring regular travel across our portfolio of homes nationwide. A full driving licence is essential, and occasional overnight stays will be required.
About Orchard Healthcare Group
For over 15 years, Orchard Healthcare Group has provided high-quality care for older people, building trusted relationships within the communities we serve. We are passionate about creating environments where residents can live with dignity, independence and purpose.
We believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest heavily in development, progression and wellbeing, providing opportunities for talented individuals to build rewarding and fulfilling careers.
We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
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