Deputy Head of Therapies & Dietetics

Department: Therapies & Dietetics
Band: 8B, £64,455 to £74,896 per annum, pro rata if part time
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles considered for flexible working

Overview

This is a new role within The Therapy & Dietetic Department at Milton Keynes University Hospital. We are seeking applications from leaders with experience of delivering multi-disciplinary services across inpatient, outpatient and community settings. The role will work closely with the Head of Therapies & Dietetics and specific service leads to drive innovation and improved patient pathways.

Experience in setting strategic direction and operational capability is essential. Demonstrable skills in performance management, finance, quality improvement and using data to drive service changes are vitally important.

Applicants with relevant post‑graduate education and detailed knowledge of local and systemwide NHS priorities are encouraged. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator who can champion and inspire colleagues about the vision of the department.

Role will be part of the Trust on‑call rota. "We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute".

Interview: w/c05 February 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Head of Therapies as required, in their absence or as a delegated function.
• Operationally manage Therapy services, including Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy, Children’s and Orthotics.
• Support the Head of Therapy and Dietetics in transacting business, including Physiotherapy (adult and paediatric, acute and community services), Occupational Therapy (inpatient and outpatient services), Speech & Language Therapy, Dietetics (acute and community) and Orthotics.
• Champion Therapy & Dietetic services across the organisation (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Speech & Language Therapy, Orthotics).
• Support the Head of Therapies in achieving strategic, financial and operational objectives, and manage therapists providing services to divisions of planned and unplanned care.
• Hold a clinical caseload within own speciality.
• Drive forward innovation and improvement of patient pathways.
• Work closely with service leads to develop service development, opportunities and QI to improve the profile of Therapy services.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering multi-disciplinary services across inpatient, outpatient and community settings.
• Experience setting strategic direction and operational capability.
• Demonstrable skills in performance management, finance, quality improvement and data use for service change.
• Relevant post‑graduate education and detailed knowledge of local and systemwide NHS priorities.
• Excellent communication skills.

MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us and offer a range of flexible working practices.

Advert closes on Tuesday 13 Jan 2026.