Programme Lead Health & CareNHS

Job summary

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Lead Health & Care to lead some of our most important health and care transformation programmes in Merton. This high-profile role will drive the development and delivery of integrated health and care arrangements across the borough, helping to improve outcomes, reduce health inequalities and support residents to live healthier, more independent lives.

Working across the Council, NHS partners, Primary Care Networks, voluntary and community organisations, and the wider Integrated Care System, you will play a pivotal role in designing and embedding neighbourhood-based models of care and supporting the continued development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. You will also provide strategic leadership for Merton's Better Care Fund programme, ensuring strong governance, performance, delivery and impact.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering complex transformation programmes across organisational boundaries. You will influence senior leaders and system partners, shape innovative solutions, and help create sustainable services that place residents at the centre of everything we do.

Main duties of the job

As Programme Lead Health & Care, you will lead the delivery of major health and care transformation programmes that improve outcomes for residents and support greater integration between health, social care and community services. Working with a wide range of partners across the Council, NHS, Primary Care Networks, voluntary sector organisations and the wider Integrated Care System, you will drive collaborative approaches that promote prevention, independence and person-centred care.

You will provide strategic leadership for Merton's Better Care Fund programme, ensuring effective planning, performance management, governance and delivery of key priorities. The role will involve developing strong partnerships, influencing senior stakeholders, managing complex programmes and ensuring services are designed around the needs of local people.

The successful candidate will lead initiatives that support neighbourhood-based working, tackle health inequalities and deliver sustainable improvements across the health and care system. You will also oversee programme assurance, monitor outcomes and performance, identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, and help shape the future direction of integrated health and care services in Merton.

Job description

Main purpose of the role

The Programme Lead Health & Care is responsible for driving the development, delivery and embedding of integrated health and care arrangements at place and neighbourhood level. The postholder will provide strategic and operational oversight of the Better Care Fund (BCF) and lead programmes that support neighbourhood health and care, working collaboratively with partners across the health and care system to improve outcomes and reduce health inequalities. This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strategic thinking, operational delivery and strong partnership working. [Programme...rofile (2) | Word]

Main duties and responsibilities

System Integration and Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of integrated health and care programmes at place and neighbourhood level.
• Work with partners to develop shared visions, operating models and approaches that support integrated care.
• Act as a key link between strategic system priorities and local delivery.
• Provide leadership for health and care integration in line with national and local priorities.
• Represent the Directorate on strategic boards and partnerships.

Better Care Fund

• Lead the planning, governance, delivery and assurance of the Better Care Fund.
• Ensure programmes deliver against agreed objectives and performance measures.
• Oversee performance monitoring, risk management and reporting arrangements.

Neighbourhood Health and Care

• Lead the development of neighbourhood-based models of care and integrated approaches.
• Support the implementation of prevention-focused, person-centred services.
• Work with partners to reduce health inequalities and improve population health outcomes.
• Support the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and multidisciplinary models of care.

Partnership Working

• Build and maintain effective relationships across local government, NHS organisations, Primary Care Networks, voluntary and community organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Promote partnership working, co-production and shared accountability.
• Facilitate collaborative approaches to service improvement and transformation.

Governance, Performance and Assurance

• Establish effective governance arrangements for programme delivery.
• Monitor progress, outcomes, quality and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Provide reports and assurances to senior leaders, boards and elected members.

Leadership and Culture

• Promote a collaborative, inclusive and improvement-focused culture.
• Provide leadership, support and development for programme and project staff.
• Champion engagement with residents, carers, patients and communities.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health Directorate.

Resources and Financial Management

• Ensure effective use of resources and value for money.
• Support budget management, savings delivery and financial oversight of programmes.
• Maximise opportunities for external funding, grants and innovation initiatives.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support innovative approaches that improve outcomes for residents.
• Embed continuous improvement, learning and evaluation within programmes.
• Develop sustainable solutions that respond to changing local needs.

Additional Information

• The postholder may be required to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post as required.

About us

Merton Council is a forward-thinking local authority committed to improving the health, wellbeing and independence of our residents. Our Adult Social Care, Integrated Care and Public Health team works collaboratively with NHS organisations, Primary Care Networks, voluntary sector partners and local communities to deliver innovative, person-centred services that make a real difference.

We foster a supportive, inclusive and ambitious culture where collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation are valued. In return, we offer flexible working, generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, learning and development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us and help shape the future of integrated health and care services in Merton.