Director of Voice, Improvement and Partnership

Stakeholder Event Date: 28th July 2026

Panel Interview Date: 31st July 2026

Help us create an organisation where every voice matters, every idea counts and everyone has a role in improving care.

At UHSussex, we are on an ambitious journey to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere.

We have recently launched a new Trust Strategy, a new Trust Operating Model and a Behavioural Compass that sets out how we work together as One UHSussex. We are creating an organisation where people feel heard, valued, included and empowered to make a difference; where staff, patients and communities help shape decisions; where improvement is part of everyday practice; and where better staff experience and patient experience drive better outcomes for the people we serve.

We believe that the best ideas can come from anywhere. We want to create an organisation where people feel confident to speak up, challenge constructively, test new ideas, learn together and take ownership for making things better. We want staff, patients and communities to be active partners in shaping services and improving care.

To help us achieve this ambition, we are seeking an exceptional Director of Voice, Improvement & Partnerships.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the largest NHS trusts in the country. You will lead the development of a new Trust-wide function bringing together organisational listening, staff and patient voice, organisational development, inclusion, improvement capability, community partnerships and lived experience.

You will lead the development and delivery of Every Voice Matters, our approach to organisational listening, involvement and participation. You will help create the conditions where people feel safe to speak up, contribute ideas and challenge constructively. You will champion inclusion, belonging and psychological safety, support leaders to build high-performing teams, and help unlock the creativity, expertise and ideas that exist across our workforce and communities to improve staff experience, patient experience and the quality of care we provide.

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Daisy Drage Job title: Senior EA to Roxanne Smith, Chief Strategy Officer Email address: ***email_hidden*** Telephone number: 01903 205111

For an informal discussion please contact

Daisy Drage on ***email_hidden***