Somerset Foundation Trust is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to manage the planning, delivery, and assurance of its Cancer Services Improvement Programme on an 18 month Fixed Term Contract. This role will focus specifically on earlier cancer diagnosis and the implementation of teledermatology for urgent suspected cancer pathways. The post holder will play a crucial role in improving cancer care and outcomes across Somerset, working collaboratively with stakeholders at various levels.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the delivery of cancer services improvements, with a particular focus on earlier diagnosis and achieving the Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) targets.
• Work closely with Cancer Services teams, tumour site leads, and GP practices to review, redesign, and improve cancer pathways, ensuring alignment with national standards and local needs.
• Develop and embed continuous improvement practices within clinical teams, ensuring high-quality care for patients.
• Support the achievement of NHS Englands goal of diagnosing more cancers at stages 1 and 2 and help ensure 80% of patients are seen within the 28-day FDS.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement through meetings, reports, presentations, and the creation of action plans.
• Provide expertise in pathway redesign, project management, and change management, from initial scoping to the embedding of improvements

Main duties of the job

• Support the team in delivering key reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain robust governance arrangements, including the development of action plans, minutes, and other documentation

Key Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of cancer pathway redesign and improvement.
• Experience working within the NHS or healthcare improvement programmes, with a focus on clinical engagement and pathway delivery.
• Ability to communicate highly sensitive information, motivate teams, and lead change effectively.
• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative approach to working with internal and external stakeholders, including clinical leads, commissioners, and Cancer Alliances.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering quality improvement initiatives that impact patient care and outcomes.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in improving cancer services across Somerset, ensuring patients have access to the best possible care. You will be part of a dynamic and supportive team working in partnership with clinical and non-clinical staff to drive significant improvements across the cancer pathway. You will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals affected by cancer, contributing to national targets and service improvements.

For further details about the role please contact Rosie Edgerley, Cancer Programme Manager mailto:rosie.edgerley@somersetft.nhs.uk

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details of duties and responsibilities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experienceEvidence of post qualifying and continuing professional developmentExperience with cancer pathwayEvidence of QI methodology and practice

Desirable

• Prince 2 or equivalent level of experienceExperience in health service management

Experience

Essential

• Experience of managing projects through the full project lifecycleExperience of Project Management including planning, implementation and report writingUnderstanding of Cancer pathwaysManaging Successful Projects to support the delivery of projectsExperience of working with datasets including analysis and collationUnderstanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagementExperience of change managementExperience of presenting to a wide range of audiences

Desirable

• Working in multi-professional environmentsWorking knowledge and experience of Somerset Cancer RegisterGood written, verbal and presentation skill

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Highly developed organisational and planning abilityLeadership qualities, including team working and team building skills.Self-motivated and ability to work autonomouslyDemonstrate good organisational skills, with the ability to organise wok around competing demands on time.Ability to problem solve and deal with situations a diplomatic, non-confrontational mannerGood written, verbal and presentation skillsFacilitation, negotiation and influencing skillsExcellent communication and liaison skills across a wide spectrum of staff groupsEvidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skillsProven ability to produce accurate work and meet deadlinesAbility to show compassion and empathyStays calm in difficult situationsManages difficult situations

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

184-OL-OR-1524