Head of Service

Working Hours

As from 01/04/26, the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within East Region for an experienced Head of Ambulance Services position. The post holder’s base will be determined at interview, although the successful candidate must provide a visible leadership presence across the West Lothian and Borders operational area. This Head of Service post will lead the team in West Lothian and Borders while also leading on work streams as appropriate across all of East Region.

The post holder will be expected to engage with partners within the NHS and externally at a strategic level representing the Scottish Ambulance Service.

This is a Senior Post within the Region, and the successful candidate will be an individual who has a proven track record at middle management level (e.g. Area Service Managers or other appropriate management or Head of Service experience) with an ability to demonstrate achievement in operations, evidence of implementing appropriate governance systems and in delivering strategic objectives which support service delivery and staff wellbeing.

Informal enquiries should be made to Donna Higgins, Deputy Regional Director on or Kenny Freeburn, Regional Director on .

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigration Service.

As part of the pre‑employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre‑settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the  website.

Please note that SAS is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship to work with us.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.