Adult Critical Care Clinical Lead - South East ODN

A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

The Critical Care Strategic Network (CCSN) is a newly established regional network for 2025/26, operating across the South East of England. It brings together existing Operational Delivery Networks (ODNs) for Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care under a single strategic umbrella, strengthening collaboration, consistency, and system‑wide improvement.

The CCSN supports services across two major localities:

• Thames Valley and Wessex (TVW)
• Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS)

Working closely with commissioners, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and provider organisations, the network delivers against seven core functions:

• Service Delivery
• Resources
• Workforce
• Quality
• Collaboration
• Transformation
• Population Health

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead for Adult Critical Care, with a primary focus on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) locality. This is a key leadership role within the new CCSN structure and will be instrumental in shaping and delivering regional priorities for adult critical care services.

The Strategic Network for Critical Care plays a vital role in supporting and coordinating critical care services across the South East. As part of the SNCC, you will work within a collaborative, clinically led network that values partnership, innovation, and shared learning.

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI‑generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

• Provide expert clinical leadership across the Adult Critical Care Network.
• Support delivery of the SNCC workplan aligned to national and regional priorities.
• Contribute to service improvement, quality assurance, and transformation initiatives.
• Promote collaboration across providers, ICBs, and professional groups.
• Support workforce development, sustainability, and best practice.
• Contribute to population health approaches and reduce variation in outcomes.

• Senior clinician with significant experience in Adult Critical Care.
• Strong understanding of NHS systems, networks, and pathways.
• Credibility to lead and influence at regional and system level.
• Excellent communication, leadership and collaborative skills.

• Experience working within or alongside clinical networks or ODNs.
• Experience of service improvement, quality or transformation work.

For an overview of the position, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification document. This includes a detailed breakdown of the key responsibilities, role expectations, and the qualifications we are looking for. It outlines the essential criteria for the role and is designed to support you in preparing your application by helping you evaluate how…