Job summary
The Diagnostics Recovery & Transformation Programme is the largest single investment programme in the NHS in terms of capital and revenue combined (second largest after New Hospital Programme in terms of capital only). It is delivering twin priorities: a significant transformation in the NHS diagnostic model (delivering recommendations of 2020 Richards Review) and recovery of diagnostic services as a key element of overall elective recovery and cancer performance. The national diagnostics has four key Diagnostic Disciplines, and each team is made of subject matter experts including clinicians and implementation leads who each lead work across a priority area: Imaging, Pathology, GI Endoscopy, and Physiological Sciences. The pathology transformation element of this work seeks to boost the productivity and resilience of pathology services through the development of pathology networks, with the associated investment in shared digital infrastructure and equipment as well as workforce training and development. The National Specialty Adviser(s) are responsible for providing expert clinical advice to the Diagnostics Recovery & Transformation Programme as well as expert professional advice and support in the development of strategy and policy relating to the Diagnostics programme and specialty programme workstream.

Main duties of the job
The role of the National Specialty Advisor (NSA) is to support senior leaders including Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), National Clinical Directors and Medical Directors to provide clinical advice in four respects: clinical advice to drive transformation of services; clinical advice to support identification and delivery of our corporate clinical priorities (at national and regional level); clinical advice to support the commissioning of services; and clinical advice on ad hoc issues to support parliamentary accountability.

About us
The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care.
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation.
• Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visit https://www.england.nhs.uk/. Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person. Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band. NHS England hold a Sponsor Licence; this means that we may be able to sponsor you providing the Home Office requirements are met. To be eligible for sponsorship through the Skilled Worker route you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year, or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. You can find more information on the Government website.

Details
Date posted: 03 July 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 9
Salary: £112,782 to £129,783 a year, pro rata (inclusive of London Weighting)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 9 months
Working pattern: Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: 990-PC-EC3191-E
Job locations: Wellington Place/Wellington House, Leeds/London, SE1 8UG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
The post holders will support senior leaders with the provision of clinical advice and leadership through: - Clinical advice to drive improvement of the performance of pathology services, in terms of laboratory effectiveness, unwarranted variation and demand optimisation. Clinical advice to support the commissioning of laboratory services across England. Clinical advice and support to front line units / systems as needed, complementing the work of regional pathology Clinical Leads in this area. Clinical advice on the development and delivery of improved models of pathology service delivery. Clinical advice on the achievement of an effective and sustainable pathology workforce. Ensuring benefits to population health and addressing health inequalities. Securing buy-in and removing barriers to project success, including working with trusts and relevant national bodies and societies. You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents. Secondments: Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to degree level in a relevant medical or scientific discipline and/or a relevant postgraduate qualification and experience in managing complex medical laboratory services.

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Experienced clinical practitioner with credibility and the ability to command the respect of all clinical and non-clinical professionals across primary, secondary and community care
• Leadership experience in the NHS/DHSC
• Significant experience of working at a national or sub-national level as a clinical leader in the specialty.

Skills and capabilities
Essential

• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high performing teams
• Use resourcefulness and judgment to navigate and negotiate across the NHS and wider health, social care and political landscape
• The ability to deal with ambiguity and complexity

Values and behaviours
Essential

• Excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high performing teams
• Use resourcefulness and judgment to navigate and negotiate across the NHS and wider health, social care and political landscape

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Essential

• Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Director of Diagnostic Disciplines, James Cook, james.cook3@nhs.net