Job summary
The South East Neurosciences and Trauma Strategic Network is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: South East Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Lead

Start Date: October 2026Contract Type: Fixed term

Duration: 36 months

Purpose for Fixed Term: Limited Term Project

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job
The newly formed South East (SE) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Operational Delivery Network (ODN) is seeking a Clinical Lead. Are you a specialist working within the SE and caring for patients with SCI? Would you like to shape the care of Spinal Cord injured patients across the SE and work with other SCI enthusiasts to shape the future of care for Spinal Cord injured patients? If so we would love to hear from you.This role is 1 PA or 4 hours a week, it is a multi-professional role, as such we would welcome applications from all health care professionals including but not limited to medical, nursing and allied health professionals currently working in the SCI field - in the acute or rehab setting.The ideal candidate must be able to effectively collaborate with colleagues, be respected in their field and be able to work along the whole patient pathway being able to work with patients, the wider MDT and managerial and operational colleagues within Major Trauma Centres (MTC's) and rehab settings.The SCI ODN is a small team with a positive and enthusiastic approach to patient care, looking to implement positive changes to SCI patient journey across the SE of England.

All applicants must be substantively employed within a SE Trust, have discussed their application with their current manager and have their support. These roles are remunerated at the agreed ODN Clinical Lead rate and will be appointed via a MOU between the NTSN and the successful candidates substantive employer.

About us
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.

Job responsibilities
This challenging role will lead the strategic direction of Spinal Cord Injury services across the South East supporting the delivery of the national service specification for Spinal Cord Injury (all ages). The post holder will be expected to have a national presence with peers; feeding back developments and implementing new initiatives within the network.

In addition to working with peers nationally the post holder, in conjunction the ODN manager and the lead AHP RN, will be expected to work across the region identifying the needs of teams and patients, advising on appropriate education and professional development to meet the needs of SCI patients. They will be able to work collaboratively with the National Spinal Cord Injury Centre (NSIC), the SE MTC's and rehab providers to review the whole patient pathway from Spinal Cord injury / pathology to life long care for SCI ensuring that patients receive equitable / supported / high quality care at every stage.

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 your skills, experience, and professional background align with the requirements of the role.

Agreed SE Clinical Lead PA Rate (£16,907) for Medical and Dental Staff appointed OR 8b Band for Agenda for Change Staff appointed.

Proposed interview date: TBC

This vacancy closes on or before 24th September 2026

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• Current registration and practising as AHP / RN / Healthcare scientist
• GMC registration with a licence to practise
• Appropriate knowledge base, and specialist training in relevant area to masters level or with equivalent experience
• Experience working within the specialty at a senior level
• Substantively employed in a hospital within, or where patients flow into, the Network geographical area

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).