Job summary
We are seeking an experienced clinician to take a leading role in developing a new Head & Neck Radiotherapy service at our tertiary centre, working autonomously across Eastbourne and Brighton. The postholder will provide expert assessment, management of radiotherapy-related toxicities, and holistic care for patients undergoing complex head and neck cancer treatment.
This is a substantive ACP role, not a trainee post. We would consider a developmental appointment for the right candidate, with support to achieve the ACP qualification (for example, through the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or an equivalent pathway).
Applicants must hold registration with a professional body that permits prescribing and be either a qualified prescriber or willing to complete the non-medical prescribing course as part of their development.
We are seeking applications from:o Qualified ACPs with extensive experience,o Head & Neck Clinical Nurse Specialists,o Therapeutic Radiographers with extensive radiotherapy experience,o Registered Nurses with acute or oncology ward experience supporting patients with head and neck cancer,o Clininicians with other applicable clinical experience
The postholder will play a key role in service development, coordinating complex pathways (including enteral feeding), and working closely with oncology consultants, dietitians, SLTs, and wider support teams to provide person-centred, evidence-based care.
Main duties of the job
Provide advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of Head & Neck oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy, working autonomously within the advanced clinical practice scope.
Lead the new multidisciplinary Head & Neck radiotherapy team (ACP, Dietitian, SLT), ensuring safe, coordinated, patient-centred care.
Prescribe independently or train to do so if a Trainee ACP, initiating and adjusting treatment plans per clinical need and governance.
Identify and manage treatment toxicities and late effects such as malnutrition, dehydration, and functional decline to reduce hospitalisation risk.
Support altered airway management including tracheostomy and laryngectomy care, and site/manage nasogastric tubes for nutritional support.
Order and justify scans in line with IRMER protocols as part of assessment and monitoring.
Support palliative patients, aiding decisions on treatment cessation or de-escalation aligned with patient wishes and best practice.
Provide clinical leadership, education, and mentorship, fostering advanced practice development.
Contribute to care pathway design and evaluation within the Radiotherapy Case for Change for evidence-based, cost-effective delivery.
Collaborate with the Head & Neck team in Brighton and across UHSussex for consistent, equitable care.
Engage in governance, audit, service improvement, and professional development including MSc completion if a trainee.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job responsibilities
Why This MattersHead & Neck radiotherapy is complex, with risks including malnutrition, dehydration, hospitalisation, and functional decline. The ACP role is critical to improving safety, outcomes, and quality of life through expert multidisciplinary care.
Were Looking For
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Passionate clinicians with Head & Neck oncology experience
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Commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care
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Interest in innovation, service design, and research
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Motivation to build a Sussex-wide Head & Neck team
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Essential: ability to train and practice as an independent prescriber
What We Offer
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A chance to shape a new care model in a new team
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Funded MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice for trainee ACPs, supporting entry requirements (usually a first degree or recent Level 7 study)
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Support for independent prescribing training if eligible
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Strong supervision, MDT support, and peer learning
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A values-led organisation committed to wellbeing, innovation, and development
Essential Criteria
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Registered with a UK professional healthcare body (e.g. HCPC, NMC)
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Minimum 3 years post-registration experience
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Normally hold a first degree (or agreed study plan for recent/non-graduates)
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English and Maths Level 2 qualifications (Ofqual, CCEA, or Qualifications Wales regulated)
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Eligible to train/practice as an independent prescriber
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Experience in Head & Neck cancer management
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Strong leadership, autonomy, and resilience demonstrated through: Service development or pathway redesign Clinical leadership in MDTs Managing complex caseloads independently Mentoring colleagues or students Maintaining patient safety under pressure
Job description
Job responsibilities
Why This MattersHead & Neck radiotherapy is complex, with risks including malnutrition, dehydration, hospitalisation, and functional decline. The ACP role is critical to improving safety, outcomes, and quality of life through expert multidisciplinary care.
Were Looking For
-
Passionate clinicians with Head & Neck oncology experience
-
Commitment to collaborative, patient-centred care
-
Interest in innovation, service design, and research
-
Motivation to build a Sussex-wide Head & Neck team
-
Essential: ability to train and practice as an independent prescriber
What We Offer
-
A chance to shape a new care model in a new team
-
Funded MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice for trainee ACPs, supporting entry requirements (usually a first degree or recent Level 7 study)
-
Support for independent prescribing training if eligible
-
Strong supervision, MDT support, and peer learning
-
A values-led organisation committed to wellbeing, innovation, and development
Essential Criteria
-
Registered with a UK professional healthcare body (e.g. HCPC, NMC)
-
Minimum 3 years post-registration experience
-
Normally hold a first degree (or agreed study plan for recent/non-graduates)
-
English and Maths Level 2 qualifications (Ofqual, CCEA, or Qualifications Wales regulated)
-
Eligible to train/practice as an independent prescriber
-
Experience in Head & Neck cancer management
-
Strong leadership, autonomy, and resilience demonstrated through: Service development or pathway redesign Clinical leadership in MDTs Managing complex caseloads independently Mentoring colleagues or students Maintaining patient safety under pressure
Person Specification
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Qualifications/Experience
Essential
- Professional Registration and Education - Current HCPC or NMC registration (or working towards) and evidence of education to Level 6 or above. Willing to undertake MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.
- Clinical Experience - Significant post-registration experience at a senior level within oncology, radiotherapy, or head and neck cancer, demonstrating enhanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
- Autonomous Practice & Leadership - Proven ability to work independently within scope of practice, exercising advanced clinical judgement in complex situations, and acting as a clinical leader and role model within the multidisciplinary team.
- Service Development & Quality Improvement - Experience contributing to or leading service improvement, innovation, or pathway development relevant to clinical practice
- Commitment to Equity and Professional Development - Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and ongoing professional learning and reflection.
Desirable
- MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing qualification completed.
- Experience in Head & Neck cancer care, radiotherapy, and/or altered airway management.
- Evidence of leadership or service development initiatives improving patient outcomes.
Person Specification
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Qualifications/Experience
Essential
- Professional Registration and Education - Current HCPC or NMC registration (or working towards) and evidence of education to Level 6 or above. Willing to undertake MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification.
- Clinical Experience - Significant post-registration experience at a senior level within oncology, radiotherapy, or head and neck cancer, demonstrating enhanced clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
- Autonomous Practice & Leadership - Proven ability to work independently within scope of practice, exercising advanced clinical judgement in complex situations, and acting as a clinical leader and role model within the multidisciplinary team.
- Service Development & Quality Improvement - Experience contributing to or leading service improvement, innovation, or pathway development relevant to clinical practice
- Commitment to Equity and Professional Development - Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and ongoing professional learning and reflection.
Desirable
- MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice and Independent Prescribing qualification completed.
- Experience in Head & Neck cancer care, radiotherapy, and/or altered airway management.
- Evidence of leadership or service development initiatives improving patient outcomes.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Eastbourne Radiotherapy Treatment Unit
Eastbourne District General Hospital, Kings Drive
Eastbourne, East Sussex,
BN21 2UD
Employer's website
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
