Job overview

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Occupational therapy & Physiotherapy  services and supporting colleagues to deliver the very best patient care?
At Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, a recognised leader in healthcare innovation, we are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Clinical Development Lead to join our team.

This exciting role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on both staff and patient experience. You will be central to building a workforce that is well-led, skilled, and inspired—fostering a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care.

Working clinically with patients and in collaboration with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and wider stakeholders, you will drive our workforce strategy across recruitment, retention, education, and innovation. By role modelling the behaviours and culture we aspire to, you will help create an environment where staff thrive and patients experience the very best outcomes.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and positive leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills, someone who can champion change and bring people along on the journey.

If you are motivated to influence the future of therapy services and want to be part of a Trust that leads with innovation and compassion, we would love to hear from you.

Join us, and help shape a workforce that delivers outstanding care today and for the future.

Main duties of the job

The Clinical Development Lead will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, effective, and therapeutic patient care by advancing clinical practice within physiotherapy and occupational therapy services. Working under the guidance of the professional heads of service, the postholder will lead on initiatives relating to education and innovation to strengthen and grow our workforce.

A key focus of the role is the development of a well-led, skilled, and motivated workforce. The postholder will foster a positive and supportive working environment where staff feel valued, engaged, and empowered to deliver the highest standards of care. 

The role will involve direct clinical practice with patients, as well as collaborative working with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and wider internal and external stakeholders, including the People Directorate and Quality Improvement teams. In doing so, the postholder will play a central part in delivering the Trust’s Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Workforce Strategy.

To succeed in this role, the postholder will need to demonstrate:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, 

• Strong leadership qualities, 

• A proactive and enthusiastic approach,

• A commitment to education and development,

This is a highly influential role requiring both clinical expertise and leadership capability, with the opportunity to shape the future of therapy services and make a lasting difference for both staff and patients.

Working for our organisation

Why Work With Us

At Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, we are proud to invest in our staff and provide a supportive working environment. In joining us, you will benefit from:

• Professional development – access to ongoing training, education, and leadership development opportunities to support your career progression.

• Innovation and improvement culture – the opportunity to work in a Trust recognised nationally for its forward-thinking and integrated approach to care.

• Supportive networks – strong links with therapy, nursing, medical, and wider multidisciplinary teams, alongside leadership and mentoring opportunities.

• Work-life balance – flexible working options, staff wellbeing initiatives, and the chance to live and work in the beautiful surroundings of Torbay and South Devon.

• NHS benefits – including a generous pension scheme, annual leave entitlement, and access to a range of staff discounts and health and wellbeing services.