Innovation and Development Officer | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Are you an individual with a 'can-do' attitude who thrives on finding creative ways to drive innovation? If so, this could be the role for you.

We are seeking to recruit a proactive and motivated Innovation and Development Officer to join our newly established Innovation and Development Team within the Joint Transformation and Improvement Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity to help identify, develop, and implement innovative approaches that improve outcomes, services, and support organisational objectives across DCH, DHC, and wider Dorset. The role suits someone who wants to build project, analytical and commercial experience within a small, visible team working on genuinely new ground.

Please note

This role is open to employees of Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust or Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust only.

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

The postholder would provide analytical, coordination and delivery support that underpins the work of the innovation and development team, reporting to the Innovation and Development Project Manager. The role keeps the pipeline visible, the evidence solid and the partnership running, and delivers defined projects and workstreams in its own right.

It spans three linked portfolios

1. Dorset Innovation Hub — co-hosted by Dorset HealthCare and Health Sciences University, coordinating the Hub's operation, events and partner communication.

2. Federation Innovation — providing the data, analysis and tracking behind innovation and cost improvement projects across the Federation (the partnership arrangement between Dorset HealthCare and Dorset County Hospital, with a combined turnover of approximately £750m).

3. Private Patient Development — analysing activity, capacity and income information, and supporting engagement with clinical and operational teams.

The postholder is often the first point of contact for colleagues across the Federation with an idea, and for partner organisations working with the Hub. The balance of work across the three portfolios will vary considerably over the life of the programme. The postholder will be expected to work flexibly across all three, with priorities agreed and reviewed regularly with their line manager.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Nov 2026