Job overview

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation serving one of the most diverse and economically challenged populations in London. With a clear mission to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across City and Hackney, the Trust delivers both acute and community services and plays a central role within a highly advanced integrated care system.

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Discovery and Innovation to join the Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this pivotal role will lead the Trust’s innovation and transformation agenda across both organisational and system boundaries. The postholder will shape how the Trust identifies, designs, and implements new approaches, technologies, and models of care to improve outcomes and experience for patients and communities.

This is a unique opportunity to embed a culture of continuous improvement and innovation at scale within a dynamic and ambitious organisation. Working in close partnership with system leaders across City and Hackney, the Director will help drive sustainable change and position the Trust at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Main duties of the job

The Director of Discovery and Innovation will provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the Trust’s innovation and improvement agenda. This includes establishing and embedding a culture that supports continuous improvement, creativity, and the effective adoption of new ideas and technologies across all services.

The postholder will lead the identification, design, and implementation of innovative models of care that deliver measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, patient experience, and operational performance. Working collaboratively across organisational and system boundaries, they will build strong partnerships with internal teams, local partners, and wider stakeholders within the integrated care system.

A key aspect of the role is to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that innovation initiatives address health inequalities and meet the needs of diverse communities. The Director will also support the development of staff capability in improvement methodologies and innovation practices, fostering an environment where new ideas can flourish and deliver tangible impact.

Through visionary and inclusive leadership, the postholder will ensure that innovation is embedded as a core driver of sustainable transformation across the Trust and the wider health and care system.

Working for our organisation

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, The City and beyond.

We are extremely proud of the fact that Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff.  This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan.  All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times.

We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly.

Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well-regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.