Clinical Deputy Lead GPClosing date: 11 August 2026
Job summaryThe Deputy Lead GP plays a key leadership role within South Tyneside Health Collaboration (STHC), supporting the Lead GP to deliver safe, high-quality and patient-centred clinical services across the organisation. Working closely with the Lead GP, the postholder will provide operational clinical leadership, support the implementation of strategic and service improvement initiatives, and offer day-to-day guidance to the GP workforce. The role also deputises for the Lead GP when required, helping to ensure consistent clinical standards, effective service delivery and the successful implementation of agreed clinical pathways across STHC.
Main duties of the jobThe Deputy Lead GP will support the Lead GP in providing clinical leadership across South Tyneside Health Collaboration (STHC), ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality and patient-centred care. The role involves deputising for the Lead GP when required, supporting clinical governance, service improvement, workforce development and operational delivery, while working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to improve clinical performance, maintain regulatory compliance and deliver excellent patient outcomes.
About usSouth Tyneside Health Collaboration (STHC) are a GP Federation and valued system partner, set up to bring together South Tyneside General Practices to work collaboratively in delivering services at scale across the borough of South Tyneside.
DetailsDate posted: 04 August 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £12,350 a session
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: B0170-26-0032
Job locations: Whitburn Surgery, 3 Bryers Street, Whitburn, Tyne and Wear, SR6 7EE
Job responsibilitiesKEY RESPONSIBILITIESOperational Clinical Leadership- Deputise for the Lead GP in their absence and provide visible clinical leadership across all practice sites.
- Support the implementation of the Practice's clinical strategy and agreed service developments.
- Lead delegated clinical workstreams and projects as agreed with the Lead GP.
- Promote consistent, high-quality and patient-centred clinical care across all practice sites.
- Build effective working relationships across the multidisciplinary team to support collaborative clinical leadership.
Clinical Governance- Support the Lead GP in maintaining robust clinical governance arrangements across all practice sites.
- Participate in significant event reviews, patient safety initiatives and clinical audits.
- Support the investigation of clinical complaints and facilitate organisational learning.
- Assist with CQC preparedness and ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.
- Escalate clinical risks and governance concerns to the Lead GP as appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with NICE guidance, local policies and clinical protocols.
Clinical Supervision & Professional Development- Provide day-to-day clinical supervision, mentorship and support to Salaried GPs, newly qualified GPs and GP Registrars in conjunction with the Lead GP.
- Facilitate peer review, case discussion and shared learning to promote safe clinical practice.
- Support GP induction, education and continuous professional development.
- Encourage reflective practice and the sharing of best practice across the clinical workforce.
- Promote evidence-based medicine and high standards of clinical care.
Workforce Support- Support the recruitment, induction and retention of employed GPs.
- Assist with workforce planning and clinical rota resilience.
- Promote effective multidisciplinary working between GPs, Nursing Teams, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Pharmacy Teams and Practice Managers.
- Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive clinical culture.
Operational Delivery- Work collaboratively with Practice Managers, Operational Managers and the wider senior leadership team to ensure clinical services are delivered safely, effectively and consistently across all practice sites.
- Liaise effectively with operational and practice managers to ensure clinical processes, pathways and policies are implemented consistently.
- Ensure clear, timely and effective communication of clinical priorities, service developments and operational changes to all relevant stakeholders.
- Support the planning and optimisation of clinical capacity, appointment utilisation and workforce deployment.
- Assist in identifying and resolving operational issues impacting on patient care and service delivery.
Clinical Performance- Support the Lead GP in monitoring, reviewing and improving clinical performance relating to:
- QOF
- Enhanced Services
- Medicines Optimisation
- Prescribing Quality
- Referral Management
- Long-Term Condition Management
- Clinical Audits
- Patient Safety Indicators
- Access and Continuity of Care
Continuous Improvement- Champion a culture of continuous improvement across STHC.
- Lead delegated quality improvement projects using recognised improvement methodologies.
- Identify opportunities to improve clinical pathways, patient experience and operational efficiency.
- Support the implementation of innovative models of care, digital transformation and service redesign.
- Evaluate improvements to ensure measurable benefits for patients, staff and the organisation.
- Work collaboratively with clinicians and managers to embed sustainable improvements into everyday practice.
Leadership- Act as a visible, approachable and supportive clinical leader across all practice sites.
- Champion organisational change and service transformation.
- Promote collaborative working between clinicians, operational managers and multidisciplinary teams.
- Foster a culture of openness, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Act as a professional role model, demonstrating integrity, compassion and patient-centred care.
This Job Description provides a guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list. The post holder may be asked to undertake any other relevant duties appropriate to the post. The Job Description may be amended over time, in consultation with the post holder to meet the needs of the service.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Qualified General Practitioner with current GMC registration and licence to practise.
- Included on the NHS England Performers List.
- Evidence of ongoing CPD and successful annual appraisal/revalidation.
Desirable- Leadership, Management or Medical Education qualification (or willingness to undertake).
ExperienceEssential- Minimum of 2 years' post-CCT experience within UK General Practice.
- Experience of leading or supporting quality improvement projects.
- Experience of clinical audit and service development.
- Experience supporting multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience mentoring GPs, trainees or other clinicians.
Desirable- Experience supporting CQC preparation or inspections.
- Experience of Primary Care Network working.
KnowledgeEssential- Good understanding of NHS Primary Care contracts and standards.
- Knowledge of NICE guidance, QOF and clinical governance principles.
- Understanding of clinical pathways and quality improvement methodology.
- Good knowledge of EMIS or equivalent clinical systems.
Desirable- Knowledge of digital transformation and workflow optimisation.
Skills and CompetenciesEssential- Strong clinical leadership and team-working skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to support implementation of organisational change.
- Ability to mentor and support clinical colleagues.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to interpret clinical performance information and support improvement initiatives.
Desirable- Confident presentation and facilitation skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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 RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer name: South Tyneside Health Collaboration
Address: Whitburn Surgery, 3 Bryers Street, Whitburn, Tyne and Wear, SR6 7EE
Employer's website: Apply through our website
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact: Strategic General Practice Lead, Richard Bowron, richard.bowron@nhs.net, 07703821540