Associate Medical Director

Associate Medical Director (Ref: 212189)

Salary commensurate with current pay

Part-time: up to 3 days per week (0.6 WTE)

Secondment for 3 years from date of appointment

Edinburgh or Glasgow – hybrid working will apply for the foreseeable future

This is an exciting opportunity to fulfil a significant and visible medical leadership role in NHS Scotland.

HIS is a growing organisation with a strong track record of successful delivery. It combines the major components of what helps to support higher quality and safer care, such as the provision of robust evidence, practical improvement support and independent external assurance.

The medical staff working for HIS have a critical part to play in ensuring our work is clinically relevant, impactful, and credible. The Medical & Safety Directorate is a growing part of HIS. It combines professional leadership for medical professionals and pharmacists alongside leading internationally renowned improvement programmes such as in patient safety and the effectiveness of medicines. At a national level, the Directorate also has a grow role in ensuring the robust oversight of the safety of healthcare in NHS Scotland.

The post holder will have a major role in ensuring that HIS achieves its strategic objectives and draws on the expertise of medical professionals in securing better outcomes. You will contribute across all directorates and programmes, helping to embed high-quality medical expertise, clinical leadership, and ensure our work is informed by the latest knowledge and intelligence.

You will deputise for the Medical Director and work closely with other Associate Directors in achieving Directorate objectives and the delivery of wider corporate objectives.

You will have responsibility for driving a consistent approach to clinical and care governance within HIS, ensuring that programmes of work across the organisation are underpinned by sound professional advice and ensuring that medical professionals within the organisation receive professional support. Externally, you will work with other professional and regulatory bodies to forge strong strategic alliances and support improvements in care across health and care services in Scotland.

You will hold full registration and a licence to practise with the UK General Medical Council and be listed on either the General Practitioner or Specialist Register. You will bring significant experience in senior clinical leadership within the NHS. This includes a proven ability to lead effectively across organisational boundaries and beyond your own area of clinical interest.

In addition, you will demonstrate exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong track record of influencing and delivering sustainable, system-level improvements. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping and advancing collaborative, high-impact initiatives that enhance healthcare quality and outcomes.

Applications are welcome from all eligible candidates, however we would particularly welcome applicants from surgery, anaesthetics or a critical care background.

This is a unique and highly rewarding role, giving individuals the opportunity to participate at every level of the healthcare system in Scotland. You can read more about our strategy here.

Informal enquires are welcome regarding the post to: Simon Watson, Medical & Safety Director, Healthcare Improvement Scotland,

Closing date: midnight on Sunday, 03 August 2025

Interviews are anticipated to be held in September 2025