Head of Clinical Coding Operations

This is an exceptional opportunity to join University Hospitals Dorset at a pivotal time in the development of our Clinical Coding and Health Information Management Service. We are transforming Clinical Coding into a modern, clinically engaged and strategically important function, supported by strong executive sponsorship, investment and a clear vision for the future. As part of this transformation, we are expanding coding services, strengthening clinical engagement, developing new career pathways and exploring the adoption of AI support.

As Head of Clinical Coding Operations, you will provide senior operational leadership for the Trust's Clinical Coding Service, with responsibility for performance, quality, workforce leadership and service delivery across inpatient, outpatient and emergency department activity. Working closely with clinicians, operational, finance and digital teams, you will drive improvements in clinical documentation and operational performance.

You will lead a workforce, deliver sustainable service improvement and support the continued development of Clinical Coding within a wider Health Information Management model., As Head of Clinical Coding Operations, you will provide senior operational leadership for Clinical Coding services across University Hospitals Dorset, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely and high-quality coded data that supports patient care, organisational performance and income assurance., Leading the operational delivery of Clinical Coding services across inpatient, outpatient and emergency department activity.

Managing and developing a high-performing workforce through effective leadership, workforce planning, performance management and staff development. Driving improvements in coding quality, productivity, timeliness and backlog reduction, ensuring compliance with national standards and local requirements. Working closely with clinicians, operational teams and corporate colleagues to improve clinical documentation and strengthen clinical engagement.

Leading service transformation, including the expansion of outpatient and emergency department coding and the development of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) approaches. Supporting coding assurance and quality improvement in partnership with the Health Information Management Data Assurance team. Supporting digital innovation and the safe adoption of AI-enabled technologies while ensuring readiness for future national developments, including ICD-11, As a senior leader within the service, you will work alongside an experienced management team helping to drive service improvement, strengthen clinical engagement and support the future development of Clinical Coding and Health Information Management services.

UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview., oAwareness of national clinical coding development programmes and future classification changes. oAwareness of national benchmarking, mortality review, and assurance programmes (e.g.

GIRFT, HED, mortality coding frameworks). oUnderstanding of ED/A&E coding requirements and standards Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential oNational Clinical Coding Qualification (NCCQ) oEvidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in clinical coding, education, or assurance. Desirable oClinical Coding Auditor or Trainer qualification. oPostgraduate qualification or formal training in leadership, management, or service improvement., oAwareness of national clinical coding development programmes and future classification changes.

oAwareness of national benchmarking, mortality review, and assurance programmes (e.g. GIRFT, HED, mortality coding frameworks). oUnderstanding of ED/A&E coding requirements and standards Disclosure and Barring Serv