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. We are seeking an experienced, qualified Clinical Coding professional with a proven track record of leadership, service improvement and partnership working within complex healthcare organisations. If you are looking for a role where you can influence strategy, lead change and make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you. 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. Key responsibilities include:

• 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
The Health Information Management Service at University Hospitals Dorset brings together Clinical Coding, Data Quality and wider information management functions within a single service, creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation and professional development. We are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment where colleagues are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge constructively and help shape service development. We place a strong emphasis on teamwork, visibility, professional standards and building effective relationships with clinicians and corporate colleagues. 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.

We are pleased to offer a £6,000 attraction incentive payment for this role, with full details confirmed in line with Trust processes. Relocation expenses will be considered for this role in line with Trust policies and subject to internal review. Base Location: University Hospitals Dorset with cross site and hybrid working Interview Date: between 12 - 14 August 2026 confirmation of the date will be confirmed upon shortlisting