The Importance of the NHS Band 7 Occupational Therapy Team Leader Role
In the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), the Band 7 Occupational Therapy (OT) Team Leader role represents a critical leadership position. This role typically involves leading and developing occupational therapy services, managing staff, ensuring clinical governance, and playing a key part in strategic service planning. A Band 7 OT Team Leader balances clinical expertise with managerial duties, often overseeing junior OTs, contributing to multidisciplinary team discussions, and ensuring patient-centered care across diverse settings such as hospitals, community health services, and mental health teams.
The salary for NHS Band 7 positions ranges from £43,742 to £50,056 per annum (as of the latest NHS Agenda for Change pay scales), with additional benefits such as NHS pension, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
To help you secure this vital leadership role, we’ve compiled 20 of the most likely interview questions you may face, along with sample answers and preparation tips.
Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers for NHS Band 7 OT Team Leader
Can you describe your leadership style?
Sample Answer: I adopt a collaborative leadership style, fostering open communication and shared goals. I believe in empowering my team through mentoring, clear delegation, and supporting professional development, which promotes ownership and accountability.
How do you ensure high-quality care delivery across your team?
Sample Answer: I implement clinical audits, supervise staff regularly, and review care plans in MDT meetings. I also encourage reflective practice and evidence-based interventions to maintain consistency in care standards.
How do you handle conflict within your team?
Sample Answer: I approach conflict with a solution-focused mindset, ensuring all parties feel heard. I facilitate open discussions, mediate impartially, and align the outcome with team goals and patient care priorities.
Tell us about a time you improved service delivery.
Sample Answer: In a previous role, I introduced a streamlined referral triage system that reduced waiting times by 25%, improved prioritization, and enhanced patient satisfaction scores.
How do you manage competing priorities?
Sample Answer: I use structured prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix and maintain clear communication with stakeholders. I assess clinical risk, service needs, and delegate where appropriate to balance team workloads.
Describe your experience with service development.
Sample Answer: I led a project to implement a sensory integration therapy pathway for pediatric patients. This involved stakeholder consultation, training sessions, and ongoing service evaluation using KPIs.
How do you support junior staff and students?
Sample Answer: I provide formal supervision, maintain an open-door policy, and offer learning opportunities through case discussions and journal clubs. I also tailor support based on their learning style and Band level.
What role does occupational therapy play in multidisciplinary teams?
Sample Answer: OTs bring a unique functional perspective, focusing on holistic interventions to improve daily living. In MDTs, I ensure OT input is integrated into discharge planning and goal setting.
How do you stay current with best practices?
Sample Answer: I regularly attend CPD courses, subscribe to journals like BJOT, and participate in regional OT forums. I also promote team learning by sharing new guidelines and research findings.
How do you approach clinical supervision?
Sample Answer: I use structured models like the Kolb reflective cycle to guide supervision. Sessions are goal-focused, developmental, and include performance feedback and emotional support.
How would you handle underperformance in your team?
Sample Answer: I would start with an informal conversation to understand underlying issues. Then, I’d agree on an improvement plan, provide mentorship, and escalate to formal HR procedures if needed.
What’s your experience with safeguarding?
Sample Answer: I’ve raised concerns through adult and child safeguarding pathways and trained staff in recognizing and reporting abuse. I ensure safeguarding is embedded in daily practice.
How do you demonstrate NHS values in your leadership?
Sample Answer: I lead with compassion, accountability, and respect. I promote inclusivity, patient-centered care, and advocate for fair access to services.
Describe a time you managed change.
Sample Answer: During a service restructure, I led staff engagement meetings, addressed concerns, and collaborated with management to ensure a smooth transition with minimal service disruption.
How do you manage service performance?
Sample Answer: I monitor KPIs, incident reports, and patient feedback. I also conduct regular reviews with the team and use data to guide service improvements.
What would you do in your first 3 months in this role?
Sample Answer: I would focus on understanding the team’s strengths, challenges, and service structure. I’d review audits, meet stakeholders, and co-develop a short-term service improvement plan.
How do you ensure equitable care for diverse populations?
Sample Answer: I ensure assessments and interventions are culturally sensitive, engage interpreters when needed, and promote access for underserved groups by tailoring outreach strategies.
What’s your experience with digital health tools?
Sample Answer: I’ve used electronic health records like SystmOne and have supported remote assessments using telehealth platforms, ensuring continuity during the pandemic.
How do you approach risk assessment and management?
Sample Answer: I use standardized tools (e.g., OT risk assessments) and collaborate with MDTs to mitigate risks through adaptive equipment, care plans, and ongoing review.
Why should we hire you as our next Band 7 OT Team Leader?
Sample Answer: I bring a combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and a passion for developing services that reflect the needs of both patients and staff. I’m committed to excellence, collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes.
Final Tips for Interview Success
Research the Trust: Understand its values, recent CQC ratings, and service models.
Use the STAR Method: Structure your answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for clarity.
Align with NHS Values: Always link your responses to the six NHS core values.
Prepare Your Own Questions: Show insight by asking about service development or future goals.
Stay Calm and Confident: Practice mock interviews and visualize success.
Remember, you’ve already made it to the interview – that’s a strong endorsement of your qualifications. Now’s your chance to shine by showcasing your leadership potential, clinical judgment, and passion for empowering both your patients and team.
You’ve got this!
