A Deputy Director of Innovation at Band 8c within the NHS is a high-level leadership role that plays a crucial part in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. This position involves driving transformation, implementing digital strategies, and embedding innovation across healthcare services to improve outcomes, efficiency, and patient experience. Reporting to senior executives or directors, the Deputy Director of Innovation often oversees large-scale programs, manages multi-disciplinary teams, and liaises with internal and external stakeholders.
The average salary for a Band 8c role within the NHS in 2025 ranges between £78,192 and £90,387 per annum, depending on location and experience. With such responsibilities and remuneration, it’s essential to excel during the interview process. Below are 20 tailored interview questions along with strategic sample answers to help you stand out.
Can you describe your experience with leading innovation in a healthcare setting?
Sample Answer: In my previous role, I led a multi-year project to implement AI-driven predictive analytics to reduce emergency admissions. We partnered with local authorities and tech companies, resulting in a 15% reduction in re-admissions over 12 months. My leadership focused on stakeholder engagement, iterative testing, and scaling successful pilots.
How do you align innovation initiatives with NHS strategic priorities?
Sample Answer: I begin by referencing the NHS Long Term Plan and Integrated Care System (ICS) priorities. I ensure every initiative aligns with outcomes like reducing health inequalities or improving digital access. During project planning, I engage with commissioning leads and patient advocacy groups to ensure alignment.
What innovation frameworks do you apply to deliver results?
Sample Answer: I often use the Double Diamond approach from the Design Council, combining it with Agile methodologies for implementation. This helps maintain creativity during problem discovery while ensuring accountability during execution.
Tell us about a time you introduced a digital transformation initiative.
Sample Answer: I spearheaded the introduction of a digital patient triage system in a community trust. The initiative improved appointment scheduling and reduced non-attendance rates by 22%. My role involved business case development, procurement oversight, and change management.
How do you ensure stakeholder engagement in innovation projects?
Sample Answer: I adopt a co-design approach, holding workshops and feedback sessions early and throughout the process. I also map stakeholders using the RACI matrix to clarify roles and responsibilities.
How would you measure the success of an innovation?
Sample Answer: I use both quantitative KPIs—like ROI, uptake rate, and patient outcomes—and qualitative feedback from staff and service users. Success also includes sustainability and ability to scale.
What challenges do you foresee in embedding innovation in the NHS?
Sample Answer: Key challenges include cultural resistance, funding constraints, and integration with legacy systems. I address these with robust change management, continuous engagement, and evidence-based business cases.
Describe your leadership style.
Sample Answer: I practice transformational leadership, inspiring teams to innovate through a shared vision. I combine this with servant leadership, ensuring my team has the resources and autonomy they need.
How do you manage risk in innovation projects?
Sample Answer: I use risk registers, stage-gate approvals, and scenario planning. I involve clinical governance teams early to ensure alignment with safety standards.
Give an example of a failed project and what you learned.
Sample Answer: A remote monitoring pilot failed due to poor user adoption. Post-mortem analysis showed that we hadn’t involved frontline staff early enough. I’ve since embedded co-design principles into all my projects.
How do you balance short-term operational needs with long-term innovation?
Sample Answer: I establish innovation workstreams with separate KPIs and timelines, while also integrating quick wins into ongoing operations. This dual-track approach maintains momentum and buy-in.
What role does data play in driving innovation?
Sample Answer: Data underpins all decision-making—from identifying areas for intervention to evaluating outcomes. I advocate for open data standards and interoperability to maximize insight sharing.
How would you ensure equity in access to innovation?
Sample Answer: I conduct Equality Impact Assessments and involve community representatives in project design. I also test solutions in underserved communities first to ensure relevance.
What’s your approach to team development?
Sample Answer: I promote a culture of continuous learning through CPD, hackathons, and innovation sprints. I also mentor emerging leaders to build internal capability.
How do you keep up with emerging technologies and trends?
Sample Answer: I attend conferences like NHS ConfedExpo, subscribe to journals, and participate in think tanks such as The Health Foundation’s Innovation Hub.
Describe a successful cross-sector partnership you’ve led.
Sample Answer: I led a partnership with a MedTech startup and a university to pilot wearable health monitors for post-op patients. The pilot improved recovery tracking and reduced complications.
How do you prioritise innovation projects?
Sample Answer: I use a prioritisation matrix evaluating impact, feasibility, alignment with strategic goals, and resource requirements. I also seek executive input to ensure alignment.
What KPIs do you track for innovation governance?
Sample Answer: Adoption rates, cost savings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and time-to-benefit are key. I also report on qualitative outcomes like staff satisfaction.
How do you approach funding and business cases for innovation?
Sample Answer: I develop detailed business cases using HM Treasury’s Green Book model, ensuring clear articulation of benefits, costs, and risks. I also explore alternative funding like innovation grants and partnerships.
Why do you want this role?
Sample Answer: I’m passionate about reshaping healthcare through scalable, sustainable innovation. This role aligns with my expertise and values, and I’m excited about leading transformational change in a world-class health system like the NHS.
Interview Coaching Tips
Be STAR Ready: Structure answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Know the Agenda: Familiarise yourself with current NHS priorities, especially the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and ICS frameworks.
Show Impact: Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
Research the Organisation: Understand their innovation culture, current projects, and digital maturity.
Practice Out Loud: Verbalising your responses builds confidence and fluency.
Final Encouragement
Landing a Band 8c Deputy Director of Innovation role is no small feat—but with preparation, strategic thinking, and confidence in your expertise, it’s absolutely within your reach. Walk into the interview with a clear vision, a steady voice, and belief in the difference you can make.
You’re not just applying for a job—you’re stepping into a leadership position that can shape the future of healthcare.
