At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the people strategy and support staff through significant change in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, a vital service rebuilding from within.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days holiday, NHS pension scheme, training opportunities, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to workforce culture and community impact while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Chartered CIPD member or working towards it, with senior HR experience in complex environments.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of our ambulance service workforce.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Strategic People Partner
Band 8b | Based in Crawley: regular attendance at SECAmb Regional Locations | Minimum 40% On-Site
Drive transformation. Champion culture. Shape the workforce of tomorrow.
AtSouth East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb),we’re navigating a period of significant change — and we’re looking for aStrategic People Partnerwho can lead with clarity, compassion, and courage.
This is more than a people role. It’s a chance to help rebuild trust, reshape culture, and reimagine what great looks like. This is a rare opportunity to join a service that’s rebuilding from the inside out — where your HR expertise, leadership, and influence will help lay the foundations for a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient workforce.
You’ll lead the people strategy for one of our four divisional areas(Kent, Sussex, Surrey/Corporate, or Central Operations),working alongside newly forming leadership teams and supporting staff through significant change. You’ll need to be both a trusted advisor and a hands-on partner — someone who can see the bigger picture while getting stuck into the detail. Your ability to bring people with you — to listen, influence, and act — will be critical to success.
This is your chance to make a real difference — not just to our workforce, but to the communities we serve.
We’re looking for someone who is:
• Strategic and hands-on — equally comfortable advising at board level and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.
• Thrives in complexity – and brings calm, confidence, and clarity to uncertain environments.
• Change-savvy and people-focused — with a deep understanding of how to support individuals and teams through uncertainty and transition.
• A natural leader — ready to inspire, develop and guide a growing team in a fast-evolving environment.
• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days\’ holiday each year, increasing after 5 years’ service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Award winning wellbeing hub
• Back up buddy App
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, the starting salary for staff new to the NHS will be the bottom point of the band to which they have been appointed.
You’re a credible, proactive people leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments. You combine strategic insight with operational delivery, and you’re passionate about creating positive, inclusive workplace cultures.
Essential:
• Chartered Member of CIPD (or working towards it).
• Significant, senior HR experience in a complex, customer-focused, unionised environment.
• Strong background in HR business partnering, workforce planning, organisational change and leadership coaching.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiating, and influencing skills — with the confidence to engage and challenge at senior levels.
• Able to analyse complex data, identify trends, and use evidence to drive decision-making.
Desirable:
• NHS or healthcare sector experience, though not essential if you bring comparable complexity.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful, visible impact on the people strategy of a vital NHS organisation — and help shape the future of our ambulance service workforce — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today via NHS Jobs / Trac Jobs and bring your leadership to where it matters most.
This advert closes on Sunday 3 Aug 2025
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Strategic People Partner | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust employer: South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic People Partner | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South East Coast Ambulance Service's current challenges and initiatives. Understanding their ongoing transformation will allow you to speak confidently about how your skills can directly contribute to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SECAmb, especially those in HR or leadership roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to lead change and influence at a senior level. Highlighting these instances will showcase your strategic mindset and hands-on approach, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in workforce planning and organisational change within the NHS. Being knowledgeable about current best practices will not only impress during discussions but also show your commitment to driving positive change in the ambulance service.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic People Partner | South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Strategic People Partner role. Familiarise yourself with the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's mission and values to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior HR experience, particularly in complex, customer-focused environments. Showcase specific examples of how you've successfully led change initiatives and supported teams through transitions.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Clearly articulate your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in previous roles. Mention any experience you have in coaching or mentoring others, as this is crucial for the position.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to the job description. Use keywords from the listing, such as 'strategic insight', 'operational delivery', and 'inclusive workplace cultures' to demonstrate that you are a perfect fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role Deeply
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Strategic People Partner. Familiarise yourself with SECAmb's current challenges and how your skills can address them. This will help you articulate your vision for the role.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Given the emphasis on navigating significant change, be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams through transitions. Highlight your strategic insight and hands-on approach in these situations.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a natural leader, it's crucial to convey your leadership style during the interview. Share stories that illustrate how you've inspired and developed teams, especially in complex environments. This will show your potential to guide SECAmb's workforce effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to workforce planning or organisational change within the NHS context, and be ready to discuss your thought process.