At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Absence Improvement Programme to enhance colleague experience and operational resilience.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking healthcare organisation dedicated to improving workforce wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and access to the NHS pension scheme.
- Other info: We value diversity and support candidates from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on colleague experience and drive meaningful change in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Masters-level education and significant experience in leading complex transformation programmes.
The predicted salary is between 64234 - 74905 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term 12 months, 37.5 hours
Location: Derby or Oldbury with travel to other DHU sites
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £64,234 – £74,905 per annum
Lead change that improves colleague experience and strengthens services. This senior leadership role is accountable for the successful delivery of the Board‑approved Absence Improvement Programme, ensuring improvements in attendance management translate into enhanced colleague experience, operational resilience, reduced risk and agreed financial benefits.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, mobilisation and delivery of the Absence Improvement Programme
- Translate programme objectives into clear delivery plans, milestones and success measures
- Ensure programme delivery remains aligned to organisational priorities and Board expectations
- Establish and maintain effective programme governance arrangements
- Provide regular progress reports to Executive teams and Board committees
- Develop dashboards, metrics and reporting frameworks
- Monitor programme progress, manage risks and escalate barriers appropriately
- Lead benefits realisation, including financial savings and workforce improvements
- Develop communication and engagement approaches for leaders, managers and colleagues
- Influence and challenge senior leaders to improve accountability for attendance management
- Facilitate collaborative working across People & Culture, Operational Services, Occupational Health and Workforce Planning
- Identify and address cultural barriers to attendance improvement
- Promote fair, compassionate and inclusive attendance management practice
- Lead and support People Programme Managers and other programme resources
- Ensure programme outputs are successfully transitioned into business‑as‑usual arrangements
Qualifications
- Masters‑level education or equivalent experience
- CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent experience
- Significant experience leading complex workforce transformation programmes
- Experience establishing programme governance arrangements
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and Executive teams
- Experience delivering change across large operational environments
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Demonstrable experience of benefits realisation
- Credibility, resilience and sound judgement in complex and sensitive workforce environments
- Experience of attendance, wellbeing or workforce productivity improvement programmes, NHS, healthcare, urgent care or 24/7 operational environments would be advantageous
- Programme management qualifications such as MSP, Prince2, Agile or equivalent experience would also be desirable
Benefits
- We’ll support your health, happiness and future with benefits that put you first:
- Access to the NHS pension scheme
- Wellbeing support
- Flexible working options
- Career growth and development opportunities
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe great care starts with people feeling valued, respected and supported. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Employer we welcome candidates to share any support or reasonable adjustments they may need during the recruitment process. We proudly support the Armed Forces community, recognising the strengths and dedication they bring.
Ready to make a difference? If you are a credible and experienced transformation leader who can deliver complex workforce change, improve colleague experience and strengthen operational resilience across DHU, we’d love to hear from you.
Programme Lead Absence Improvement Programme employer: DHU Healthcare
At DHU, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the health and happiness of our colleagues. With a strong commitment to career growth, flexible working options, and a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, we create an environment where every employee feels valued and supported. Join us in Derby or Oldbury to lead transformative change in attendance management while enjoying the benefits of the NHS pension scheme and comprehensive wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead Absence Improvement Programme
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at DHU Healthcare!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at DHU Healthcare.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead Absence Improvement Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at DHU Healthcare. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to DHU Healthcare and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at DHU Healthcare. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to DHU Healthcare's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at DHU Healthcare
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with DHU Healthcare.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at DHU Healthcare will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact DHU Healthcare and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
