Head of Occupational Health in Penrith

Are you an experienced occupational health leader looking for a role where you can genuinely shape the health and wellbeing of an entire workforce? Foxgroves Recruitment is proud to be supporting Cumbria Constabulary with this key appointment. Rated amongst the best HMIC-assessed forces in the country and recently recognised as Outstanding for Wellbeing by HMIC, Cumbria Constabulary is a high-performing, values-led organisation with a genuine commitment to its people.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing function, working in partnership across the organisation to deliver services that are proactive, clinically sound and built around the real needs of a diverse workforce of over 2,000 police officers and support staff. This role has arisen following the retirement of a long-serving Head of Occupational Health, who will be in post for a structured 12-week handover and transition period. You'll be stepping into a well-established, high-performing team that has recently won Occupational Health Team of the Year and is now working towards SEQOHS accreditation. This is not a role about overhauling, it's about maintaining momentum and building on already excellent foundations.

Reporting to the Head of People and managing a team that includes Occupational Health Nurse Advisors, a Health & Safety Adviser, administrative support, and a strong network of external contracted specialists, this is a role for someone who can combine clinical credibility with strong leadership and a genuine passion for workplace wellbeing.

The Role

As Head of Occupational Health, you'll take full ownership of the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing service. This is a highly proactive role, where the team are constantly horizon scanning to meet the changing demand and workforce profile in policing, aligning to both Police and Occ Health Reform nationally. The role is predominantly strategic and management-led, with one day per week dedicated to hands-on case management. You'll lead a team of clinical and non-clinical professionals while managing relationships with external providers including the Force Medical Adviser, Counselling Psychologist, Physiotherapist, and a wider network of counselling specialists.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, manage and develop the Occupational Health and Safety team, including clinical supervision of OH Nurse Advisors and line management of the Health & Safety Adviser.
• Manage external contracted services including the Force Medical Adviser, physiotherapy and counselling providers, ensuring quality and value for money.
• Develop and implement occupational health strategies, policies and procedures in line with evolving legislation, best practice and organisational priorities.
• Provide expert advice to Chief Officers, senior managers and individuals on all matters relating to health, safety and wellbeing, helping to reduce risk and improve workforce resilience.
• Lead on the management of complex occupational health cases, balancing organisational needs with individual physical and psychological health.
• Develop and deliver preventative wellbeing strategies for high-risk roles, including psychological screening programmes.
• Manage pre-employment screening and medical examinations.
• Oversee the occupational health budget of approximately £400,000, including performance management and reporting.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders including the Police Federation, Unison, HR, Professional Standards and Training.
• Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Equality Act, Working Time Regulations, Police Regulations and other relevant legislation.
• Lead the Constabulary's progress towards SEQOHS accreditation.

About You

You'll be a registered nurse with a specialist occupational health qualification and the confidence to operate at senior level within a complex, operationally demanding environment. Equally comfortable providing clinical oversight, advising senior leaders or managing external providers, you'll bring credibility, sound judgement and a proactive approach to everything you do. You'll understand what it takes to keep a 24/7 workforce healthy, resilient and supported, and you'll have the leadership skills to bring your team with you. You'll be someone with a strong character who isn't afraid to challenge senior management when needed, but who does so with warmth, emotional intelligence and genuine care for the people around you.

Ideally you will hold:

• Registered General Nurse (RGN) qualification with Specialist Practitioner status in Occupational Health and current Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration.
• A minimum of three years' post-registration experience with significant clinical and occupational health expertise.
• Senior management experience in Occupational Health.
• Experience managing budgets, external contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Sound demonstrable knowledge of evidence-based practice and innovation in OH & Wellbeing and associated legislation.
• Prior experience leading an organisation towards or through SEQOHS accreditation would be a distinct advantage.
• A Health & Safety qualification would be an advantage.
• Able to commit to a minimum of three days per week at Police Headquarters in Penrith, Cumbria.

Benefits Package

• £57,186–£60,912 salary.
• Hybrid working (3 days on site at Penrith HQ / 2 home working).
• 24 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days plus banks with service).
• Vehicle purchase scheme.
• Excellent flexible working policy with ability to take up to 2 days a month from accrued hours, standard hours 37 hours a week.
• Option of condensed working hours over 4 days.
• Flexibility around time off for dependents.
• Free parking.

A Note on Vetting

Foxgroves Recruitment acts as an employment agency in this instance following fair and inclusive recruitment practices in line with the Equality Act 2010. Due to the nature of this employer, this appointment is subject to an enhanced vetting process. This means that in addition to standard pre-employment checks, you, and potentially your partner and any members of your household and parents, may be subject to police vetting as part of the recruitment process. Full details will be provided at the appropriate stage.