At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a progressive people strategy for Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
- Company: Join a nationally important organisation committed to improving healthcare.
- Benefits: Influential executive role with opportunities for meaningful transformation and impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive change in a complex, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of workforce strategy in a collaborative, purpose-led culture.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience at Executive or Board level, ideally in public sector.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are partnering with Healthcare Improvement Scotland to appoint an outstanding Chief People Officer (CPO) to join its Executive Team. This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering a progressive people strategy that enables the organisation to achieve its strategic ambitions, strengthen organisational capability, and deliver long-term, sustainable impact across the communities it serves.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Chief People Officer will provide visible, values-led leadership across all workforce matters. You will play a critical role in ensuring the organisation is an exemplar employer, building a high-performing, future-ready workforce underpinned by strong governance, accountability and a positive, inclusive culture. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to corporate decision-making, influencing strategy across the organisation and supporting the Board in making informed workforce and organisational decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of a forward-looking People and Workplace strategy aligned to organisational priorities
- Provide expert advice and insight to the Board and Executive Team on all workforce matters
- Drive organisational performance through effective workforce planning, leadership development and culture change
- Ensure robust governance, compliance and accountability across all people-related activity
- Lead large-scale organisational development and transformation programmes
- Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including trade unions and external partners
- Oversee the full breadth of people services including HR, organisational development, learning, health & wellbeing, and workforce planning
- Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practices across the organisation
About You
You are an experienced and credible senior HR leader with a strong track record of operating at Executive or Board level, ideally within a complex, regulated or public sector environment. You will bring:
- Proven experience leading large-scale organisational transformation and culture change
- Deep expertise including the development of workforce strategies, organisational design and leadership development
- Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to link the people strategy to organisational outcomes
- A data-led approach to decision-making and performance improvement
- Outstanding influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively at Board level
- A values-driven leadership style, with a strong commitment to inclusion, partnership working and employee engagement
Why Join?
- A rare opportunity to shape the people strategy of a nationally important organisation
- A visible and influential Executive role with genuine scope to drive impact
- The chance to lead meaningful transformation in a complex and evolving environment
- A collaborative, purpose-led culture with a strong commitment to people and communities
If you are an ambitious and forward-thinking HR leader ready to take on a career-defining executive role, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Chief People Officer - Healthcare Improvement Scotland employer: FWB
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is an exemplary employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative people strategies in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment. With a strong commitment to inclusion and community impact, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for ambitious HR leaders to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief People Officer - Healthcare Improvement Scotland
✨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 FWB!
✨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 FWB.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer - Healthcare Improvement Scotland
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 FWB. 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 FWB 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 FWB. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to FWB'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 FWB
✨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 FWB.
✨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 FWB 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 FWB and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.