At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce planning strategy to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.
- Company: Join IC24, a leading not-for-profit social enterprise transforming urgent care services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, NHS pension, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment that values innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare delivery and make a real impact on patient care.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills required.
Shape the workforce behind the care millions of patients rely on. Every day, IC24 services support patients who need urgent advice, treatment and care. Behind every successful NHS 111 call, clinical assessment and urgent care service is a workforce plan that ensures the right people are in the right place at the right time.
As our Head of Workforce Planning, you will lead the strategic direction of workforce planning across our Integrated Urgent Care services, helping us balance patient demand, workforce capacity and financial sustainability. This is a high-impact leadership role where your insight and expertise will directly influence service delivery, operational performance and patient outcomes. Working alongside divisional leaders, Finance, People and operational teams, you'll provide expert workforce intelligence, challenge assumptions, develop robust forecasting models and ensure our services have the workforce capacity required to deliver safe, high-quality care.
This is more than a workforce planning role. It's an opportunity to shape the future of how we deliver urgent healthcare services across the communities we serve.
What you'll be doing
- Leading workforce planning strategy: Develop and own the divisional workforce planning strategy, ensuring it aligns with business objectives, commissioner requirements, operational demand and financial plans.
- Turning data into decisions: Translate demand forecasts, activity trends, workforce intelligence and financial assumptions into practical workforce plans and recommendations that support safe service delivery.
- Providing strategic insight: Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing workforce expertise, constructive challenge and evidence-based recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
- Leading forecasting and modelling: Oversee long, medium and short-term workforce forecasting, scenario planning and capacity modelling across NHS 111, Clinical Assessment Services, Face-to-Face services and wider IUC operations.
- Driving governance and assurance: Establish and maintain workforce planning standards, rota governance processes and planning controls that support operational delivery while maintaining accountability and oversight.
- Leading a high-performing team: Provide visible leadership to Workforce Planning Managers and Analysts, creating an inclusive, high-performing environment that develops talent and supports continuous improvement.
- Improving systems and analytics: Lead the development and optimisation of workforce planning systems, reporting tools and analytical capabilities, including workforce management platforms such as Quinyx and associated technologies.
- Managing performance, risk and finance: Provide assurance on workforce performance, capacity, affordability and risk while contributing to divisional productivity and financial improvement plans.
Who this role suits
This role is ideal for an experienced workforce planning leader who combines strategic thinking with strong analytical capability and a passion for improving services.
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Have significant senior-level experience in workforce planning, resource planning or a comparable analytical operational leadership role.
- Have led end-to-end workforce planning in complex, multi-site or 24/7 operational environments.
- Can confidently translate demand, workforce and financial data into practical workforce strategies and plans.
- Are experienced in leading organisational change, service improvement and high-performing teams.
- Have exceptional stakeholder management skills and are comfortable influencing senior leaders and providing constructive challenge.
- Possess advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to draw clear conclusions from complex information.
- Have strong knowledge of forecasting, demand and capacity planning, workforce productivity and roster governance.
- Are resilient, collaborative and committed to delivering high standards for both patients and colleagues.
We'd be particularly interested if you also have:
- Experience within NHS urgent care, healthcare contact centres or other regulated 24/7 service environments.
- Experience implementing or optimising workforce management systems such as Quinyx.
- Knowledge of NHS 111, Clinical Assessment Services and wider Integrated Urgent Care operations.
Who are we?
Integrated Care 24 (IC24) is a leading not-for-profit social enterprise providing NHS 111, GP Out of Hours, primary care and urgent care services to more than six million patients across the UK. Every day, our people help patients access the care they need, when they need it most.
Why IC24?
At IC24, workforce planning isn't just about numbers. It's about ensuring our services can continue delivering safe, responsive and effective care to patients when they need us most. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to shape workforce strategy at scale, influence senior operational decisions and lead a specialist team that plays a critical role in the success of our services. You'll join an organisation that values innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement while offering you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery.
Let's be honest about the role
This is a senior leadership role operating within a complex, fast-paced healthcare environment. Success requires balancing competing priorities, challenging stakeholders when necessary and making strategic recommendations based on evidence and data.
You’ll regularly be required to:
- Make decisions with significant operational and financial implications.
- Manage competing priorities across multiple services and stakeholder groups.
- Navigate periods of organisational change and service transformation.
- Balance workforce affordability with patient demand and service performance.
- Lead teams through ambiguity while maintaining clear governance and accountability.
What can't easily be taught is strategic judgement, resilience, leadership credibility and the ability to influence others through insight and expertise.
What's in it for you?
- Salary of £60,000
- Opportunity to join the NHS Pension Scheme
- 6.6 weeks annual leave per year
- Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay)
- Inclusive wellbeing benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme including free 24/7 independent counselling and occupational health services
- Professional development opportunities
- Free membership to our reward and discount platform
- Access to Blue Light Card and other NHS Discount Schemes
Due to the nature of this position, employment is subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, completion of a satisfactory standard DBS disclosure and references.
Qualifications
You will be educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent senior-level experience and have evidence of ongoing professional development. A leadership or management qualification at Level 5 or above is desirable, alongside relevant experience in workforce planning, analytics or operational leadership.
We celebrate brave ideas and brave people. We have a duty to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of those who use our services and our employees. This means we take every step we can to protect from harm, abuse and damage.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and encourage applications from ethnic minorities, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodiverse individuals and other under-represented groups. We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
If you need any workplace adjustments during the application or interview process, or have accessibility requirements, please contact the recruitment team.
Head of Workforce Planning employer: IC24
At IC24, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of our staff. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration among a multidisciplinary team, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of diverse patients while enjoying benefits such as enhanced leave, access to the NHS Pension Scheme, and opportunities for continuous professional development. Located in vibrant Brighton, you'll find a community that values innovation and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for GPs who are passionate about delivering high-quality care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Workforce Planning
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like IC24.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at IC24.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like IC24, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Workforce Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at IC24.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at IC24.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to IC24. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at IC24. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at IC24
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research IC24’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
