At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of our new mental health strategy.
- Company: Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, dedicated to improving mental health care.
- Benefits: Impactful role with autonomy, collaboration, and a chance to shape community health.
- Other info: Join a 'Good' rated team focused on caring, inclusivity, and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health care for 1.8 million people.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
This is a newly created, 12-month interim role that comes at an exciting and pivotal time for the trust. We have recently launched our new five-year strategy, setting out a clear ambition for the future of mental health care across Kent and Medway. We are now looking for someone to help us bring that strategy to life - strengthening our strategic capability; ensuring we stay focused on what matters most; and shaping a clear, confident narrative about the difference we are making for our patients, communities and staff, and being open about where we need to go further.
This is a high-impact role, working closely with senior leaders and system partners, it offers a rare opportunity to shape how strategy is understood, delivered and experienced across the organisation, our system and in our communities. Working with a high degree of autonomy within broad strategic direction, the postholder will interpret national policy, system priorities and organisational insight, and translate these into clear and actionable strategic frameworks for the trust.
The postholder will work closely with delivery teams, without directly leading delivery, to ensure alignment, identify risks or drift, and support consistent and meaningful reporting of progress.
- Lead the development, delivery and review of the Trust's strategy, relevant organisational policies, and strategic plans ensuring alignment, clarity and measurable outcomes.
- Interpret national policy, NHS planning guidance and system priorities, translating these into locally relevant strategic approaches.
- Analyse and provide highly complex, sensitive and contentious information from a range of sources (including performance, finance, workforce, engagement and system intelligence) to inform strategic decision‑making, communicate and build relationships; bring together qualitative and quantitative insight, ensuring patient, community and staff voice meaningfully informs strategy.
- Lead and coordinate the strategic oversight of resources associated with key programmes or initiatives, ensuring effective use of workforce, funding and delivery of value for money.
- Lead horizon scanning for national policy, system change and population need, ensuring the Trust is well‑positioned and forward‑looking and remains at the forefront of best practice.
- Oversee and lead cross‑functional project teams to develop and deliver robust strategic plans for each of our directorates and priority programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational, system and national NHSE priorities.
We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Because we cover the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year.
Our vision is simple: We are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. And everything we do is guided by our values caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Interim Head of Strategy, Health System Transformation in Maidstone employer: Kent PLC
At Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming mental health care. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing employees with meaningful opportunities for professional growth while making a tangible impact in the communities we serve. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing and a commitment to delivering high-quality care, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of mental health services in a supportive and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Strategy, Health System Transformation in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health sector, especially those connected to Kent and Medway. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for mental health care! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about improving mental health services. Share your ideas on how to bring their strategy to life and demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but a mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the Trust’s recent initiatives and strategic goals. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their five-year strategy. Tailor your examples to show how you can strengthen their strategic capability and align with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Strategy, Health System Transformation in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the trust's new five-year strategy. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with their goals and values. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in mental health care.
Be Clear and Concise:When crafting your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Highlight your key achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as you do!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for mental health care shine through in your application. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to improving mental health services. We love seeing candidates who are passionate about our mission and values.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent PLC
✨Know the Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the trust's new five-year strategy. Familiarise yourself with its key components and how they align with national policies and system priorities. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to bringing that strategy to life.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've previously analysed complex information to inform strategic decision-making. Bring examples of how you've used both qualitative and quantitative insights to shape strategies, especially in health care settings. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the sensitive and contentious information mentioned in the job description.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with senior leaders and system partners. Discuss specific instances where you've successfully collaborated across teams to ensure alignment and support for strategic initiatives. This is crucial for the role, as you'll need to work closely with various stakeholders without directly leading delivery.
✨Emphasise Your Forward-Thinking Approach
The role requires a forward-looking mindset, so be ready to discuss how you've engaged in horizon scanning for national policy and population needs. Share examples of how you've positioned your previous organisations at the forefront of best practices, ensuring they remain adaptable and responsive to change.
