At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce planning to ensure the right people are in the right place for patient care.
- Company: Join IC24, a not-for-profit social enterprise transforming urgent healthcare services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, NHS pension, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging diverse applications and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare delivery while shaping workforce strategy at scale.
- Qualifications: Experience in workforce planning and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43785 - 53515 £ per year.
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 role offers an opportunity to shape future urgent healthcare services delivery across the communities we serve.
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. The organisation values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement while offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Head of Workforce Planning employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
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 National Health Service.
✨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 National Health Service.
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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 National Health Service.
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 National Health Service.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to National Health Service. 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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service
✨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 National Health Service’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!