At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People & OD function to enhance workforce plans and deliver compassionate mental health care.
- Company: Join a large NHS trust dedicated to improving mental health services.
- Benefits: Strategic influence, impactful delivery, and the chance to drive meaningful change.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real difference in a complex healthcare environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health care while fostering an inclusive workplace.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in People & OD, with board-level advisory skills.
The predicted salary is between 52146 - 63734 £ per year.
Overview
As Chief People Officer, you will lead the People & OD function within a large, complex mental health NHS trust, translating strategy into practical workforce plans and enabling delivery of safe, compassionate care.
You will strengthen leadership, organisational effectiveness and employment practice, building a credible, trusted team and advising the Board.
You will drive change across service delivery, equality initiatives and staff engagement, partnering with unions and clinical leaders.
This role offers strategic influence with real delivery impact.
Responsibilities
- Strengthen reliability and responsiveness of People & OD services and build confidence across the organisation
- Develop new roles and ways of working; translate strategy into workforce plans
- Lead and develop a capable People & OD team with clear priorities and delivery authority
- Advise and challenge the Board and executive colleagues with HR and OD expertise
- Support leadership development, organisational effectiveness and sustained change
- Build relationships with trade unions and staff networks; address Equality and Inequality issues
- Ensure sound employment practice, workforce governance and financial stewardship within the public healthcare context
- Manage budgets, commissioned services and supplier performance; use workforce information to inform decisions
- Drive digital improvements and assess opportunities for automation/AI in workforce functions
- Key requirements
- Substantial record of leading a broad People & OD function in a large, complex organisation
- Board-level experience advising and influencing executive/non-executive directors
- Proven track record in improving reliability of People & OD services and leading through change
- Strong HR knowledge across employee relations, workforce governance, recruitment, reward and risk
- Experience in workforce planning with cross-functional collaboration (operational/finance)
- Use of organisational development approaches to improve leadership and delivery of change
- Experience building relationships with trade unions and managing contentious employment issues
- Proven action to address racism or other inequalities with tangible outcomes
- Budget, commissioning and supplier performance management; value for money understanding
- Workforce information and digital improvement to support decision-making
- Understanding of publicly funded healthcare workforce challenges; multidisciplinary clinical workforce
- Chartered membership of the CIPD, or equivalent professional standing
- Commitment to improving mental health care
- Ability to set practical direction and deliver strategy
- Sound judgement in complex situations
- Employee relations and workforce governance
- Workforce planning and deployment redesign
- Recruitment, reward and risk management
Chief People Officer in London 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 Chief People Officer in London
✨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 National Health Service!
✨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 National Health Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief People Officer in London
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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Health Service'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 National Health Service
✨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 National Health Service.
✨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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
