At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead workforce strategy and enhance staff experience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Company: Join a values-driven Trust committed to improving patient care and organisational culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, fitness centre access, career progression, and childcare support.
- Other info: Be part of an influential team making a real impact on patient care.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare by driving cultural transformation and strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in workforce development and leadership within complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Overview
In this senior role you will lead the Trust’s Workforce & OD function and strategy, aligning people plans with clinical, quality and transformation aims.
As a trusted Exec Committee member, you’ll shape culture, improve staff experience, and drive workforce governance across complex systems.
You will partner with unions and leaders to support high-quality patient care and strategic priorities.
This is a values‑led, influential position with a mandate to deliver sustainable culture and capability improvements.
- Pay / Benefits
- Flexible working policy
- Access to fitness centre (SRH)
- Hospital libraries
- Chaplaincy support
- Education, training and career progression
- Care Co-ordinator support for staff childcare
Responsibilities
- Lead the W&OD Directorate and Workforce Strategy to enable delivery of clinical, safety and quality priorities
- Provide strategic leadership across workforce planning, employee relations, OD, culture and climate, inclusion, staff experience, and leadership development
- Serve on the Executive Committee, ensuring workforce risks and opportunities are considered in organisational decisions
- Offer authoritative professional advice on complex workforce matters to Executives and Board committees
- Drive transformation programmes and strategic partnerships, across organisational and system boundaries
- Develop people services through digital transformation and new operating models to improve capability and staff experience
- Key requirements
- Substantial experience leading a complex W&OD function or service
- Deep understanding of the NHS landscape, ICSs and People agenda in patient care
- Experience at director or deputy level in a complex organisation with senior executive collaboration
- Ability to provide authoritative advice on sensitive workforce issues to senior leaders
- Track record of managing significant workforce risks and executive assurance
- Expert knowledge of employment legislation, NHS terms and conditions, employee relations and OD methodologies in a complex NHS setting
- Experience leading major change, cultural transformation and union engagement
- Experience working across partnerships or system arrangements with cross-boundary people and culture considerations
- Resilience under pressure
- Inclusive leadership and empowerment
- Trustworthy and credible demeanor
- Strategic leadership and executive influence
- Organisational development and culture diagnostic capability
- Workforce intelligence and staff experience insights
Director for Workforce and Organisational Development in Sunderland 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 Director for Workforce and Organisational Development in Sunderland
✨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 Director for Workforce and Organisational Development in Sunderland
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.
