Welcome to the Public Service Ombudsman careers page (formerly the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman).
If you are an internal applicant, you will need to log into your MyHR employee self service to apply for the role.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Interview dates: w/c 16 November (in person)
About us
At the Public Service Ombudsman, we make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. Weshare findings from our casework to help Parliament scrutinise public service providers. We also share our findings more widely to help drive improvements in public services and complaint handling.
Our culture is open, friendly and supportive. We listen, we learn, and we treat everyone with dignity and respect. Inclusion and wellbeing are at the heart of how we work, and we strive to create a workplace where every colleague feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
We work in a modern, flexible way built on trust and autonomy. You will split your time between working from home and spending around 40% of your week in our Manchester or London office, where collaboration and connection with your team are an important part of how we work.
Please note that we were formally known as The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The role
This role is all about using what we learn from complaints, investigations and casework to help improve health services in England. The focus is on spotting wider issues, turning evidence into clear policy recommendations and influencing positive improvement in services.
Knowledge of the NHS in England and ability to apply that knowledge strategically is central to the role. You will be working to influence change across the health system, using the Ombudsman’s unique data and insight to support system improvements and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
There is also a strong focus on people and relationships. Leading a team of four, building relationships with external organisations and working collaboratively with our communications, data and systemic investigations teams.
There is a real opportunity to influence change across the health system. Our recent work on ADHD and autism services and end of life care shows how insight from complaints can identify wider problems, shape recommendations and help improve services for patients and families.
What we are looking for:
- Excellent policy analysis skills, including the ability to test assumptions, interpret evidence, assess options and make proportionate recommendations.
- Can develop and influence policy at a senior level, producing clear advice, reports, briefings and recommendations for senior decision-makers.
- Can engage and influence senior stakeholders across organisational boundaries, including on sensitive, high-profile or contested issues.
- Can lead, support and develop others, including managing quality, giving constructive feedback and building an inclusive, high-performing team culture.
We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
- hybrid working, 40 percent office based
- one day paid volunteering leave per year
- access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
- comprehensive learning and development programme
- employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- bicycle loan scheme
- season ticket loan
- paid for professional memberships
Important notice: fraudulent job postings
We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising our job vacancies. We only advertise job vacancies through these official channels.
- our website
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Head of Policy (Health) employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) in Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values public service and employee development. With a focus on innovation through Microsoft technologies, employees have the opportunity to enhance their skills while contributing to meaningful improvements in public services. The supportive environment fosters growth and encourages a commitment to excellence, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
Contact Details:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy (Health)
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
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Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
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Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
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Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
