At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and care policy initiatives, driving evidence-informed decision-making.
- Company: Join the Health Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to improving UK health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health policy and improve lives across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in research, analysis, and team leadership in health policy.
The predicted salary is between 94592 - 94592 £ per year.
Deputy Director, Health and Care Policy Posted Monday 6 July 2026. Salary: £94,592 per annum with excellent benefits. Contract type: Permanent, full time or part time. Hours per week: 37.5 hours. All staff must work in person for a minimum of two days per week, in line with our hybrid working policy. Some work outside normal hours may be required.
About The Health Foundation
Health is our most precious asset. Good health enables us to live happy, fulfilling lives, fuels our prosperity and helps build a stronger society. Yet good health remains out of reach for too many people in the UK, and health and care services are struggling to provide access to timely, high‑quality care. The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation with a mission to build a healthier UK. We generate high quality research and analysis, develop practical solutions to the biggest problems in health and health services, engage, convene and build coalitions to build understanding, inform debate and drive action, and develop the long‑term capability needed to transform health and care.
Our values
We expect everyone who works with us to be committed to our values and to share our commitment to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. Our values are impact, evidence, integrity, and collaboration. We also expect everyone to help deliver our five‑year strategy and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
About The Role
This role is one of three key Deputy Directors in the Health and Care Policy team. The team focuses on shaping the future of the health and care system in the UK to ensure the best care for all, by supporting more evidence‑informed policy and decision‑making. You will work alongside the Director of Policy and Research and other senior staff to oversee and manage our large portfolio of work on health and care policy. This will include leading high‑quality research and analysis and using evidence to inform policy and decision‑making – including through direct engagement with policymakers, events and convening. You will also be directly responsible for overseeing our thematic programme of work on health system reform and neighbourhood health, working with staff in the Health and Care Policy team and other teams across the Foundation.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Working with the Director of Policy and Research and other senior members of staff to oversee and lead the health and care policy team’s work
- Lead the development and delivery of high-quality research and analysis, and communicate our messages to external audiences
- Lead the delivery of our thematic programme of work on health system reform and neighbourhood health
- Build and maintain strong networks with relevant health and social care policy stakeholders
- Be a visible and credible senior leader for our work on health and care policy, setting high standards for the quality, rigour, and impact of our work, and supporting others to meet them
Application
Our priority is to find the right individual for each opportunity. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace that values diversity. Applicants are invited to submit responses to the following:
- Why are you well suited to this role? What leadership skills and experience would you bring to the Senior Leadership Team of the Health Foundation? (max. 300 words)
- What skills and experience do you have in generating and using high-quality research and analysis to influence and inform national policy? What experience do you have in leading teams to do this effectively? (max. 400 words)
- Based on your experience, what are some of the key ingredients for effectively using research and analysis to influence policy decisions? (max. 400 words)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive hiring process, where every candidate has the chance to showcase their unique skills and experience in an accessible and supported environment, to ensure that we can make the best appointment for each opportunity on merit. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups in this field to apply. We aim to improve diversity by increasing the number of women in leadership, enhancing the representation of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds and welcoming more people with disabilities. Apply to join our team and help build a more diverse and inclusive workplace together. If you require any support through this process, please contact us.
Closing date: Friday 24th July 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 17th August 2026.
Deputy Director, Health & Care Policy employer: THE HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Health Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises impact and evidence-based solutions. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the organisation offers numerous opportunities for professional development while working in a vibrant environment in the heart of the UK, where your contributions can directly influence health policy and improve public health outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Health & Care Policy
✨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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION.
✨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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like THE HEALTH FOUNDATION, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Health & Care Policy
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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION.
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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to THE HEALTH FOUNDATION. 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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION. 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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION
✨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 THE HEALTH FOUNDATION’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!
