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- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Occupational Health Service for over 11,000 staff.
- Company: Join West Yorkshire Police, a values-driven organisation making a real impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Occupational Health and support the wellbeing of police staff.
- Qualifications: Registered nurse or allied health professional with significant leadership experience.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Contract: Full time, permanent position
Are you an experienced clinical leader ready to shape the future of Occupational Health within a large, values driven organisation? West Yorkshire Police is seeking a dynamic and forward thinking Head of Occupational Health to spearhead the development and delivery of a high performing Occupational Health Service. This is a rare opportunity to take strategic ownership of a service supporting more than 11,000 officers, staff and volunteers, driving wellbeing, performance and organisational resilience across the Force.
Why Join the People Directorate/OH Team? Joining West Yorkshire Police’s Occupational Health team means becoming part of a service where your expertise genuinely shapes the future of how we support our people. You’ll join a unit that is evolving, with the opportunity to influence new pathways, strengthen clinical practice, and help build a modern, clinically led model that puts staff wellbeing at the centre of the organisation. Here, your voice matters: you’ll contribute to redesigning processes, improving access to care, and developing a more proactive, partnership driven approach to health and wellbeing. With growing organisational support, clear strategic priorities, and a commitment to embedding Occupational Health within the wider People Directorate, this is a place where you can guide meaningful change, support colleagues through physical and psychological challenges, and help shape a resilient, compassionate and forward looking OH service.
About the Role You will join a leadership team that genuinely prioritises wellbeing and supports innovative, evidence based practice. This is a highly influential role with visibility across the entire organisation and strong links to the senior leadership team. As the Head of Occupational Health, you will:
- Lead, manage and continuously develop an effective Occupational Health Service aligned to Force strategic objectives
- Model the Police Code of Ethics and champion Diversity, Equality and Inclusion across all Occupational Health activity
- Design and implement a proactive, cost effective OH strategy that meets legislative, organisational and clinical requirements
- Oversee performance, attendance and wellbeing frameworks for officers and staff
- Manage a multidisciplinary OH team including Senior OH Nurse Advisors, the Force Medical Advisor, psychological assessment teams, clinic staff and administrative colleagues
- Develop processes ensuring officers and staff are seen by the right OH professional at the right time
- Lead on clinical governance, quality standards and compliance with frameworks such as SEQOHS
- Drive continuous improvement through data insight, audits, performance monitoring and value for money analysis
- Act as a specialist advisor on Force policies impacting health and wellbeing
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver a high quality, compliant and responsive OH service
- Lead and inspire a multi disciplinary team
- Ensure compliance with legislation, professional standards and police specific regulations
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, managers and staff associations
- Implement clinical protocols, governance frameworks and audit processes
- Ensure effective triage, referral management and clinical decision making pathways
- Oversee the OH budget and ensure efficient use of resources
- Promote equality, inclusion and ethical behaviours throughout all OH activity
- Represent OH in strategic discussions and policy development
- Improve service delivery through innovation, data insight and continuous evaluation
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Registered nurse or allied health professional with a specialist OH qualification (e.g., SCPHN)
- Significant experience in senior Occupational Health leadership roles
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
- Experience designing and implementing OH strategy, policies and processes
- Strong knowledge of legislation, health surveillance and clinical governance
- Budget management experience
- High level IT skills including data reporting and analysis
- Ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and manage competing priorities
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel across West Yorkshire
Benefits/What We Offer
West Yorkshire Police staff can access a wide range of benefits designed to support work‑life balance, wellbeing, development and financial security. These include:
- Generous annual leave allowance - 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years of service (plus bank holidays)
- Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements to help you manage your professional and personal commitments
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a secure Defined Benefit CARE (Career Average Revalued Earnings) pension scheme
- Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card
- Access to a wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes
- Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and The Police Children’s Charity (eligibility-dependent)
- Opportunities for career development and training
- Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family-friendly provisions
- A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities
- Option to sign up to our Cycle to work scheme (eligibility-dependent)
- Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs
- A comprehensive training package including our standard welcome induction, core leadership development, and access to specialist external courses as the role grows
Ready to Make Your Move? If you are an innovative clinical leader with the passion, expertise and resilience to drive an Occupational Health Service forward, we want to hear from you. Help shape a modern, high performing OH function at the heart of one of the UK’s largest police forces.
For further information, please contact Chief Inspector Peter Hall at Peter.hall@westyorkshire.police.uk
Head of Occupational Health - People Directorate employer: West Yorkshire Police
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Occupational Health - People Directorate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the Occupational Health field, especially those who might have insights into West Yorkshire Police. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s values and recent initiatives. Show how your experience aligns with their mission to support wellbeing and resilience. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Occupational Health - People Directorate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Occupational Health role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the values and objectives of West Yorkshire Police. We want to see how you can make a real difference!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a clinical leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven improvements in Occupational Health services. We love seeing those leadership qualities shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is received directly by our team and helps us keep track of all candidates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest Occupational Health practices and legislation. Brush up on your knowledge about the Police Code of Ethics and how it relates to health and wellbeing. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the nuances of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively, which is crucial for this role.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with West Yorkshire Police’s values: Fairness, Integrity, and Respect. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how you would promote them within the Occupational Health Service. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their current challenges in Occupational Health or how they envision the future of the service. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also invested in the organisation's mission.