Chief People and Culture Officer

Chief People and Culture Officer

The closing date is 12 July 2026

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people. Join our Executive Team to shape the future of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Main duties of the job

As Chief People and Culture Officer, you will be a key member of the Trust Board and Executive Team, providing strategic leadership across workforce, organisational development, culture, inclusion, wellbeing and employee experience. You will lead the development and delivery of a progressive People and Culture Strategy that supports workforce sustainability, organisational performance and exceptional patient outcomes.

• Lead and inspire the development of a modern, ambitious and future‑focused People and Culture Strategy.
• Champion an inclusive, compassionate and high‑performing organisational culture.
• Drive workforce transformation and strategic workforce planning to support future models of care.
• Lead talent management, leadership development and succession planning, ensuring RJAH continues to attract, retain and develop outstanding people.
• Executive Lead for the culture, staff engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.
• Ensure the Trust remains an employer of choice, recognised for excellence in leadership, workforce innovation and staff experience.
• Build strong relationships with staff‑side representatives, governors, regulators and system partners.
• Represent RJAH at regional and national levels, influencing wider workforce policy and development across the NHS.

Benefits

• The opportunity to shape the future of a nationally recognised specialist Trust.
• A highly engaged Executive Team and Board committed to supporting innovation and improvement.
• A strong organisational culture built on respect, inclusion and compassion.
• Flexible working arrangements and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.
• Excellent professional and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to a comprehensive range of NHS benefits.
• The opportunity to live and work in a beautiful part of the country, offering an outstanding quality of life.

Required qualifications and experience

• Significant senior leadership experience at Board or equivalent level in a large, complex organisation.
• Proven track record of leading large‑scale organisational, cultural, and workforce transformation.
• Experience of developing and delivering long‑term workforce strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
• Demonstrable success in improving staff experience, engagement, and organisational culture.
• Experience of leading equality, diversity, and inclusion programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Strong background in workforce planning, talent management, and leadership development.
• Experience of managing complex employee relations, including partnership working with trade unions.
• Experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and managing significant budgets.
• Experience of working within an Integrated Care System (ICS) or multi‑agency partnership environment.
• Experience of digital workforce transformation or implementing new workforce models.
• Experience of leading workforce elements of major service redesign or clinical transformation programmes.

Skills and attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence, and engage at all levels.
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skill, with the ability to interpret workforce data and trends.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with staff, unions, clinicians, executives, and external partners.
• Skilled in leading through ambiguity, managing risk, and making sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to drive cultural change and embed inclusive, compassionate leadership behaviours.
• Strong negotiation and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to represent the organisation at regional and national levels with credibility and authority.
• Experience of using digital tools and technology to enhance workforce processes and staff experience.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of modern HR practice, organisational development, and workforce strategy.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, NHS terms and conditions, and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of the NHS People Plan, NHS Long‑Term Workforce Plan, and national workforce priorities.
• Knowledge of EDI frameworks including WRES, WDES, and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
• Understanding of compassionate leadership, psychological safety, and culture change methodologies.
• Knowledge of workforce analytics, modelling, and data‑driven decision making.
• Understanding of system‑wide workforce planning across health and social care.
• Knowledge of digital workforce systems, ESR, and emerging workforce technologies.

Personal attributes

• Authentic, values‑driven, and committed to the NHS mission and public service.
• Emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and able to model compassionate leadership.
• Courageous and resilient, with the ability to challenge constructively and lead with integrity.
• Collaborative and inclusive, fostering a culture of belonging and respect.
• Innovative, forward‑thinking, and open to new ideas and approaches.
• High levels of personal integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

Qualifications and training

• Chartered CIPD membership (MCIPD/FCIPD) or equivalent senior‑level HR/OD qualification.
• Evidence of continuous professional development relevant to people, culture, leadership, or organisational development.
• Degree level education or equivalent experience gained in a senior leadership role.
• Postgraduate qualification in HR, organisational development, leadership, or business.
• Coaching or leadership development accreditation.
• Experience of working within or alongside the NHS, public sector, or regulated environments.

Contract and working pattern

Permanent – Full‑time.

Location

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

Reference number

224-PA20260603697

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