Chief People Officer
| Posting date: | 15 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Negotiable |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 04 February 2026 |
| Location: | Plymouth, PL6 8DH |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | C9216-26-0056 |
Summary
Workforce Transformation and Delivery Lead delivery of the workforce aspects of the NHS 10-year plan, including exploration and implementation of innovative workforce models that enable and empower left shift (out of hospital, prevention, community care) in partnership with clinical and operational leaders. Partner with system and regional HR leaders to share best practices and accelerate adoption of new workforce solutions. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion a Trust-wide approach to EDI, driving cultural change so University Hospitals Plymouth is an employer where everyone can thrive. Oversee the design and delivery of EDI programmes with impact, from recruitment practices to career progression pathways. Support the Trust in meeting and exceeding statutory equalities duties and foster a workplace free from discrimination and disadvantage. Integrate social value and anchor institution principlesusing the Trusts position to promote local employment, inequalities reduction, apprenticeships, and community impact. HR Systems, Processes, and Manager Empowerment Establish and embed consistently high standards of HR systems and processes that support managers to lead, develop, and support their teams. Drive continued digital innovation in HR, ensuring managers and staff have accessible and effective tools for people management across the employee lifecycle. Work closely with our CDIO on innovative models for process automation to enable more efficient ways of working. Leadership Capability Development Strengthen leadership and management capability at all levels of the Trust through targeted training, development programmes, and interventions. Develop and deliver succession plans and talent pipelines for critical roles. Lead the Board and senior leadership team development, creating an environment of high trust, ambition, and accountability. Digital Transformation and Workforce Analytics Lead adoption of digital HR technologies (e.g., e-rostering, automation, AI-enabled talent management) to enhance operational efficiency and staff experience. Champion workforce analytics, using data to drive decisions on recruitment, retention, wellbeing, and productivity. Organisational Development Lead, model, and enable the Trusts journey toward inclusion and compassionate culturefrom strategy to delivery. Design and commission OD programmes and initiatives that drive organisational change, staff wellbeing and engagement, and outstanding patient care. Adapt reward and recognition frameworks to incentivise and embed Trust values. Teaching and Learning Work closely with the CMO and CNO to create an integrated Education and learning function catering for the needs of all sections of the workforce, to go live in 2026/7, ensuring excellence in clinical, managerial, and professional development. Forge strong partnerships with education providers and system partners to attract, retain, and continually develop the best talent. Workforce Planning and Performance Develop and deliver strategic and operational workforce plans, proactively forecasting needs now and for the future. Oversee recruitment and retention strategies for a diverse, skilled workforce. Monitor and report workforce performance metrics to Board and managers. Staff Voice and Co-production Promote productive partnership working with staff and trades unions. Lead improvements in staff satisfaction through regular engagement and responsive action. Amplify direct staff voice, involvement, and co-production in policy, practice, and culture, going beyond consultation to genuine empowerment. People Leadership Provide professional leadership, vision, and direction for the Trusts Operational HR Services, Medical Workforce, Employee Relations, EDI, and Organisational Development. Advise the CEO, Board and senior leaders on sensitive workforce matters. Set and monitor the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and compliance in all people actions. Strategic engagement Provide executive leadership for People workstreams and projects for the One Devon and working collaboratively with system partners across Devon and Cornwall and beyond. Contribute to and lead elements of the implementation of the system-wide People Plan. Proactively engage with the South West and national CPO networks to ensure engagement and relevant leaning from best practice. Executive Director Responsibilities Contribute fully to the Trusts overall strategy, Board effectiveness, and achievement of strategic and financial objectives including leadership of wider workstreams to support financial sustainability alongside delivery on year-on-year efficiencies within the workforce function. Maintain Board-level oversight and accountability for all corporate HR, organisational development, and EDI matters. Participate in the Executive Director on-call Rota. Maintain eligibility with Fit & Proper Persons Requirements.