Chief People Officer

Job OverviewAre you passionate about people and enabling them to provide outstanding care? Do you want to work for a forward-thinking, dynamic acute and community services provider? Are you excited by the opportunity to reshape the workforce alongside partners and redefine how healthcare is delivered?If so, we are recruiting our next Chief People Officer — a pivotal role on our Executive Team and Trust Board — at one of the most exciting times in our history.

We are seeking an outstanding and talented leader to hold overall responsibility for the Trust’s People function, driving transformation to make Frimley Health the best, most inclusive place to work in the NHS. You will inspire colleagues, build strong partnerships, and lead innovation to ensure our workforce is ready for the future. We value leaders who are bold, compassionate and innovative — and who can bring fresh perspectives from any sector. This is a hybrid role, combining on-site presence with home working. As the Trust operates across multiple locations, regular travel between sites will be required.

Main duties of the jobAs Our Chief People Officer, You WillLead the Trust’s People function from recruitment through to colleague development, retention, and wellbeing. Shape and deliver an ambitious People Strategy aligned to our FHFT 2030 vision. Oversee strategic workforce planning, ensuring the right people, skills, and culture are in place to meet current and future needs. Drive equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the organisation. Build strong partnerships internally and externally to develop innovative workforce solutions. Lead workforce transformation to support the New Hospital Programme and other major change initiatives.

Champion digital innovation across People Services — using technology to improve efficiency, insight, and colleague experience while ensuring personal connection and human support remain at the heart of our approach. Inspire and empower leaders to role model our values and create a positive working culture. Ensure the delivery of high-quality people services to all colleagues. Working for our organisationFHFT is one of the largest NHS providers in England, with: £1.

1bn turnover with 12,000 WTE colleagues CQC “Good” rating Strong Staff Survey results Wide range of learning and development opportunities We have a strong track record of achievement and innovation, underpinned by our values: Committed to excellence – in everything we do Working together – across teams and with partners Facing the future – with innovation and ambition We have a bold vision for the future, set out in our FHFT 2030 strategy, aligned with the Government’s three strategic shifts and the NHS Long Term Plan. We are also in wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme, designing and building a brand new £1.

8bn Frimley Park Hospital, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform healthcare for our communities. Why join us?You will be joining Trust with a strong reputation for excellence, innovation and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to shape the workforce strategy for one of the most ambitious NHS trusts in the country, at a time of significant transformation. As Chief People Officer, You Will HaveThe platform to influence and shape healthcare delivery for our communities for decades to come. The chance to lead workforce planning for the New Hospital Programme.

A values-driven culture where inclusion, teamwork and forward thinking are at the heart of everything we do. The support of a committed and collaborative Board and Executive Team. Job PurposeDetailed job description and main responsibilitiesThe Chief People Officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership for all aspects of the Trust’s People Services function, ensuring we are an employer of choice and delivering workforce strategies that enable excellent patient care. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipProvide expert advice to the Board and Executive Team on all people matters.

Lead the development and delivery of the Trust’s People Strategy in alignment with organisational goals. Champion a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Workforce Transformation & InnovationOversee workforce planning to ensure capacity and capability for future services. Lead workforce change programmes, including those linked to the New Hospital Programme. Champion digital innovation across People Services — using technology to improve efficiency, insight, and colleague experience while ensuring personal connection and human support remain at the heart of our approach. Embed modern, evidence-based approaches into workforce models and processes.

Inclusion, Wellbeing & EngagementEnsure the Trust is an inclusive employer with a strong focus on colleague wellbeing. Promote and deliver on the NHS People Promise. Use staff survey results and colleague feedback to drive improvement. Leadership & GovernanceBuild strong partnerships with trade unions, professional bodies, and external stakeholders. Ensure compliance with employment law, NHS policy, and regulatory requirements. Lead, develop and motivate the People Services team. Full job description, person specification and additional details are attached to this advert, or via our Candidate PackRecruitment TimelineClosing Date: 7th September 2025Shortlisting Date: 11th September 2025Selection Day:

7th October 2025The selection day will be face to face at Greenwood Offices, Heatherwood Hospital site and includes a panel interview, presentation and focus groups.

Person specificationQualificationsEssential criteriaChartered Member or Fellow of the CIPDDegree or equivalent experience and knowledgeEvidence of recent management and leadership developmentEvidence of continued professional developmentExperienceEssential criteriaDemonstrable track record of leading human resources and organisational development functions within a senior roleDemonstrable experience of leading on and implementing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives at both strategic and operational levelsExperience of workforce planning and modelling methodologiesDemonstrable record of developing high-performing teamsSkills & KnowledgeEssential criteriaIn depth knowledge of human resources practicesStrategic thinker, with highly developed interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skillsUnderstanding of the financial challenges facing the NHSPolitically astute, with the ability to exercise judgement around complex and reputationally sensitive issuesValues and BehavioursEssential criteriaProven ability to lead, motivate, challenge and inspire othersClear commitment to promoting and maintaining honesty, openness, integrity and the highest of professional standardsEmpowering and compassionate leadership styleClear commitment to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion run through all that you doApply online nowIf you have problems applying, contactAddress Heatherwood HospitalLondon RoadShortlisting:

ShortlistSL5 8AATelephone 07392288737