Job summary
Are you a dynamic and visionary leader ready to shape the future of healthcare through strategic workforce innovation? The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head of Strategic Workforce Planning, Systems and Recruitment. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting impact on the lives of patients and staff across Wales.
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership of workforce planning, recruitment, and digital systems, ensuring that WAST has the right people, in the right place, at the right time. A key part of your role will be to devise and drive a bold, forward-thinking recruitment strategy that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future workforce needs. Working with our Shared Services provider NWSSP, you will lead the transformation of our recruitment practices, embedding innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency at every stage, from attraction and selection to onboarding and retention.
Main duties of the job
You will lead a talented team and work closely with senior leaders, clinicians, and trade union partners to deliver a modern, agile, and inclusive workforce strategy aligned with our 2030 vision "Delivering Excellence". Your expertise will guide transformation and the development of innovative solutions to complex workforce challenges.
We are looking for a visible and inspiring leader who brings energy, creativity, and a deep understanding of workforce transformation. You will have a proven track record of delivering large-scale change in complex environments, along with the strategic insight and interpersonal skills to influence at the highest levels. Your ability to foster collaboration, champion diversity, and drive continuous improvement will be key to your success.
At WAST, we are more than an ambulance service. We are a community of professionals committed to excellence, inclusion, and innovation. This role offers the chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will help shape the future of healthcare in Wales.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
#RemarkablePeople
Our workforce is made up of over 4,000 remarkable people who contribute to the delivery of world-class patient care across Wales, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether you work in a patient-facing role or within our range of support services, the work that you do enables us to provide high quality care, wherever and whenever we're needed.
The Trust recognises the need for its workforce to represent the diversity of the population it serves across the whole of Wales and seeks to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity matters. We are also keen to break down any barriers into the Trust, and would encourage applications from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ communities and disability groups.
Careers within the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust are diverse and varied, with opportunities arising right across the service. Whatever your skills and background, you're sure to find a career with us which is fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding.
In line with the Trust's Starting Salary Procedure, all applicants will start at the bottom of the band for the position applied for, but can apply for a higher salary if they have previous experience relevant to the position.
Job description
Job responsibilities
If you are ready to lead with vision and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and become the driving force behind our workforce transformation
Job description
Job responsibilities
If you are ready to lead with vision and make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now and become the driving force behind our workforce transformation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent practical experience within a Workforce and Organisational Development environment.
- Specialist knowledge of Workforce and OD practices including workforce re-design and strategic recruitment & selection, either obtained through a professional qualification (i.e. CIPD Level 7) or equivalent demonstrable experience delivering a W&OD Agenda.
- Knowledge of a wide range of communication and engagement strategies.
- Understanding of what drives organisational culture and behaviour.
- A range of different modernisation approaches, including lean, toolkit for change.
Desirable
- Project Management Qualification
- Workforce Planning Qualification
- FCIPD
- Understanding of the strategic Workforce and OD context across NHS Wales and driving influences
- Knowledge of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service.
Experience
Essential
- Previous senior management and leadership experience within a large, complex organisation
- Demonstrable experience of policy development, report writing and strategy design.
- Track record of delivering successful large scale workforce transformation, change management, strategic recruitment and redesign projects
- Successful leadership of change management experience
- Effectively Chaired meetings
- Successful working in Partnership with Trade Union Partners.
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience or wider international health system
- Experience of working with ESR system
- Performance Management/data analysis.
- Experience of using a range of Organisational Development tools and techniques
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent practical experience within a Workforce and Organisational Development environment.
- Specialist knowledge of Workforce and OD practices including workforce re-design and strategic recruitment & selection, either obtained through a professional qualification (i.e. CIPD Level 7) or equivalent demonstrable experience delivering a W&OD Agenda.
- Knowledge of a wide range of communication and engagement strategies.
- Understanding of what drives organisational culture and behaviour.
- A range of different modernisation approaches, including lean, toolkit for change.
Desirable
- Project Management Qualification
- Workforce Planning Qualification
- FCIPD
- Understanding of the strategic Workforce and OD context across NHS Wales and driving influences
- Knowledge of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service.
Experience
Essential
- Previous senior management and leadership experience within a large, complex organisation
- Demonstrable experience of policy development, report writing and strategy design.
- Track record of delivering successful large scale workforce transformation, change management, strategic recruitment and redesign projects
- Successful leadership of change management experience
- Effectively Chaired meetings
- Successful working in Partnership with Trade Union Partners.
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience or wider international health system
- Experience of working with ESR system
- Performance Management/data analysis.
- Experience of using a range of Organisational Development tools and techniques
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
