Job summary
Public Health Wales welcomes applications from compassionate and visionary leaders who share our deep commitment to fairness, inclusion, and wellbeing. We are currently seeking an experienced Deputy Director of People and Organisational Development to join our senior leadership team and play a central role in delivering both our People Strategy and Long-Term Organisational Strategy.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape organisational culture, promote inclusive leadership, and strengthen workforce capability across our national public health organisation. Acting as Deputy to the Director of People & OD, you will provide strategic oversight of all People and OD functions and represent the Directorate in senior internal and external forums, including with Welsh Government and national workforce groups.
We are proud to offer a supportive, inclusive, and values-led working environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diverse communities we serve. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are supported wherever possible.
Main duties of the job
As Deputy Director of People and Organisational Development, you will play a critical role in leading and shaping the delivery of our people agenda. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Provide strategic leadership across all People and OD functions, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the Integrated Medium-Term Plan (IMTP).
- Act as a senior advisor to executive and operational leaders on organisational development, workforce transformation, change management, and people policy.
- Lead the implementation of the People Strategy, focusing on workforce planning, leadership development, Welsh language integration, and digital readiness.
- Champion a values-led, inclusive culture that promotes psychological safety, staff wellbeing, and meaningful engagement.
- Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across employment practices, policies, and decision-making.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, and continuous improvement across People and OD services, including complex employee relations.
- Drive innovation in HR systems and workforce analytics to support high-quality, evidence-based decisions.
- Build effective partnerships with trade unions, staff networks, and external stakeholders to foster collaboration.
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Provide inspirational leadership to a multidisciplinary People & OD team, promoting accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health organisation for Wales. Our purpose is 'working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help all people in Wales live longer, healthier lives. With our partners, we aim to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Together, our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the main source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. Never more has public health been so important as we come through the Coronavirus pandemic, face the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis and tackle and prevent the harmful effects of climate change.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level in Human Resources Management (HRM), Organisational Development (OD), or a related discipline, or equivalent knowledge and expertise gained through experience.
- Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD) or equivalent qualification in OD (or working toward it)
- Comprehensive knowledge of strategic HR and OD issues within complex organisations.
- In-depth understanding of current employment legislation and its application in diverse contexts, including complex employee relations
Desirable
- Accredited qualification in coaching/mentoring.
- Project management qualifications or knowledge of methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile).
- Knowledge of Welsh Language Standards and their application in public services.
Experience
Essential
- Significant senior-level experience in HR or OD within large, complex and multi-disciplinary organisations.
- Proven track record of delivering strategic workforce planning and cultural development initiatives.
- Experience of leading and managing teams, including specialist professionals, to achieve organisational objectives.
- Demonstrable success in implementing organisational change, including workforce redesign and embedding cultural values.
Desirable
- Familiarity with NHS-specific terms and conditions, including Agenda for Change.
Skills
Essential
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to use data to inform decision-making.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including facilitation and presentation abilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level in Human Resources Management (HRM), Organisational Development (OD), or a related discipline, or equivalent knowledge and expertise gained through experience.
- Chartered Fellow of the CIPD (FCIPD) or equivalent qualification in OD (or working toward it)
- Comprehensive knowledge of strategic HR and OD issues within complex organisations.
- In-depth understanding of current employment legislation and its application in diverse contexts, including complex employee relations
Desirable
- Accredited qualification in coaching/mentoring.
- Project management qualifications or knowledge of methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile).
- Knowledge of Welsh Language Standards and their application in public services.
Experience
Essential
- Significant senior-level experience in HR or OD within large, complex and multi-disciplinary organisations.
- Proven track record of delivering strategic workforce planning and cultural development initiatives.
- Experience of leading and managing teams, including specialist professionals, to achieve organisational objectives.
- Demonstrable success in implementing organisational change, including workforce redesign and embedding cultural values.
Desirable
- Familiarity with NHS-specific terms and conditions, including Agenda for Change.
Skills
Essential
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
- Ability to influence and negotiate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- High-level analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to use data to inform decision-making.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, including facilitation and presentation abilities.
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).
