Job summary
This is an exciting time for Whittington Health. Already part of the largest ICB in the country, we have strong NHS and local authority partnerships across our communities, with the opportunity to maximise our relationships with UCLH, the Provider Alliance, the growing ICS, and other partners. Withthe recent reconfiguration decisions around the Start Well programme, we are investing in both our maternity services specifically, and our wider infrastructure, to equip the Trust for future growth.
The Chief Strategy Officer will be a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a deep commitment to improving population health outcomes across North Central and North West London. With a strong background in strategic development and implementation, system development and partnership working, organisational transformation, they will build influential, collaborative relationships across the Trust, our newly expanded ICB, and partner organisations. Whether a first-time CSO or experienced in the role, they will be highly collaborative and purpose-driven, with a visible leadership style, sound political understanding, and a driving ambition for our communities.
Whittington Health particularly welcomes applications from historically under-represented groups, including disabled people and members of minority ethnic communities.
Main duties of the job
This is a wonderful opportunity to play a leading role in an organisation that has been at the forefront of integrated care, through its continued development.
The Chief Strategy Officer is an executive member of the Trust Board (non-voting) and will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's long-term organisational strategy. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and clinical executive colleagues, the CSO will ensure that strategic plans are developed and deepen, and align with operational reality, national priorities, and the Trust's ambition to be an exemplar integrated care organisation.They will lead the development and execution of strategies that support sustainable, high-quality services for our patients and communities.
The MBS Group are acting as Whittington Health's advisors on this appointment. To apply please send a covering letter and CV to whittingtonhealth@thembsgroup.co.uk by midnight on Sunday 8th February 2026.
About us
Whittington Health is a special organisation. One of London's most developed integrated care organisations, Whittington Health brings together a distinctive mix of joined-up acute and community pathways, established partnerships with local government, and well-performing adults' and children's services to serve the communities of Islington and Haringey, as well as other London boroughs including Barnet, Enfield, Camden and Hackney. Serving diverse communities with deep attachments to the Trust, Whittington Health's mission is "Helping local people live longer, healthier lives".
At the heart of Whittington Health's services are the dedicated staff: over 5,500 colleagues in total, including 580 medical and dental staff who are deeply committed to our communities, and to the long-term health and wellbeing of our patients. Whittington Health will be an organisation in which they all feel they can thrive. At the same time, reflecting both colleagues and the communities they serve, the Trust is committed to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion to reduce health inequalities and make Whittington Health truly an employer of choice.
We have substantially improved our emergency department and cancer performance and are improving on RTT and 18-week targets, and demonstrate daily the positive power of joined-up care and collaborative working.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specifically, the Chief Strategy Officer will be responsible for:Strategic Development & PartnershipsLead the creation of a coherent, forwardlooking organisational strategy, informed by robust analysis and stakeholder engagement;Build strong, influential relationships with ICB leaders, local authorities, provider collaboratives, academic partners, and voluntary sector organisations; Represent the Trust in system forums, ensuring Whittington Healths strengths and priorities are well understood; Support the development and delivery of integrated models of care across North Central & North West London.
Strategic Implementation & Delivery Oversee the Trusts portfolio of transformation programmes, in partnership with the clinical SRO, ensuring they deliver measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and patient experience; Ensure effective programme governance, risk management, and benefits realisation;Support operational colleagues in delivering transformation at pace during periods of significant challenge;Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and adoption of new technologies and models of care.Lead the development of quality improvement in partnership with the Chief Medical Officer.
Internal PlanningEstablish and maintain a coherent framework for strategic planning, integrating clinical, operational, workforce, digital, estates, and financial plans into a unified organisational strategy;Ensure that all corporate plans are underpinned by clear, measurable objectives and evidencebased assumptions;Direct the Trusts annual business planning process, ensuring each Division and corporate function produces robust, deliverable plans aligned to overarching strategy;Oversee demand and capacity planning, working closely with operational and clinical leaders to anticipate challenges and support sustainable service delivery. Ensure strategic plans are supported by clear financial frameworks, realistic investment assumptions, and sustainability goals.
Work closely with the Chief Finance Officer to integrate strategic and financial planning, ensuring affordability and longterm value.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Specifically, the Chief Strategy Officer will be responsible for:Strategic Development & PartnershipsLead the creation of a coherent, forwardlooking organisational strategy, informed by robust analysis and stakeholder engagement;Build strong, influential relationships with ICB leaders, local authorities, provider collaboratives, academic partners, and voluntary sector organisations; Represent the Trust in system forums, ensuring Whittington Healths strengths and priorities are well understood; Support the development and delivery of integrated models of care across North Central & North West London.
Strategic Implementation & Delivery Oversee the Trusts portfolio of transformation programmes, in partnership with the clinical SRO, ensuring they deliver measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and patient experience; Ensure effective programme governance, risk management, and benefits realisation;Support operational colleagues in delivering transformation at pace during periods of significant challenge;Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and adoption of new technologies and models of care.Lead the development of quality improvement in partnership with the Chief Medical Officer.
Internal PlanningEstablish and maintain a coherent framework for strategic planning, integrating clinical, operational, workforce, digital, estates, and financial plans into a unified organisational strategy;Ensure that all corporate plans are underpinned by clear, measurable objectives and evidencebased assumptions;Direct the Trusts annual business planning process, ensuring each Division and corporate function produces robust, deliverable plans aligned to overarching strategy;Oversee demand and capacity planning, working closely with operational and clinical leaders to anticipate challenges and support sustainable service delivery. Ensure strategic plans are supported by clear financial frameworks, realistic investment assumptions, and sustainability goals.
Work closely with the Chief Finance Officer to integrate strategic and financial planning, ensuring affordability and longterm value.
Person Specification
NHS Leadership Competencies
Essential
- Drive high-quality and sustainable outcomes
- Develop and set strategy and deliver long-term transformation
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree and / or an appropriate professional qualification or equivalent
Desirable
- Master's degree or similar postgraduate management/leadership development qualification, or equivalent experience
Person Specification
NHS Leadership Competencies
Essential
- Drive high-quality and sustainable outcomes
- Develop and set strategy and deliver long-term transformation
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Degree and / or an appropriate professional qualification or equivalent
Desirable
- Master's degree or similar postgraduate management/leadership development qualification, or equivalent experience
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.
