Whittington Hospital NHS Trust

Chief People Officer

The closing date is 10 March 2026

Job summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced people leader who thrives bringing both strategic and operational leadership to a complex, important organisation going through a period of real change. You will bring a rounded understanding of the people function, energy and ambition on behalf of our colleagues and communities, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

An understanding of healthcare services would be an advantage, but we will be interested to hear from anyone with a track record leading large workforces in high profile service delivery environments through significant change and improvement. Collaborative, resilient and authentic, you will enjoy leading the continued transformation of the people function.

Above all, you will be motivated by the chance to make a meaningful difference, to colleagues, to patient experience and to the communities we serve.

Main duties of the job

This is a wonderful opportunity to play a crucial role in leading the organisation through its next period of transformation. The Chief People Officer will be a visible, values-driven executive who will lead the continued development of the Trust's people function, aligning it with clinical, operational and financial priorities, supporting organisational development, and nurturing a culture rooted in our ICARE values.

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 midday on Tuesday 10th March.

About us

Whittington Health is one of London's most developed integrated care organisations, bringing together acute and community services, strong partnerships with local government, and high-performing adult and children's pathways. Serving the people of Islington, Haringey and neighbouring boroughs including Barnet, Enfield, Camden and Hackney, we have deep roots in our communities and a clear mission: helping local people live longer, healthier lives.

The Trust is now entering a period of significant transformation and investment. We are strengthening our services for women, children and frail adults, including expanding maternity services in line with the Start Well programme, and deepening our partnerships with UCLH and the Royal Free to enhance access to specialist care closer to home. Alongside notable improvements in ED, cancer and RTT performance, we continue to demonstrate the value of joined-up, community-focused care.

At the centre of all this are our 5,500 colleagues, committed, values-driven people who care deeply about our communities and want Whittington Health to be a place where they can thrive. We are determined to build an inclusive, supportive culture that reflects our workforce and the boroughs we serve, reduces inequalities, and makes the Trust an employer of choice.

Over the past two years, the Trust has taken important steps to strengthen and modernise its people function.

Date posted

16 February 2026

Pay scheme

Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary

Depending on experience Competitive Salary

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

220-WHT-VSM-E

Job locations

Magdala Avenue

London

N19 5NF

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Chief People Officer will develop, direct and lead workforce strategies and policies to support the trusts organisational and clinical strategies. They will provide sound advice and decision-making on all workforce matters advising the Chair, Chief Executive, Board and other senior colleagues within the Trust. As an active member of the board, the Chief People Officer will play a vital role in the development of our vision for the future including change and transformation programmes, as well as developing organisational culture.

Detailed duties and responsibilities listed in the attached pack .

This job description aims to illustrate the range and nature of responsibilities held by the post holder. The list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the post holder is expected to be flexible in their approach. The duties associated with the post will inevitably vary and develop and therefore the role will be reviewed on a regular basis and changes made in consultation with the post holder.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Detailed duties and responsibilities listed in the attached pack .

Person Specification

NHS Leadership Competencies

Essential

Drive high-quality and sustainable outcomes
Develop and set strategy and deliver long-term transformation

Education/Qualifications

Essential

Membership of CIPD (MCIPD)

Desirable

Master's degree or equivalent level management quali?cation or 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

Membership of CIPD (MCIPD)

Desirable

Master's degree or equivalent level management quali?cation or 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.