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Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust

Chief Operating Officer

The closing date is 12 September 2025

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Job summary

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is committed to delivering outstanding mental health and community services across our region. We are proud to live our values ofTeam, Accountable, Learn and Improve, and Kind, which shape everything we do for our service users, carers, families, and colleagues.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team asChief Operating Officer, a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, clinical quality, and strategic transformation across the Trust.

As post holder you will be an executive, voting member of the Board of Directors.

Main duties of the job

As Chief Operating Officer, you will be accountable to the Chief Executive and Trust Board for the effective and efficient delivery of all operational and clinical services. You will lead performance management, service improvement, and clinical engagement, ensuring the Trust meets and exceeds national and local targets.

You will play a key role in shaping and implementing the Trust's strategy, working collaboratively with executive colleagues, commissioners, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners to deliver integrated care pathways and high-quality services.

This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire teams, drive cultural change, and champion NSFT's values in every decision and interaction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead operational delivery of clinical services across the Trust.
  • Drive performance improvement and embed a culture of accountability.
  • Ensure robust governance, quality assurance, and risk management.
  • Foster strong partnerships across health and social care systems.
  • Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Act as an ambassador for NSFT, representing the Trust locally and nationally

About us

At NSFT, we:

Build strong relationships and work as a Team.Are Accountable for our actions and take pride in our work.Learn and Improve continuously to deliver the best care.Act with Kindness, treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Why Join Us?This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health and community services in Norfolk and Suffolk. You'll be part of a forward-thinking Executive Team committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence.

We offer:

A supportive and inclusive culture.Opportunities for professional development.A chance to make a real difference in people's lives.

Details

Date posted

22 August 2025

Pay scheme

Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary

Depending on experience per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

246-COR7430115

Job locations

County Hall

Norwich

Norwich

NR1 2DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

Interested in applying?

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community care. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief Executives Executive Assistant to arrange a conversation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Interested in applying?

We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community care. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief Executives Executive Assistant to arrange a conversation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Masters degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Desirable

  • Clinical qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Operated as Director of Operations (including interim or long-term acting up) in a large or complex organisation
  • Proven track record of leading mental health, physical health or social care services

Desirable

  • Operated as a Chief Operating Officer (including interim or long-term acting up) Experience of leading cultural change
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Masters degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience

Desirable

  • Clinical qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Operated as Director of Operations (including interim or long-term acting up) in a large or complex organisation
  • Proven track record of leading mental health, physical health or social care services

Desirable

  • Operated as a Chief Operating Officer (including interim or long-term acting up) Experience of leading cultural change

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust

Address

County Hall

Norwich

Norwich

NR1 2DH


Employer's website

https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust

Address

County Hall

Norwich

Norwich

NR1 2DH


Employer's website

https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Chief Executive Officer

Caroline Donovan

caroline.donovan@nsft.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

22 August 2025

Pay scheme

Very senior manager (VSM)

Salary

Depending on experience per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

246-COR7430115

Job locations

County Hall

Norwich

Norwich

NR1 2DH


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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