Job summary
Applications for this role are being handled byOdgers.
A pivotal leadership role shaping the future of mental health and community care across the Thames Valley
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is at a defining point in its development. Serving a population of around two million people across four counties, we deliver mental health, community health and learning disability services that make a real difference to the lives of children, adults and families every day. With 7,600 dedicated colleagues working across 150 sites, we are united by our purpose: to provide safe, compassionate and high-quality care that helps people live healthier and more independent lives.
We are proud of our strong foundations. Rated Good by the CQC, we have a track record of financial stability, operational performance and improvement, with high patient experience scores and growing research capability driven by our strong academic partnerships. We are progressing major developments including the transformation of our community services, digital modernisation and the redevelopment of Warneford Park as a world-leading campus for research, education and innovation.
Main duties of the job
This is a moment of significant change and opportunity. From April 2026 the new NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board will be formed. Oxford Health will play a central leadership role in helping to design and deliver integrated models of care, tackle inequalities and shape system priorities across a population of 2.5 million people. Our leadership in specialised mental health provider collaboratives and our research strength give us real scope to influence the future of care across the region.
We now seek an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Oxford Health into its next chapter.
You will be a visible, values-driven and inclusive leader with the strategic breadth, compassion and credibility to guide a complex organisation through transformation. You will bring a strong track record of senior leadership in a demanding healthcare environment, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams, strengthen culture and work collaboratively with partners across the wider system. You will set the tone for compassionate, patient-centred care that is delivered equitably across a diverse geography.
About us
We provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are:"Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
- Excellent opportunities for career progression
- Individual and Trust wide learning and development
- 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
- NHS Discount
- Pension scheme
- Lease car scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
- Staff networking and support groups
Job description
Job responsibilities
Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will provide strategic clarity and operational grip. You will champion staff wellbeing and engagement, support clinical leadership, promote innovation and lead programmes that enable us to deliver consistently high-quality care. You will also play a central role in shaping the future of integrated care across the Thames Valley, ensuring Oxford Health continues to be an influential advocate for mental health, community services and research excellence.
If you are a forward-thinking, inclusive and ambitious leader who shares our values of Caring, Safe and Excellent, and who believes in the power of partnership and compassionate leadership to improve lives, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Key dates
Closing date - Friday 27th March
Focus Groups (in person) - Monday 27th April
Interviews (in person) - Tuesday 28th April
Job description
Job responsibilities
Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will provide strategic clarity and operational grip. You will champion staff wellbeing and engagement, support clinical leadership, promote innovation and lead programmes that enable us to deliver consistently high-quality care. You will also play a central role in shaping the future of integrated care across the Thames Valley, ensuring Oxford Health continues to be an influential advocate for mental health, community services and research excellence.
If you are a forward-thinking, inclusive and ambitious leader who shares our values of Caring, Safe and Excellent, and who believes in the power of partnership and compassionate leadership to improve lives, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Key dates
Closing date - Friday 27th March
Focus Groups (in person) - Monday 27th April
Interviews (in person) - Tuesday 28th April
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Working at Board-level, as an Executive Director (or equivalent) within a large, complex healthcare organisation.
- Championing patient participation.
- Championing clinical leadership within and across organisations.
- Evidence of partnership working, collaboration and system thinking.
- Driving Board effectiveness.
- Managing quality improvement, innovation and change.
- Track record of building high-performing, highly motivated and cohesive teams.
Knowledge
Essential
- Exhibiting deep knowledge of mental health provision.
- Awareness of national health and social care plans and policies.
- Sound knowledge of effective governance and assurance frameworks and processes.
Skills
Essential
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in diverse settings.
- Political acumen, required to influence a range of local and national stakeholders.
- Commitment to social justice, and a strong personal drive to improve patient and carer experience.
- Strong emotional intelligence and personal integrity
Person Specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Working at Board-level, as an Executive Director (or equivalent) within a large, complex healthcare organisation.
- Championing patient participation.
- Championing clinical leadership within and across organisations.
- Evidence of partnership working, collaboration and system thinking.
- Driving Board effectiveness.
- Managing quality improvement, innovation and change.
- Track record of building high-performing, highly motivated and cohesive teams.
Knowledge
Essential
- Exhibiting deep knowledge of mental health provision.
- Awareness of national health and social care plans and policies.
- Sound knowledge of effective governance and assurance frameworks and processes.
Skills
Essential
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in diverse settings.
- Political acumen, required to influence a range of local and national stakeholders.
- Commitment to social justice, and a strong personal drive to improve patient and carer experience.
- Strong emotional intelligence and personal integrity
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).
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).
