Chief People and Culture Officer

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS health organization based in Portsmouth is seeking a Chief People and Culture Officer. This pivotal role involves shaping workforce transformation and driving organizational culture across two NHS Trusts. The ideal candidate will bring significant executive experience in HR and OD, with a track record of influencing change in large environments. Passion for inclusion and the ability to navigate cultural differences are essential. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health workforce and the communities served.

Qualifications

• Experience as an executive leader supporting strategic initiatives.
• Background in leading transformation in diverse and unionised settings.
• Understanding of the importance of inclusion and coaching culture.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive workforce transformation and cultural change.
• Lead the Group's People and Culture strategy.
• Influence across the health system for integrated workforce solutions.

Skills

Leadership in HR & OD

Change management

Strategic vision

Civility and compassionate leadership

Influencing and coaching

Job description

Go back Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Chief People and Culture Officer

The closing date is 27 January 2026

Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have been working in partnership since 2019, creating a Group model in 2023 that delivers better care for our communities. Together, we employ over 11,500 colleagues and provide services to a population of more than 675,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Our Trusts' strategies - Working Together, Improving Together - are underpinned by our ethos of Delivering Excellence. We are ambitious for our people and our patients, and we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels valued, included and supported to thrive.

Reporting to our Chief Executive, you will join the Group Executive Team. This is a pivotal role, responsible for shaping organisational culture, driving workforce transformation, and ensuring we have the talent and capability to deliver outstanding care across both our organisations.

Main duties of the job

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as a visible and influential member of the Group Executive Team, contributing to collective decision-making and supporting the delivery of our shared vision.
• Leading the development and delivery of the Group's People and Culture strategy.
• Championing inclusion, civility and compassionate leadership across both organisations.
• Driving workforce redesign and talent strategies that support sustainable services.
• Fostering a coaching culture and develop leadership capability at every level.
• Influencing across the wider health system to deliver integrated workforce solutions.
• Ensuring the People Directorate provides a proactive, high-quality service across HR and OD.

About us

We are looking for an inspiring, collaborative leader with a professional background in HR & OD who brings credibility, resilience and a passion for people. You'll bring experience as an executive leader, supporting executive colleagues to deliver and providing strategic advice to the Chief Executive and Board.

You’ll have experience of leading change in a large, unionised environment and the ability to navigate cultural differences across multiple sites. Strategic vision, operational grip and a commitment to inclusion are essential.

Job responsibilities

Previous experience of the NHS is not a prerequisite, and we are keen to encourage applications from candidates who have transferable experience from other environments.

This is a rare opportunity to lead transformation at scale and shape the future of two ambitious NHS organisations. If you are curious, values-driven and excited by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our workforce and communities, we would love to hear from you.

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.

Employer name

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust