Chief People Officer

NHS National Services Scotland; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 103,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health improvement agency seeks a Chief People Officer to lead workforce strategies and drive organisational development. The ideal candidate will have substantial senior-level public sector experience and a proven track record in leadership and change management. The role offers a competitive salary band and hybrid working options based in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience at a senior level in a public sector or similar complex organisation.
• Proven leadership of change and transformation projects.
• Integrity and effective leadership skills with a proven track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead workforce related matters and manage organisational development.
• Provide governance of the People and Workplace Directorate.
• Collaborate across the health and care system for HR management.

Skills

Leadership of change

Strategy development

People management

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Experience at a senior level in public sector

Job description

Overview

Healthcare Improvement Scotland is the national improvement agency for health and care in Scotland. Our strategy is to secure lasting, positive and sustainable improvements across the whole health and care system. We are uniquely placed to identify the connections and opportunities created by system-wide working and to collaborate with all boards and other national organisations to deliver a relentless focus on the safe delivery of effective care.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic human resources professional for the role of Chief People Officer. The postholder will be a vital member of the office of the Chief Executive, actively contributing to and participating in the governance, strategic development and corporate management of Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Role details: Permanent, Full Time: 37 Hours per Week. Band 8D (£103,764 - £108,206). Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh base with hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Strategic lead for all workforce related matters; develop, drive and manage all aspects of the organisational development and workforce strategies.
• Provide corporate management and governance of the People and Workplace Directorate and offer board-level advice on people management and development matters based on the principles of Staff Governance.
• Direct the Directorate, currently comprising Human Resources, Recruitment, Organisational Development and Learning, and Facilities services.
• Work collaboratively across the health and care system, especially with other national NHS boards, to ensure an efficient and effective approach to HR management and workforce planning.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience at a senior level in a public sector or similar complex multi-professional organisation.
• Proven leadership of change and transformation projects.
• Integrity and effective leadership skills with a proven track record of strategy and policy development and implementation.

How to express interest

After reviewing the job pack, please contact Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, via [e-mail] for a discussion about the role.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 17 October 2025