Chief People Officer

Alumni Global; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) is seeking a Chief People Officer to lead its people strategy and enhance workforce engagement. This role requires a visionary leader skilled in HR and workforce innovation to transform lives and improve care. The successful candidate will foster a supportive workplace, champion inclusive employment, and drive cultural transformation within the organization. With a commitment to well-being and community engagement, join RBFT and make a lasting impact on healthcare in the region.

Qualifications

• Visionary and compassionate leader with deep expertise in HR, OD or workforce leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering cultural transformation, workforce innovation and inclusive leadership.
• Visible and values-driven leader who inspires others.

Responsibilities

• Lead the next chapter of the people journey at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
• Empower people, champion culture, and lead a modern People Directorate.
• Drive inclusive employment and reduce health inequalities.

Job description

Are you passionate about people, culture, and compassionate leadership? Do you want to make a real impact in one of the NHS’s most ambitious and high-performing Trusts? If so, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust (RBFT) invites you to join us as our next Chief People Officer, leading the next exciting chapter of our people journey.

At RBFT, we are proud of our rich history, strong reputation, and the exceptional care we provide to over one million people across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. With a rating of ‘Good’ from the CQC, we are one of the largest district general hospital foundation trusts in the country and we are just getting started.

We’re on an ambitious journey, underpinned by a clear strategy and a talented, forward-thinking Board. As we continue to deliver our “Improving Together” strategy, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare in our region.

Our People successes speak for themselves:

• We are multiple winners of national awards for our people programmes and employment offering.

• We are a values driven Trust, emphasised by our CARE values and award winning staff engagement via our long-running What Matters programme.

• We’ve seen strong improvements in our NHS Staff Survey results (one of the top Trusts in the country), reflecting a more engaged and supported workforce.

• We’re proud to offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities, including innovative use of our apprenticeship levy to support upskilling and career progression across all staff groups. This includes our award winning partnership with Henley Business School.

Our commitment to staff wellbeing is embedded in everything we do, from access to dedicated mental health and wellbeing support, to practical initiatives that make a real difference in the daily experience of our teams. Our investment in the dedicated Oasis Staff & Wellbeing Centre is further evidence.

As a valued anchor institution with deep community connections, we are passionate about inclusive employment, reducing health inequalities, and building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Our new Chief People Officer will be instrumental in driving this mission, empowering our people, championing our culture, and leading a modern, agile and digitally enabled People Directorate.

We’re looking for a visionary, compassionate and strategic leader who brings deep expertise in HR, OD or workforce leadership within complex organisations and within systems. You’ll have a proven track record of delivering cultural transformation, workforce innovation and inclusive leadership. You’ll also be a visible and values-driven leader, someone who inspires others and helps create a compassionate, just, and thriving workplace.

This is more than a senior leadership role, it's an opportunity to transform lives, shape culture and make a lasting difference to the people who care for our patients every day.

Join us at RBFT and help lead a future where everyone feels supported, inspired and empowered to deliver outstanding care.

If this agenda energises you, then we would love to hear from you. For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners Thomas Patterson and Frank McKenna at Alumni Global or visit www.alumniglobal.com/job/royalberkshire for more information and to apply