Chief People Officer

NHS Scotland; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 103,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization in Scotland is seeking an experienced Chief People Officer to lead workforce strategies and provide governance for HR matters. The role requires substantial experience in senior public sector positions and a proven track record in change management. The successful candidate will collaborate with national NHS boards to enhance HR management and workforce planning in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of working at a senior level in a public sector or similar complex multi-professional organisation.
• Proven track record of leading change projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all workforce-related matters for the organisation.
• Develop, drive and manage organisational development and workforce strategies.
• Provide governance for the People and Workplace Directorate.

Skills

Leadership of change and transformation projects

Integrity and effective leadership skills

Strategy and policy development

Job description

Overview

Chief People Officer (Ref: 228175)

Permanent, Full Time: 37 Hours per Week

Band 8D (£103,764 - £108,206)

Location: Glasgow or Edinburgh base with hybrid working

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.

About the role

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.

As the strategic lead for all workforce related matters, the Chief People Officer will develop, drive and manage all aspects of the organisational development and workforce strategies. The post holder will also provide corporate management and governance of the People and Workplace Directorate and provide advice at Board level for people management and development matters founded on the principles of Staff Governance. The Directorate currently comprises of Human Resources, Recruitment, Organisational Development and Learning, and Facilities services for Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

As a strategic leader, the Chief People Officer will work collaboratively across the health and care system, especially with other national NHS boards, to ensure there is an efficient and effective approach to HR management and workforce planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all workforce-related matters for the organisation.
• Develop, drive and manage organisational development and workforce strategies.
• Provide governance for the People and Workplace Directorate and advise at Board level on people management and development matters, based on Staff Governance principles.
• Oversee the Directorate which includes Human Resources, Recruitment, Organisational Development and Learning, and Facilities services.
• Collaborate across the health and care system and with other national NHS boards to ensure an efficient and effective approach to HR management and workforce planning.

Qualifications and experience

• Substantial experience of working at a senior level in a public sector or similar complex multi-professional organisation.
• Demonstrated 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 apply

If you are interested in a discussion about the role, please contact Robbie Pearson, Chief Executive, Healthcare Improvement Scotland via [e-mail].

Closing date

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 17 October 2025