Director of People and Culture

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 122,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Orkney is seeking a Director of People and Culture to provide operational and strategic leadership within the organization. This role involves fostering a culture of support and engagement among staff while driving innovative practices in workforce management. The successful candidate will be part of the Executive Team, influencing key governance committees and ensuring high standards of care for the community.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

Work-life balance policies

Employee assistance programme

Discounts to local and national retailers

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge in workforce management and strategy development.
• Record of leading and implementing change.
• Inspirational leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for operational and strategic leadership across the employee journey.
• Deliver visible and compassionate leadership as part of the Executive Team.
• Develop and drive high-performance and innovative practices.

Skills

Workforce management

Strategy development

Change management

Leadership

Job description

About the organisation:

As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision: looking after our community and providing excellent care. Whether you’re starting your NHS journey or bringing expertise from another NHS employer, your skills will make a real difference to the health and lives of Orkney’s 22,000 residents.

Our state-of-the-art healthcare facility, The Balfour, opened in 2019 and is home to modern inpatient wards, an emergency department, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Collaboration thrives here, ensuring exceptional care for every patient. Beyond our main facility, we’re investing in our outer isles, enhancing services, and transforming patient care across our islands.

About Orkney:

Orkney itself is nothing short of magical. With over 70 islands (20 inhabited), this breathtaking destination offers stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Recognised as one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney promises a lifestyle like no other.

The Post:

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can bring a fresh, forward thinking and collaborative approach to developing and driving high performance and innovative practice in the People profession. The successful candidate will be responsible for operational and strategic leadership across all aspects of the employee journey, creating and supporting a culture where staff feel valued, supported, listened to and involved in decision-making. This isn’t just about being a Director of People and Culture who has oversight of all aspects of the People and Culture function which includes Occupational Health, and Health and Safety, this role is also about delivering visible and compassionate leadership as part of our Executive Team, consistently upholding and embodying our values of Open and Honest, Respect, and Kindness. In this influential role and as a member of our Executive Team, you will be at the heart of our efforts when it comes to looking after our community and providing excellent care.

As a member of the Executive Team, this role is a key player in our Senior Leadership Team and a key attendee at Board as an advisor. This critical role is also the Executive Lead for the Board’s Staff Governance Committee, Remuneration Committee, Area Partnership Forum and the Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee.

The Candidate:

You will be a highly experienced, motivated corporate people leader with extensive knowledge and expertise in all aspects of workforce management, strategy and policy development. You will have a record of leading and implementing change, driving innovation and improvement and providing inspirational leadership to the wider team and organisation.

This role requires close working with the Board, the Chief Executive, our partners and colleagues to ensure NHS Orkney continues to develop and implement strong and innovative staff engagement strategies which promote a culture of high performance and living our values of open and honest, respect and kindness. You will be a very strong team player, as a member of Team Orkney, who is visible and leads with hope, energy and optimism.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:

This post will be based at The Balfour

The successful candidate will work full time 37 hours per week

This post is Permanent

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:

Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is Band 9 £122,736 – £128,051 and if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,587 pro rata per year, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

Further Information:

If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!

The closing date for this vacancy is 22nd June 2025 at midnight.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of short listing within week commencing 23rd June 2025.

An interview and selection event will take place in-person at The Balfour in Orkney on 10th and 11th July 2025.

To find out more about this opportunity please contact Miranda Gardiner, Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive on 01856 888197 or at [e-mail].

This position is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Check.