Interim Chief People Officer

MLC Partners; City Of London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Chief People Officer for a 6-month engagement in the NHS to provide strategic leadership across workforce and HR functions. The ideal candidate has experience at a Board level, specifically within large acute settings, and a strong grasp of workforce governance and employee engagement strategies. This role is pivotal to ensuring staff wellbeing and alignment with clinical priorities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Chief People Officer in the NHS or equivalent Board-level role.
• Deep understanding of workforce governance and compliance standards.
• Proven track record of enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Responsibilities

• Lead the People and OD Directorate to foster a high-performing workforce culture.
• Provide strategic leadership on workforce planning and governance.
• Advise the Board on workforce and organizational development.
• Enhance staff engagement, retention, and wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership in HR

Workforce planning

Organizational development

Engagement strategies

Job description

Job Description

Interim Chief People Officer

Location : Outside London

Duration : 6 Months

Rate : VSM

Sector : NHS / Acute Trust

About the Role

We are supporting a NHS organisation in the appointment of an Interim Chief People Officer for an initial 6-month period. This is a key leadership role within the organisation, providing strategic direction across all areas of workforce, OD, and HR, while ensuring alignment with the Trust’s clinical and operational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the People and OD Directorate, driving the delivery of a compassionate, high-performing workforce culture.
• Provide strategic leadership on medical workforce planning, job planning, and workforce governance.
• Advise the Board on all workforce and organisational development matters, ensuring robust compliance with NHS standards and frameworks.
• Work closely with clinical and operational leaders to enhance engagement, retention, and staff wellbeing.

Candidate Profile

Previous experience as a Chief People Officer (or equivalent Board-level HR leader) within the NHS — ideally in a large acute setting.

Deep understanding of medical job planning and w...