Interim Deputy Chief People Officer

NHS; London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in London is seeking an Interim Deputy Chief People Officer to drive forward the People Strategy and support an impending merger. This full-time role involves managing HR services and leading culture change initiatives. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and experience in HR and leadership. The position offers a flexible working arrangement with a contract until March 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous experience leading significant people programmes of transformational change.
• Management of complex employee relations cases.
• Experience in the health and education sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the HR Business Partnering and operational services.
• Strategically lead service transformation and culture change.
• Depute for the Chief People Officer as needed.

Skills

Strategic influencing

Highly developed communication

Leadership capability

Analytical skills

Financial management

Education

Relevant professional qualification in Human Resources Management

Comparable experience to Masters qualification

MCIPD qualification

Job description

Overview

Interim Deputy Chief People Officer opportunity to drive forward the Trust’s People Strategy in line with the NHS People Plan and to support an impending merger. Due to potential strategic changes, this role may be offered as a secondment or fixed term contract, with any contract limited to 31 March 2026. The role is full time and will require the majority of the working week onsite; flexible working requests will be considered.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Chief People Officer will manage and lead the HR Business Partnering service, Operational People Team services of the Directorate, which includes the electronic staff record (ESR) and other workforce systems, Payroll, temporary staffing, people business intelligence, information and reporting, e-rostering and job planning, shared services and outsourcing, and a People advisory and administrative service. They will strategically lead the transactional and operational services within the People Directorate and, working with the CPO, Head of Organisation Development, Culture and Engagement and Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, take a lead role in service transformation and culture change. The Deputy Chief People Officer will deputise for the CPO where appropriate.

About us

Please refer to the attached VMV document for our refreshed vision, mission and values. The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are particularly keen to attract candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to better meet the needs of the service users and students that we serve.

Details

Date posted: 02 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £85,431 to £97,148 per year (pro rata) inclusive of HCAS

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 6 months

Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number: 260-TP-980

Location: Tavistock Centre, 120 Belsize Lane, London, NW3 5BA

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person specification for more information on the role requirements and duties.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Comparable previous experience to Masters qualification in a relevant Human Resources Management, Organisational and Workforce Development or Education and Training role
• Relevant professional qualification in Human Resources Management, Organisational and Workforce Development
• MCIPD qualified

Experience

• Previous experience leading significant people programmes of transformational/complex change
• Management of complex employee relations cases
• Experience in health and/or education sectors gaining HR/workforce/education development/medical staffing experience
• Service/quality improvement experience

Skills

• Ability to develop and deliver strategy at organisational and departmental level and translate to operational delivery
• Political/strategic influencing and persuasion skills
• Highly developed communication and negotiation skills (written, verbal, formal and informal presentations)
• Leadership, management and people development capability
• Ability to manage challenge, confrontation, conflict and resistance
• Strong analytical and judgement skills; ability to interpret options under uncertainty
• Financial/budgetary management skills

Knowledge

• Ability to work across organisational/professional boundaries
• Experience with professional representative bodies, unions, registration and regulatory organisations
• Application of employment law in a workplace setting
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workforce

Personal attributes

• Demonstrable motivation and drive
• Credible and authoritative in a senior forum
• Visionary and creative, collaborative in approach
• Desire to improve mental health services for patients and clients
• Commitment to staff and team development; resilience to manage staff issues
• Ability to manage high levels of uncertainty and interruptions; proactive problem-solving
• Inquisitive and adept at addressing complex problems

Other

• Ability to travel
• Keyboard/IM&T skills

Legal and employment information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure check will be required.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered. For information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. See NHS Careers for details.

Employer details

Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Tavistock Centre, 120 Belsize Lane, London, NW3 5BA

Employer website: https://tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/