Senior Organisational Development Practitioner

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

37.5 hour week

Holiday entitlement 27-33 days

Out-of-hours pay enhancements

Career progression

Car leasing

Free parking

Discounts UK-wide

Job summary

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust in Exeter is seeking a Senior OD Practitioner to lead end‑to‑end organisational development projects within the People Directorate. You will diagnose needs with data and OD methods, deliver evidence‑based interventions, and partner with senior leaders to strengthen culture and capability while aligning with the Trust's strategy.

This role offers NHS Band 7 pay, a 37.5‑hour week, generous leave, and development opportunities, with the chance to

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent demonstrate experience
• Grad CIPD (Level 7) or substantial evidence of continuing professional and personal development equivalent to this level
• Degree in relevant subject
• Part qualified CIPD expected to achieve Grad CIPD within 12 months
• Significant experience of project management
• Experience of supporting successful programmes of work at an organisational level
• Experience of supporting organisational change
• Previous NHS HR Experience
• Previous experience of leading projects with an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lens

Responsibilities

• Diagnose organisational needs using data, insight and OD methodologies.
• Analyse people and organisational data to inform priorities, evaluate impact and continuously improve OD interventions.
• Design and deliver evidence‑based OD interventions that support the Trust’s annual plan and long‑term strategy.
• Partner with senior leaders to shape and embed cultural improvement, team effectiveness and organisational capability.
• Facilitate engagement activities such as focus groups, diagnostics and team sessions to ensure employee voice informs improvement and decision‑making.
• Ensure OD interventions are accessible, reflective of diverse perspectives, and support a positive colleague experience.
• Work closely with Leadership Development colleagues to ensure OD interventions complement broader people development activity.
• Contribute OD expertise to cross‑functional programmes where cultural and organisational development perspectives add value.
• Build capability in leaders and managers to lead change confidently and effectively.
• Support the annual NHS Staff Survey and Pulse Survey process, using insights to shape Trust‑wide action planning.

Skills

Project management

OD methodologies

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Education

Degree in relevant subject

Grad CIPD (Level 7)

Part qualified CIPD expected to achieve Grad CIPD within 12 months

Job description

Employer South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Trust HQ Town Exeter Salary £49,387 - £56,515 pa Salary period Yearly Closing 01/09/2026 23:59

NHS AfC: Band 7

Job overview

We are seeking a highly capable Senior OD Practitioner to join our People Directorate. This senior role plays a pivotal part in shaping organisational culture, building capability, and enabling change across the Trust.

You will lead end‑to‑end OD projects and interventions , from diagnosis and design through to implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement. Working closely with senior leaders, you will function as a trusted practitioner, applying OD theory, evidence, and consultancy skills to deliver interventions that strengthen organisational effectiveness and support our strategic priorities.

This role uses inclusion as a core design principle and cultural lens, however it is not an EDI specialist post, nor is it a leadership development role. Instead, you will contribute an OD perspective while working collaboratively across the People Directorate to ensure alignment and a joined‑up approach to culture and organisational development.

Main duties of the job

Diagnose organisational needs using data, insight and OD methodologies.

Analyse people and organisational data to inform priorities, evaluate impact and continuously improve OD interventions.

Design and deliver evidence‑based OD interventions that support the Trust’s annual plan and long‑term strategy.

Partner with senior leaders to shape and embed cultural improvement, team effectiveness and organisational capability.

Facilitate engagement activities such as focus groups, diagnostics and team sessions to ensure employee voice informs improvement and decision‑making.

Ensure OD interventions are accessible, reflective of diverse perspectives, and support a positive colleague experience.

Work closely with Leadership Development colleagues to ensure OD interventions complement broader people development activity.

Contribute OD expertise to cross‑functional programmes where cultural and organisational development perspectives add value.

Build capability in leaders and managers to lead change confidently and effectively.

Support the annual NHS Staff Survey and Pulse Survey process, using insights to shape Trust‑wide action planning.

Working for our organisation

We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five‑year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.

In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Discounts from various organisations across the UK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to [emailprotected] . Accessibility statement available upon request

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent demonstrate experience
• Grad CIPD (Level 7) or substantial evidence of continuing professional and personal development equivalent to this level
• Degree in relevant subject
• Part qualified CIPD expected to achieve Grad CIPD within 12 months

Experience

• Significant experience of project management
• Experience of supporting successful programmes of work at an organisational level
• Experience of supporting organisational change
• Previous NHS HR Experience
• Previous experience of leading projects with an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lens

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.