Workforce and OD Officer (Band 5) - HR - Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Workforce and OD Officer to join its dedicated team. This role is pivotal in delivering HR functions and supporting front-line services to enhance staff wellbeing and operational effectiveness. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and be committed to promoting an inclusive and supportive work environment. The position offers an annual salary ranging from £29,970 to £36,483, with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Lease cars and childcare schemes

Staff discounts and season tickets for travel

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Knowledge of workforce related topics acquired through a degree or equivalent experience.
• Membership of CIPD is preferred.
• Experience in managing employee issues related to change processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a proactive HR service aligned to operational priorities.
• Support staff wellbeing and build a positive work environment.
• Provide operational HR support and employee relations guidance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification/experience

Student or Associate Membership of CIPD

Job description

Employer Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Hopewood Park Hospital Town Ryhope Salary £29,970 - £36,483 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 24/06/2025 23:59

Workforce and OD Officer

Band 5

Hello!

We are so delighted you are considering coming to work with us at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW).

We know the power of looking into an organisation, one you might want to work in, or one where you are going to get help, and being able to say, ‘I’ve seen somewhere I can fit in and be myself.’ We’re on a journey to make the Trust an inclusive employer, representative of the community we serve and we want more of our community to consider applying for jobs with us.

Opportunities for you

Spanning east to west coasts from Northumberland to Cumbria and from the Scottish Borders down to Middlesbrough we’ve got exciting new opportunities available at every level and in every area.

We offer flexible working, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities, or training and development needs and there’s lots on offer in the way of benefits, such as, lease cars, childcare schemes, staff discounts, season tickets for travel and a cycle to work scheme. All this in a vibrant workplace supported by the following staff networks.

• Cultural diversity staff network
• Disabled staff network
• LGBT+ staff network

We also have a number of staff support groups which are open to any staff to attend. These Include:

• Armed Forces and Veterans Staff Association
• Mind, Health and Wellbeing Community
• Menopause toolkit and cafes and staff carer support group

We offer fantastic personal development opportunities through our Collective Leadership Programme and other Organisational Development initiatives. Whatever you are looking for, you will be joining a supportive, friendly team, offering varied and interesting roles, with opportunities for career progression.

Always improving

CNTW is regulated by the national healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our last two inspections have rated us as an outstanding organisation. We’re always seeking to improve as an organisation. Do you want to be part of that?

Please note that it is a requirement of this Trust that all external applicants pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required for the post. The method of payment is a salary deduction from your first monthly pay

Job overview

Are you an aspiring HR or OD Practitioner ready to make a real difference?

If you have the passion, skills, and mind-set to deliver a proactive and supportive HR function — or if you already have the knowledge, experience, and drive to help shape our organisation — this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Join our dedicated Workforce & OD team and support colleagues who deliver front-line mental health and disability services across a large geographical footprint. This role will see you embedded within one of our Community Care Groups, allowing you to tailor your support to local populations and their unique needs.

Main duties of the job

What will you be doing?

• Delivering a proactive HR service, aligned to operational priorities.
• Supporting staff wellbeing, in an environment where all colleagues feel valued.
• Working collaboratively with managers and staff to ensure positive staff experiences.
• Promoting health & wellbeing initiatives, ensuring staff feel supported and acknowledged.
• Supporting workforce development and organisational change in a dynamic environment.

In addition, the post holder will:

• Provide operational human resources and organisational development support.
• Manage and support a group of stakeholders as the first point of contact for their Workforce and OD needs.
• Deliver effective guidance on an array of employee relations matters and provide invaluable workforce policy guidance.
• Build a caseload to support managers with absence management, performance management, flexible working, adjustments, and ad hoc employment matters.
• Support the Workforce and OD Manager in implementing organisational development and change processes across the Trust, fulfilling legal requirements and developing the effectiveness of teams and services.

Working for our organisation

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

• Be part of a supportive and inclusive Workforce & OD team.
• Play a vital role in supporting front-line mental health and disability services.
• Contribute to creating a workplace where staff feel valued and can thrive.
• Enjoy opportunities to develop your role in line with operational priorities and personal career aspirations.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

What are we looking for?

• An aspiring HR or OD practitioner with a strong commitment to staff wellbeing and organisational development,
  OR an experienced HR professional looking for a new and exciting challenge.
• Someone with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build strong relationships and trust.
• A positive, proactive, and solution-focused attitude, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

We strive to make a difference to the working lives of all staff by encouraging, supporting, and promoting health & wellbeing.

If you’re passionate about people, thrive on making a positive impact, and are looking for a rewarding career in HR and OD — we’d love to hear from you!

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 10 th June 2025

Closing date : 24 th June 2025

We welcome your application.

Person specification

Education and Qualification

• Knowledge of a range of Workforce related topics acquired through a relevant degree or equivalent qualification/experience (or working towards).
• Student or Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Knowledge and Experience

• Workforce knowledge, including current Employment and Data Protection legislation.
• Experience of supporting the people management issues relating to significant change processes, leadership initiatives and projects.
• Experience of successfully building effective relationships and networks, including within the Workforce profession and with trade unions/staff side organisations.
• Organisational Development knowledge or awareness.
• Evidence of continual professional development.
• Up to date knowledge of employment law
• Experience of working effectively within a highly unionised environment.
• Previous Public Sector Experience

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent organisational skills

Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed.

Please ensure to check out all of the supporting documents linked to this advert, for useful information about working for us, information from our Chief Executive and much more.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Name Emma Rushmer or Paula Westley Job title Group Head of Workforce and OD Community Services Email address [e-mail] Telephone number 07774895827