Job Description

Are you passionate about people and enabling them to provide outstanding care? Do you want to work for a forward-thinking, dynamic acute and community services provider? Are you excited by the opportunity to reshape the workforce alongside partners and redefine how healthcare is delivered?



If so, we are recruiting our next Chief People Officer -- a pivotal role on our Executive Team and Trust Board -- at one of the most exciting times in our history.



We are seeking an outstanding and talented leader to hold overall responsibility for the Trust's People function, driving transformation to make Frimley Health the best, most inclusive place to work in the NHS. You will inspire colleagues, build strong partnerships, and lead innovation to ensure our workforce is ready for the future.



We value leaders who are bold, compassionate and innovative -- and who can bring fresh perspectives from any sector.



This is a hybrid role, combining on-site presence with home working. As the Trust operates across multiple locations, regular travel between sites will be required.

As our Chief People Officer, you will:

Lead the Trust's People function from recruitment through to colleague development, retention, and wellbeing.



Shape and deliver an ambitious People Strategy aligned to our FHFT 2030 vision.



Oversee strategic workforce planning, ensuring the right people, skills, and culture are in place to meet current and future needs.



Drive equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the organisation.



Build strong partnerships internally and externally to develop innovative workforce solutions.



Lead workforce transformation to support the New Hospital Programme and other major change initiatives.



Champion digital innovation across People Services -- using technology to improve efficiency, insight, and colleague experience while ensuring personal connection and human support remain at the heart of our approach.



Inspire and empower leaders to role model our values and create a positive working culture.



Ensure the delivery of high-quality people services to all colleagues.

FHFT is one of the largest NHS providers in England, with:

1.1bn turnover with 12,000 WTE colleagues



CQC "Good" rating



Strong Staff Survey results



Wide range of learning and development opportunities



We have a strong track record of achievement and innovation, underpinned by our values:



Committed to excellence - in everything we do



Working together - across teams and with partners



Facing the future - with innovation and ambition



We have a bold vision for the future, set out in our FHFT 2030 strategy, aligned with the Government's three strategic shifts and the NHS Long Term Plan.



We are also in wave 1 of the New Hospital Programme, designing and building a brand new 1.8bn Frimley Park Hospital, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform healthcare for our communities.



Why join us?



You will be joining Trust with a strong reputation for excellence, innovation and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to shape the workforce strategy for one of the most ambitious NHS trusts in the country, at a time of significant transformation.

As Chief People Officer, you will have:

The platform to influence and shape healthcare delivery for our communities for decades to come.



The chance to lead workforce planning for the New Hospital Programme.



A values-driven culture where inclusion, teamwork and forward thinking are at the heart of everything we do.



The support of a committed and collaborative Board and Executive Team.



Job Purpose

The Chief People Officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership for all aspects of the Trust's People Services function, ensuring we are an employer of choice and delivering workforce strategies that enable excellent patient care.



Key Responsibilities



Strategic Leadership



Provide expert advice to the Board and Executive Team on all people matters.



Lead the development and delivery of the Trust's People Strategy in alignment with organisational goals.



Champion a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.



Workforce Transformation & Innovation



Oversee workforce planning to ensure capacity and capability for future services.



Lead workforce change programmes, including those linked to the New Hospital Programme.



Champion digital innovation across People Services -- using technology to improve efficiency, insight, and colleague experience while ensuring personal connection and human support remain at the heart of our approach.



Embed modern, evidence-based approaches into workforce models and processes.



Inclusion, Wellbeing & Engagement



Ensure the Trust is an inclusive employer with a strong focus on colleague wellbeing.



Promote and deliver on the NHS People Promise.



Use staff survey results and colleague feedback to drive improvement.



Leadership & Governance



Build strong partnerships with trade unions, professional bodies, and external stakeholders.



Ensure compliance with employment law, NHS policy, and regulatory requirements.



Lead, develop and motivate the People Services team.



Full job description, person specification and additional details are attached to this advert, or via our Candidate Pack



Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:

7th September 2025

Shortlisting Date:

11th September 2025

Selection Day:

7th October 2025



The selection day will be face to face at Greenwood Offices, Heatherwood Hospital site and includes a panel interview, presentation and focus groups.