Job Description

At Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), we know that our people are our greatest asset. We're on a mission to create a workplace where every colleague feels valued, supported, and empowered. We need an inspirational leader to help us make that vision a reality.
We are seeking a Head of Staff Experience to join our dynamic People and Culture directorate. Working alongside the Associate Director of Organisational Development and partnering with the Head of Organisational Development, you'll play a pivotal role in driving forward our people strategy and shaping outstanding cultures across EPUT.
Main duties of the job
What you'll do

• Lead the staff experience agenda, from engagement to inclusion, wellbeing to recognition.
• Drive the Staff Survey so we more of our staff shaping our actions that impact on their wellbeing and experience at EPUT.
• Influence and inspire senior partners, staff networks, external system partners, and frontline colleagues.
• Co-design and deliver programmes that embed psychological safety, belonging, and values-driven culture.
• Champion our values of caring, learning, and empowering in every initiative you lead.

Who we're looking for

• A seasoned and caring professional in organisational culture, staff experience, and diversity.
• A strong communicator with the ability to influence and inspire at every level of the organisation.
• A proven track record of driving improvements that benefit both staff and patients and create a 'felt' shift for our workforce.
• A motivational leader with expertise in diversity and inclusion, beyond the statutory reporting of EDI and towards real impact and delivery.

About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay.
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
• 8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.

Work that wraps around your needs

• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.

Details
Date posted
15 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8a
Salary
55,690 to 62,682 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
364-A-9632
Job locations
The Lodge
Lodge Approach
Wickford
SS11 7XX
Job description
Job responsibilities
Strategic

• To develop and lead the implementation of relevant staff experience strategies, that align with the Trusts People Strategy, NHS People Promise, and system-wide workforce objectives, to provide measurable benefits to EPUT and our local communities.
• Ensure that the staff experience, wellbeing, engagement and diversity and inclusion functions are fit for purpose, efficient and fully aligned with the complement other HR services such as leadership and development, education and operations.
• Develop and nurture a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in HR service delivery that ensures we always get the basics right.
• Support the Associate Director of OD and Culture and senior HR team to embed organisational values into day to day working, and across all people functions.
• Plan and implement key interventions that will embed an inclusive, compassionate and collaborative culture across the Trust and to support the transition to integrate care models
• Lead the development of enabling workforce policies and service standards for your areas of responsibility that meet operational needs and progress the Trust strategic aims and objectives, and also support belonging, staff voice, and meaningful recognition.
• Work with those leading change programmes to ensure the people elements and staff experience are a central consideration to all change programmes, incorporated from design through to implementation, shaped using feedback, insight and lived experience.
• Develop and promote positive and productive partnership working with staff and trade unions and actively involve them in both strategic and operational issues.
• Provide direction and support to ensure audits (internal/external) are organised as required. This includes the arrangements for the audit as well as all required documentation to be made available and be responsible for ensuring all recommendations made following these audits are responded to as required and changes implemented and audited.
• Deputise for the Director for OD and Culture as required.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to direct reports and their teams as designated.
• Manage contracts with outsourced providers linked wellbeing, engagement, diversity and inclusion and occupational health.
• To lead on relevant aspects of the Trust People Strategy.
• Develop partnership working with ICS and other regional partners as appropriate to develop shared service models where appropriate and gain economies of scale from effective collaboration.

For further details please view and Person Specification
Why join us?
At EPUT, youll find:

• Autonomy and flexibility to shape the future of staff experience.
• A team that is committed to making a difference with our staff.
• The chance to create a felt difference across our organisation, ensuring every colleague thrives.

This isnt just a role. Its an opportunity to leave a legacy of positive change, to build cultures where people flourish and to make a real impact on the lives of our staff and patients.
Ready to make a difference?
If youre still reading, its because you know this role matters.
Apply now via TRAC or reach out for a conversation about how you can help us transform staff experience at EPUT.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Strategic

• To develop and lead the implementation of relevant staff experience strategies, that align with the Trusts People Strategy, NHS People Promise, and system-wide workforce objectives, to provide measurable benefits to EPUT and our local communities.
• Ensure that the staff experience, wellbeing, engagement and diversity and inclusion functions are fit for purpose, efficient and fully aligned with the complement other HR services such as leadership and development, education and operations.
• Develop and nurture a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in HR service delivery that ensures we always get the basics right.
• Support the Associate Director of OD and Culture and senior HR team to embed organisational values into day to day working, and across all people functions.
• Plan and implement key interventions that will embed an inclusive, compassionate and collaborative culture across the Trust and to support the transition to integrate care models
• Lead the development of enabling workforce policies and service standards for your areas of responsibility that meet operational needs and progress the Trust strategic aims and objectives, and also support belonging, staff voice, and meaningful recognition.
• Work with those leading change programmes to ensure the people elements and staff experience are a central consideration to all change programmes, incorporated from design through to implementation, shaped using feedback, insight and lived experience.
• Develop and promote positive and productive partnership working with staff and trade unions and actively involve them in both strategic and operational issues.
• Provide direction and support to ensure audits (internal/external) are organised as required. This includes the arrangements for the audit as well as all required documentation to be made available and be responsible for ensuring all recommendations made following these audits are responded to as required and changes implemented and audited.
• Deputise for the Director for OD and Culture as required.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction to direct reports and their teams as designated.
• Manage contracts with outsourced providers linked wellbeing, engagement, diversity and inclusion and occupational health.
• To lead on relevant aspects of the Trust People Strategy.
• Develop partnership working with ICS and other regional partners as appropriate to develop shared service models where appropriate and gain economies of scale from effective collaboration.

For further details please view and Person Specification
Why join us?
At EPUT, youll find:

• Autonomy and flexibility to shape the future of staff experience.
• A team that is committed to making a difference with our staff.
• The chance to create a felt difference across our organisation, ensuring every colleague thrives.

This isnt just a role. Its an opportunity to leave a legacy of positive change, to build cultures where people flourish and to make a real impact on the lives of our staff and patients.
Ready to make a difference?
If youre still reading, its because you know this role matters.
Apply now via TRAC or reach out for a conversation about how you can help us transform staff experience at EPUT.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to Master's degree or equivalent experience

Desirable

• CIPD Graduate membership or equivalent
• Coaching qualification
• General Management qualification
• Project Management

Skills/Experience
Essential

• Experience in leading organisational development, culture change or talent management programmes
• Experience creating psychologically safe environments where staff feel heard and valued
• Experience of writing complex reports and business cases.

Desirable

• Experience leading staff engagement, listening or advocacy mechanisms that support culture and inclusion
• Experience delivering digital workforce solutions and values-based development initiatives

Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential

• Educated to Master's degree or equivalent experience

Desirable

• CIPD Graduate membership or equivalent
• Coaching qualification
• General Management qualification
• Project Management

Skills/Experience
Essential

• Experience in leading organisational development, culture change or talent management programmes
• Experience creating psychologically safe environments where staff feel heard and valued
• Experience of writing complex reports and business cases.

Desirable

• Experience leading staff engagement, listening or advocacy mechanisms that support culture and inclusion
• Experience delivering digital workforce solutions and values-based development initiatives

Skills Required