Deputy Head of People and Culture

Overview

In this role you will provide strategic people leadership across the Forensic Care Group and corporate services, shaping workforce strategy and delivering strong people outcomes. You will work closely with the Head of People & Culture to influence senior stakeholders and support the Trust’s People Plan. The position blends strategic partnering with hands-on employee relations, change, and learning initiatives to improve performance and staff engagement. It offers development toward Band 8a through defined competencies in a large, complex NHS environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic people leadership across services and influence workforce strategy
• Advise on organisational change, workforce planning, and employee relations
• Support staff engagement, learning and development, and Wellbeing initiatives
• Build credible relationships with operational leaders, managers, and cross-functional teams
• Partner with Staff Side representatives and system partners to deliver HR solutions
• Contribute to the delivery of the Care Group objectives and the NHS People Plan
• Progress from Band 7 to Band 8a through competency attainment
• Support hybrid working while maintaining visibility in services

Key requirements

• Master-level qualification or equivalent HR experience
• CIPD membership (chartered)
• Significant senior-level generalist HR experience in a complex organisation
• Experience in employee relations and employment legislation
• Knowledge of NHS strategies at national, regional, and local levels
• Strong communication, coaching, and influencing skills
• Proven ability to partner with diverse stakeholders and drive strategic thinking
• Commitment to Trust values

• communication
• coaching
• influencing
• organisational change
• employee relations
• workforce planning

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