Chief People Officer
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- Employer:
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- Location:
- Stafford, Staffordshire
- Salary:
- VSM - Attractive Salary
- Closing date:
- 9am Monday 11th May 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe131288
Associated documents
Description
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) is a large, integrated NHS provider. We deliver physical and mental health, learning disability and social care services to a population of 1.7 million people across a diverse geography of approximately 2,400 square miles, supported by a workforce of around 10,500 staff. While most of our services are delivered across Staffordshire, Stoke‑on‑Trent, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, our Inclusion services extend our specialist expertise to communities across much of England. We work collaboratively across health and care systems, including with local authorities, the voluntary and third sectors, and regional and national partners, to deliver effective, joined‑up care. Guided by our values and behaviours, our mission is clear: together we are making life better for our communities.
As Chief People Officer and voting Board member, you will have a rare opportunity to shape the future of people, culture and leadership within a high‑performing, ambitious and values‑led organisation. You will lead our People agenda and award-winning people services team, developing and delivering a strategic workforce vision that enables our people to thrive and be their very best. This is a role with scale and influence, where your leadership will directly impact the future of care delivery, workforce transformation and organisational performance. Building on strong foundations, you will lead meaningful transformation, and shape health and care services putting people, compassion and innovation at the heart of everything we do.
We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader with a proven track record of delivering person-centred services in complex organisations and systems. NHS experience is not essential; we welcome senior leaders operating at or close to Board level who bring strong, transferable expertise in workforce strategy, organisational development and employee engagement. You will be a visible, values‑driven leader, passionate about service improvement and committed to creating a psychologically safe, inclusive workplace. Working collaboratively with our board and across organisational boundaries, you will champion diversity, equity and wellbeing, leading a broad portfolio spanning organisational development, people transformation and health and wellbeing, ensuring our people feel heard, supported and inspired.
To learn more about us and this exceptional role, please visit our dedicated microsite by clicking Apply below or for a confidential discussion, and details of how to apply, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:
Helen Barkham – helen.barkham@gatenbysanderson.com
Emily Smith – emily.smith@gatenbysanderson.com
Emma Pickup – emma.pickup@gatenbysanderson.com
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How to Apply
- Please submit an up to date copy of your CV, along with a Supporting Statement that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.
- A completed fit and proper person form – the template can be downloaded from the same place as the job description.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- You should provide the names, positions, organisations, and contact details for your referees, which must be your line managers and include your current and most recent employer. The referees should cover at least two roles as the minimum. Please note, should you be appointed, you will be required to provide references covering your last 6 years of employment as per the new NHS Fit and Proper Person regulations. Where there have been gaps in employment, this six year period will be extended accordingly. Referees will only be contacted for those proceeding to the final stage - we will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email to confirm that you have applied. If you do not receive this email, please make contact with GatenbySanderson.