Chief People Officer

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: The Chief People Officer will lead the development and delivery of a long-term people strategy for the Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS), ensuring this reflects the needs of our overarching Health and Care Strategy Our Somerset Strategy - NHS Somerset ICB, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and integrates with the plans of all relevant partner organisations.  The role will also lead the people function at NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB).

You will work in collaboration with the people and workforce leads from partner organisations, including Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Somerset Council, primary care, the voluntary sector, and local education providers to ensure alignment to system priorities and assurance around delivery.

The role will oversee and provide strategic direction to a highly complex programme of work which contains a number of workforce programmes that will deliver service change through collaboration and partnership. The focus will be on the implementation of system enhancements designed to provide improved health and quality of care, steadfast cost control and services focussed on individual need through workforce development.

The role will also work with system partners to develop a comprehensive and integrated programme of organisational and system development and will work with the ICB Chief Executive and other members of the ICB Executive team to provide professional leadership and support to any future programmes of organisational change.  

The individual will lead the development of ICS wide plans to enable our health and care system to continue to grow their workforce to meet future need, ensure adequate workforce supply and develop a ‘one workforce’ approach across the ICS which is representative of the local communities served.  

The Chief People Officer reports directly to the ICB Chief Executive and is professionally accountable to the Regional Director of Workforce and Organisational Development.

The role will be a non-voting member of the Somerset ICB board, each board director is jointly responsible for planning and allocating resources to meet the four core purposes of ICSs;

to improve outcomes in population health and healthcare; tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience, and access; enhance productivity and value for money and help the NHS support broader social and economic development.

Chief People Officer

The Chief People Officer (CPO) is a key member of the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) executive leadership team responsible for leading the development and implementation of our people and workforce strategy and fostering a positive culture across our wider system and within the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) ensuring that Somerset builds on its reputation as a place that people choose to come to live and work.

You will also lead the workforce function at Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The CPO will lead initiatives that promote employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being, ensuring that the workforce is motivated, well-supported, and aligned with our strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work with partners to lead the development and implementation of a people and culture strategy for the Somerset Integrated Care System, that supports delivery of our overall Health and Care Strategy, the NHS long term workforce plan and our organisational goals. Advise the executive team and board on all aspects of workforce and culture. Lead workforce planning to ensure the Somerset system has the right talent to meet current and future needs. Lead the development of innovative solutions to current and future workforce issues. Lead on our relationships with key partners including Somerset Council, local educational partners and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Work with the Chair to ensure effective leadership of the Somerset ICS People Board.

Employee Engagement and Well-being

• Design and implement initiatives to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction. Oversee employee well-being programs, ensuring a healthy and supportive work environment. Ensure that NHs Somerset conducts regular employee surveys (including the annual NHS staff survey) and develop action plans based on feedback.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

• Promote a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion within the ICS across our organisation. Develop and implement EDI policies and training programs. Monitor and report on EDI metrics and progress.

Talent Management and Development

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to enable NHs Somerset to attract and retain top talent. Lead the development and implementation of training and development programs for the organisation Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

Workforce Operations and Compliance

• Ensure that HR operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. Oversee the management of employee relations, including conflict resolution and disciplinary processes. Manage compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive and aligned with organisational goals.

Organisational Culture

• Champion and model the desired system and organisational culture, values, and behaviours. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Lead change management initiatives to support organisational transformation and development.

Performance Management

• Develop and implement performance management systems to drive system and organisational performance, working with partners to ensure the NHS in Somerset delivers on the workforce commitment agreed as part of our annual operating plan with NHS England.

The ICS leadership competency domains – key responsibilities

As a member of the NHS Somerset ICB unitary board the Chief People Officer will need to demonstrate competence and aptitude in order to fulfil all six of the ICS leadership competency domains in the following ways:

• Setting strategy and delivering long-term transformation Building trusted relationships with partners and communities Leading for social justice and health equality Driving high quality, sustainable outcomes Providing robust governance and assurance Creating a compassionate and inclusive culture

Senior manager on-call rota

As a senior manager in the ICB you will form part of the ICB Director on-call rota

This role description provides an overview of anticipated tasks and responsibilities – it may subject to adaption and evolution as the ICB develops further.