Executive Director of People & Culture

Job summary

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust Executive Director of People and Culture

Location:

West Park Hospital, Darlington Salary:
Attractive VSMAs Executive Director of People and Culture, you will be a voting Executive Director, Trust Board member and the Trust's most senior people professional. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the strategic people, workforce and organisational development agenda, ensuring our people strategy, culture and workforce plans enable delivery of our organisational ambitions. Working closely with Board colleagues, operational leaders and system partners, you will provide expert advice, assurance and constructive challenge on workforce performance, organisational development, leadership, inclusion, colleague experience and workforce sustainability.

This is an opportunity to shape the future culture and capability of a large and complex NHS organisation at a pivotal stage in its development.

Main duties of the jobWe are seeking an experienced and credible people leader with significant experience operating at, or close to, Board level within a large and complex organisation. You will bring a broad track record of leading HR, workforce and organisational development services, alongside a strong understanding of NHS governance, regulation and the financial context in which NHS organisations operate.

You will have experience of driving workforce transformation, organisational change and cultural improvement, with the ability to influence and build trust at the most senior levels. Above all, you will be a compassionate, inclusive and values-driven leader who is passionate about creating an outstanding place to work and supporting colleagues to deliver exceptional care for our communities.

About us Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability and autism services to more than 2 million people across County Durham, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and York. Our dedicated staff operate from more than 90 sites, working in partnership with patients, carers, communities and system partners to deliver high-quality care.

Whilst we have made significant progress in improving our services, we remain rated 'Requires Improvement' by the CQC. With a new Chair and Chief Executive, a refreshed Board, and a renewed focus on transparency, learning and improvement, we are committed to building a stronger, safer and more compassionate organisation. Guided by Our Journey to Change and our values of Respect, Compassion and Responsibility, we are determined to create an environment where colleagues can thrive and provide the very best care for those who rely on our services.

Details Date posted
21 September 2026

Pay scheme

Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
100,000 to 200,000 a year

pro rata, per annum

Contract Permanent Working  pattern

Full-time

Reference number
346-CORP-124-26

Job locations

Flatts Lane Centre Flatts LaneMiddlesbroughTS6 0SZ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

We want our Board to be as inclusive and diverse as possible, and we are keen to attract candidates who can bring diverse perspectives. We warmly welcome expressions of interest from the widest possible range of backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented at board level in the NHS. To learn more about this incredible opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Gatenby Sanderson:

Laura Cubillo-Aparicio, Niamh Blair, or Robin Staveley via Laura.

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). are working in partnership with Gatenby Sanderson to manage the recruitment process for this role. All applications should therefore be submitted directly through Gatenby Sanderson. Please be aware thatapplications submitted via TRAC will not be considered.
Job description
Job responsibilities

We want our Board to be as inclusive and diverse as possible, and we are keen to attract candidates who can bring diverse perspectives. We warmly welcome expressions of interest from the widest possible range of backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented at board level in the NHS. To learn more about this incredible opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at Gatenby Sanderson:

Laura Cubillo-Aparicio, Niamh Blair, or Robin Staveley via Laura.

are working in partnership with Gatenby Sanderson to manage the recruitment process for this role. All applications should therefore be submitted directly through Gatenby…