Deputy Director Culture

Job overview

We are the North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) providing high-quality mental health care to local people across the London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

We serve diverse communities across North Central London supported by a workforce of almost 7,000 colleagues.

Created through the coming together of three respected organisations, our Trust has successfully navigated a period of significant transformation and growth. We now have a unique opportunity to build something special: a shared culture that reflects who we are today and who we aspire to be tomorrow.

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Director of Culture to help lead that journey.

This is a rare opportunity to influence organisational culture on a significant scale. Following a recent redesign of our People and Culture Directorate, you will play a central role in leading and developing a newly established Culture Team, helping to shape both the function itself and the ambitious agenda it will deliver.

Main duties of the job

In this role you will:

• Lead and develop our newly established Culture Team.
• Drive the continued development and implementation of the North London Way.
• Shape a long-term vision for organisational culture across the Trust.
• Influence executive and senior leaders in creating the conditions for cultural success.
• Lead innovative approaches to staff engagement, organisational development and culture change.
• Use insight, evidence and staff voice to inform priorities and interventions.
• Embed inclusion, belonging and compassionate leadership throughout the organisation.
• Support the development of a culture where colleagues can thrive and deliver outstanding care.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience leading culture, organisational development or transformation programmes.
• Can think strategically whilst delivering meaningful and measurable change.
• Is passionate about creating inclusive, compassionate and high-performing cultures.
• Has the credibility and influence to work with senior leaders, clinicians, managers and staff groups.
• Is curious, innovative and comfortable challenging traditional thinking.
• Wants to be part of building something new.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Why Join Us?

Few organisations have the opportunity to shape their future culture in the way we do today.

This role offers the chance to help define the next chapter of North London NHS Foundation Trust and to leave a lasting legacy for thousands of colleagues and the communities we serve.

You will join a newly structured People and Culture Directorate at an exciting point in its development, with the opportunity to help build a team, shape priorities and influence the future direction of the organisation.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to help create a culture where people feel valued, connected, empowered and proud to belong, we would love to hear from you.

Interviews to be held week commencing 5th October 2026