
Job requirements
Essential
7 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Significant relevant experience within an HR setting
- Experience
Experience of working in a complex unionised environment
- Experience
Experienced in the full range of employee relations matters
- Experience
Relevant and up to date knowledge of employment legislation
- Experience
Relevant and up to date knowledge of the NHS and national, regional and local strategies
- Qualifications
Relevant professional or management qualification to master’s level or have equivalent level of HR experience
- Qualifications
Maintain professional registration with the CIPD
Desirable
4 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Agenda for Change Job Evaluation Training
- Experience
Experience of Project Management
- Experience
Experience of working within Mental Health, Forensic, Community Trust
- Qualifications
MCIPD Professional Registration
Job overview
We are pleased to be recruiting for a Trainee Deputy Head of People & Culture (Band 7 – 8a) to support our Forensic Care Group and a portfolio of corporate services.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward thinking, collaborative People & Culture function committed to delivering our ambition of being a diverse, inclusive and great place to work. Working closely with the Head of People & Culture, you will provide strategic people leadership across the services you support, helping to shape workforce strategy and deliver excellent people outcomes.
Although line managed within People & Culture, you will operate as a strategic people partner, building strong and influential relationships with operational leaders, managers and colleagues across the Trust. You will play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of the Care Group's objectives and the Trust's People Plan, providing expert, pragmatic advice on organisational change, workforce planning, employee relations, staff engagement, and learning and organisational development.
Main duties of the job
We welcome applications from experienced people professionals who are passionate about making a difference to both our people and our patients, and whose values align with those of our Trust.
You will bring a proven track record of improving performance against key workforce metrics and delivering solutions to complex people challenges. You will be a credible and confident leader, capable of quickly building trust with senior stakeholders and influencing, coaching and supporting them to achieve their strategic objectives.
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- A relevant people management or professional qualification at master's level, or equivalent experience.
- Chartered CIPD membership.
- Significant senior-level experience in a generalist HR role within a complex organisation.
- Excellent communication, coaching and influencing skills, with the ability to shape strategic thinking.
- Expertise across the full People & Culture portfolio, including organisational change and employee relations.
- A proven track record of effective partnership working with a range of stakeholders, including operational services, People & Culture teams, Staff Side representatives and system partners.
- A commitment to modelling and promoting our Trust values.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This post is offered on a developmental basis. The successful candidate will join at Band 7 and, through the achievement of defined competencies and objectives, will be supported to progress to Band 8a. Full details of the knowledge, skills and experience required can be found in the attached person specification.
We support hybrid working however, maintaining a visible presence within services is essential to success in this role.
Please note that our Forensic Services are geographically dispersed and include:
Rampton Hospital, Retford Arnold Lodge, Leicester Wathwood Hospital, Rotherham Low Secure Services, Nottingham
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Carol Andrews, Head of People and Culture on Carol.Andrews@nottshc.nhs.uk
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Deputy Head of People and Culture with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Retford, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Human resources manager role. The advertised salary is £49387.00 to £64750.00. The contract type is Permanent: Based at DMH. The application deadline is 01 Nov 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (16 Oct 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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