Job summary
At Devon Partnership NHS Trust we recognise that the transition back to work following long-term absence is a critical period that can significantly impact staff experience, health and wellbeing and retention. The Trusts Openreach Charity and the Staff Experience and Health and Wellbeing Team have been successful in their NHSE/NHS charity funding bid to develop and evaluate an innovative new Health Coaching project.
This is a 12-month fixed term pilot that will combine specialist coaching with work-focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for colleagues, and their managers, who are returning to work following long term absence such as sickness or maternity leave. By equipping colleagues and managers with practical strategies and psychological support, the project aims to foster sustainable wellbeing, reducing the risk of repeat absences, and improving engagement, productivity and retention.
The purpose of this role is to deliver and evaluate an innovative and preventative solution for colleagues returning to work after long term absence. The role will develop a twin-track coaching intervention, uniquely enhanced with work-focused CBT, to directly tackle the barriers to sustainable return-to-work and wellbeing. This approach goes beyond standard coaching by embedding psychological tools that address the root causes of stress and disengagement, benefitting both colleagues and managers.
Main duties of the job
Key areas of responsibility will include:
- Efficient and effective stakeholder management and collaboration to support the delivery of the health coaching programme.
- Develop a process in which to identify colleagues and managers to be recipients of the health coaching programme.
- Design coaching referral forms, coaching agreements and coaching templates and conduct initial chemistry sessions.
- Delivery of CBT based coaching to support staff returning from long term absence and to the managers who will be supporting colleagues back into the workplace.
- Development of pre and post intervention evaluation measures to assess staff and managers experience, engagement, retention and sickness absence.
- Support the Organisational Development Manager to develop the DPT internal coaching network.
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Details
- Date posted: 03 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 6
- Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year pro rata (2 x 18.75 hours per week or 1 x 37.5 hours per week)
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 365 days
- Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
- Reference number: C9369-26-0399
- Job locations: Wonford House, Dryden Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5AF, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification which will provide further information on this role.
Interviews for this role will take place on 23rd July in Exeter
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present
- Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work, particularly in the health and social care context, and the impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
- Comprehensive knowledge of coaching techniques
- Experience of using theories and models to successfully implement new ways of working
- Experience of data analysis, using data to influence and improve process and interventions and the ability to effectively present data to a range of audiences
- Ability to effectively use web-based application
- Coordinating and managing training and learning activities.
- Interest in learning and development
- Understanding of project management tools and techniques
Desirable
- Knowledge and demonstrable understanding of best practice and range of Organisational Development and Health and Wellbeing interventions and facilitation techniques.
- Demonstrable understanding of Staff Experience and Health and Wellbeing challenges within the broader NHS
Experience
Essential
- Experience of developing, delivering and evaluating new interventions
- Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
- Significant experience of facilitating therapeutic groups, workshops or training
- Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders including staff networks
- Evidence of ability to manage time effectively while progressing multiple priorities
- Experience of analysing and presenting data
- Experience of coordinating successful learning activities
Desirable
- Experience of working as an Organisational Development practitioner, Health and Wellbeing advisor, CBT practitioner or Coach in an NHS organisation
- Experience in training and facilitation
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified in delivery of low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/Qualification from PWP Training Course (Post Graduate Certificate or Level 3 undergraduate course)
- Registration with either the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Risk Management Training
- IT Skills excellent word and excel skills
Desirable
- CIPD Membership
- Project Management (PRINCE 2 or equivalent experience)
- Qualifications at GCSE level or equivalent in Mathematics and English Language
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Staff Health and Wellbeing Coaches with Devon Partnership NHS Trust in Exeter, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Mental health professionals role. The advertised salary is £39,959 to £48,117 a year. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 14 Jul 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 (03 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job 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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