ONLY THOSE CURRENTLY SUBSTANTIVELY EMPLOYED BY AN NHS ORGANISATION IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND MAY APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
The ICB Strategic Commissioning team oversees a diverse portfolio covering Babies, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities, Autism, SEND, and Specialised Commissioning. Our work relies on strong partnership, collaboration with stakeholders, and ambition to improve population health outcomes.
The post is responsible for leading the development of improved performance and service delivery across children’s mental and physical health, promoting quality improvement and leading on programmes that address performance and service issues. Key duties involve delivering SEND partnership plans and supporting ICB Operational Planning frameworks.
INTERVIEWS WILL BE HELD ON 01ST AND 02ND JUNE 2026.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will have a strong commissioning background and demonstrable expertise in local and national plans to improve outcomes for children and young people. The post holder will be expected to:
* Support the development of the CYP commissioning team, including recruitment, onboarding, development and performance management of team members.
* Support staff through ICB transition, developing teams to deliver on new ICB portfolios.
* Support the effective transition of relevant functions to new portfolios within or beyond the ICB in line with the Model ICB Blueprint.
* Work collaboratively, modelling inclusive, respectful and compassionate leadership.
* Listen to a broad range of perspectives, including staff, patients and the public, to inform decision‑making.
* Build strong, trust‑based relationships across the ICB, with NHS providers, local government, VCFSE partners and communities.
* Implement policy and/or service developments related to Babies, Children and Young people.
* Develop project plans to drive delivery of complex projects relating to Babies, Children and Young people.
About us
NHS Essex ICB is a statutory organisation responsible for planning and funding NHS services for around 1.9 million people across Essex. We operate a hybrid working model (2 office‑based days) and maintain offices in Brentwood, Harlow, Colchester and Chelmsford HQ.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. All applicants will be treated fairly and consistently throughout the recruitment process, including consideration of reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants.
Job responsibilities
ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY
The Greater Essex ICB will focus on improving population health outcomes, health equity and smarter resource allocation for approximately 2 million people in Greater Essex. The ICB Strategic Commissioning team’s portfolio includes Babies, Children and Young People, Learning Disabilities, Autism, SEND and Specialised Commissioning.
The post holder will support the Nursing Directorate in delivering on the three fundamental shifts outlined in the NHS 10‑year plan:
* From Treatment to Prevention – embedding preventative, personalised and population‑based approaches to commissioning.
* From Hospital to Community – championing care model redesign that supports community and neighbourhood health.
* From Analogue to Digital – enabling clinically driven transformation through digital innovation, data analytics and evidence‑based improvement.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy and service development
* Implement policy and service developments related to Babies, Children and Young people.
* Ensure compliance with relevant ICB policies.
* Use research and innovation to inform service improvements or performance management.
Strategy and analysis
* Analyse complex health data sets to inform decision‑making.
* Turn analysis into insights that can be used to inform delivery.
* Present complex data through clear and simple written and verbal briefings.
* Use Population Health Management methodologies and tools to inform projects and programmes.
Planning and organisation
* Develop and deliver project plans with appropriate governance and risk management.
* Prioritise resources to deliver short, medium and long‑term priorities.
* Ensure accurate reporting and records management.
* Support delivery of the business plan for Babies, Children and Young people.
Communications and partnerships
* Model inclusive, respectful and compassionate leadership.
* Take account of staff, patients and public perspectives to inform decision‑making.
* Present information and training to large groups.
* Build trust‑based relationships across the ICB, NHS providers, local government, VCFSE partners and communities.
* Engage effectively with patients and the public as required.
* Work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable health and care systems.
* Share complex information regarding service performance or staffing.
* Manage conflict, find compromise and persuade based on evidence.
Financial and resource management
* Lead procurement of relevant services.
Team management and capability building
* Support staff during ICB transition, developing teams to deliver on new portfolios.
* Facilitate the transition of relevant functions to new portfolios.
* Maintain a focus on quality, safety and affordability during transition.
* Support effective Information Asset Management for the team.
Other
* Use initiative and work independently as needed to deliver on the role’s requirements.
* Primarily desk‑based work requiring visual display units and frequent online or in‑person meetings.
* Use Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) to produce high‑quality documents.
FLEXIBILITY AND EVOLVING RESPONSIBILITIES
As the ICB continues to evolve, portfolios may be subject to change to reflect the needs of the organization, the health and care system and national policy direction.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
* ICB senior leadership
* Information Governance team
* Health & Wellbeing Board officers
* Local Authority partners
* Education
* NHS Providers
* NHSEI regional partners
* VCFSE sector, local health entrepreneurs, campaigns groups and social media influencers and local employers
Person Specification
Partnership and Communities
* Experience working across organisational boundaries to develop and deliver projects.
* Represent the organisation credibly and positively in internal and external meetings.
* Experience of projects requiring cross‑organisational collaboration and whole‑system working.
* Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
Governance and Assurance
* Experience leading projects with collective decision‑making.
* Good understanding of effective corporate governance and decision‑making routes within the ICB.
* Understanding of system partnerships and governance.
Qualifications
* Master’s level education (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience.
* Evidence of sustained commitment to continuing professional development.
Experience
* Experience in a relevant healthcare environment (NHS or other).
* Leadership experience in commissioning functions as outlined in the ICB model blueprint.
* Experience managing sensitive situations with patients, families or carers and/or advocacy agencies.
* Experience managing sensitive situations with staff and stakeholders.
Personal Attributes and Values
* Commitment to NHS 10‑year Plan, NHS People Plan, Nolan Principles and equality, diversity and inclusion.
* Professionalism, self‑awareness and emotional intelligence.
* Personal responsibility and high integrity.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
People and Culture
* Leading and motivating teams; recognising talent and addressing under‑performance.
* Compassionate leadership and promoting diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity.
* Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
Strategy and Analysis
* Understanding of national aims and policy, determinants of healthcare provision.
* Analytical and problem‑solving skills to address complex problems.
* Data analysis and interpretation skills, including Population Health Management.
* Translate complex information into clear communication for senior leadership.
* Knowledge of children and young people with SEND.
* Experience in scoping and delivering evaluations of projects.
* Experience championing digitalisation in healthcare delivery.
Associate Director of Commissioning (CYP/LDA)
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