Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of 1.4 million people across Surrey and north‑east Hampshire. We provide mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity and substance use services that make a profound difference to individuals, families and communities. Rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, we are recognised for our values‑led approach, our commitment to compassionate care, and championing innovation and R&D. We have strong foundations and significant ambition; our aim is to deliver great care, everywhere, every day.
We are now seeking to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer (COO), following the retirement of our current postholder. As our COO, you will lead the delivery of all operational services, working as a key member of the Executive Team to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, access, performance and experience. You will be a visible and motivating presence across the organisation, inspiring our people, strengthening our culture, and ensuring our values are felt in every interaction.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Leading the operational delivery of mental health, learning disability and specialist services across the Trust, ensuring high‑quality, safe and accessible care.
2. Translating strategy into effective service plans aligned with local and national NHS priorities, including strengthening community‑based care.
3. Driving improvements in access, flow, waiting times and productivity, ensuring robust performance management across all operational divisions.
4. Championing a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with CQC standards.
5. Providing visible, compassionate and inclusive leadership, strengthening management capacity and supporting the wellbeing and development of our workforce.
6. Building strong relationships with people who use services, carers, ICS partners, commissioners, local authorities and the voluntary sector.
7. Supporting digital transformation, data‑driven insight and innovative models of care that modernise service delivery.
8. Overseeing budgets in partnership with the Chief Finance Officer, ensuring financial sustainability, efficiency, and effective stewardship of resources.
9. Ensuring strong governance, contributing to Board assurance, and providing clear insight to support strategic decision‑making.
We are seeking a strategic leader with extensive experience in the delivery of healthcare services. You will share our ambition to deliver Outstanding services, and bring a strong focus on operational grip, consistency, delivery, and performance. You will be skilled at navigating complex systems, delivering transformation and improvement, and motivating multidisciplinary teams to achieve high standards. A background in mental health services is not essential.
In return, we offer the opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of mental health and specialist services for our population, working with a committed workforce and a strong Executive Team within an innovative and compassionate organisation determined to deliver better care, closer to home.
Please note that this post is based on-site in Leatherhead, with travel to other sites at necessary.
A full recruitment pack can be downloaded from this page.