Go back Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT
Chief Executive Officer
The closing date is 11 March 2026
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community health services in the country, serving a population of more than 1.1 million people across Derbyshire and Derby. We are proud to be a segment 1 organisation in the NHS Oversight Framework, reflecting our strong performance and high degree of autonomy, and to have achieved green status in our recent Provider Capability Assessment. We were rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and continue to be recognised nationally for our culture, quality of care and staff experience.
Following the decision of our previous chief executive to step down after 13 years, we appointed an interim chief executive from within our existing executive team to provide continuity and stability through a period of significant national challenge. Over the past 18 months, we’ve continued to perform strongly, maintaining financial balance, delivering high levels of activity and strengthening our role as a key partner within the Joined Up Care Derbyshire Integrated Care System.
In the most recent reporting year we achieved a £3.26 m surplus, delivered 98 % of planned activity, and sustained excellent staff survey results, retaining our position as one of the highest‑performing community providers in the country. We have continued to invest in our people, modernise our services and play a leading role in shaping the future of community‑based care across Derbyshire.
To arrange an informal discussion with Julie Houlder, Trust Chair please contact Mel Curd, Associate Director of Corporate Governance on melanie.curd@nhs.net.
Main duties of the job
You will provide visible, values‑led leadership to an organisation that is performing well, with a clear strategic direction and a deeply committed workforce. You will work closely with the Board, executive team and system partners to sustain high‑quality care, deliver financial sustainability and continue to develop integrated, neighbourhood‑based models of care aligned to the NHS long‑term vision. You will be accountable for the overall leadership and performance of the Trust, ensuring robust governance, strong financial management and a culture where people feel supported, included and able to do their best work. You will represent DCHS across the Derbyshire system and beyond, strengthening partnerships with NHS organisations, local authorities, the voluntary and community sector and wider stakeholders.
We are looking for a leader who is credible, collaborative and grounded in NHS values. You will bring a strong understanding of the health and care system, evidence of developing Neighbourhood operating models, experience of leading complex organisations and the emotional intelligence to lead with compassion through a challenging and changing environment.
Above all, you will share our commitment to putting people at the centre – our patients, our communities and our colleagues. This is an opportunity to lead a high‑performing, well‑regarded community trust at a time of stability, confidence and opportunity – helping to shape the future of health and care in Derbyshire.
About us
Our purpose is to provide community health services to a patient population of over one million people in Derbyshire and Derby, as part of Joined Up Care Derbyshire.
We employ around 4,200 substantive staff, caring for patients in 11 community hospitals and more than 30 health centres, as well as in clinics, GP practices, schools, care homes and, increasingly, in people’s own homes and via virtual consultations.
Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.
Please attach a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the requirements of this role, rather than completing the supporting statement section.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership
Knowledge & Skills
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, alongside strong analytical abilities
* Ability to bring out the best in people and foster a proactive organisational culture
Experience
* Significant and successful recent experience at board level within a complex organisation that provides a variety of related services
* Experience as an inclusive manager who has built and supported high‑performing, cohesive teams based on trust and accountability
* Strong record of effective partnership and system working, with clear evidence of delivering innovation across organisational boundaries
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT
Address
Ash Green Learning Disability Centre – Trust Headquarters
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