Job overview
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer represents a critically important hire for the Trust. The COO is a voting member of the Trust Board and a senior member of the Executive Team, carrying accountability for the operational delivery of high-quality, safe and efficient services across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the postholder will lead operational performance, service transformation and recovery across both acute and community settings, whilst also acting as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and contributing to the delivery of the Trust's financial plan, including Cost Improvement Programmes.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will lead the transformation of operational services across both acute and community settings, working collaboratively across organisational boundaries to strengthen system-wide delivery and improve population health outcomes. This includes leveraging digital innovation, data and analytics, and new models of care to deliver sustainable, high-performing services.
The MBS Group are acting as Whittington Health’s advisors on this appointment. To apply please send a covering letter and CV to by midday on Wednesday 24th June.
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To apply, please submit your application via email with the subject line “Application for the role of Chief Operating Officer” to whittingtonhealth@thembsgroup.co.uk
Working for our organisation
Whittington Health is one of London’s most developed integrated care organisations, bringing together acute and community services, strong partnerships with local government, and high‑performing adult and children’s pathways. Serving the people of Islington, Haringey and neighbouring boroughs including Barnet, Enfield, Camden and Hackney, we have deep roots in our communities and a clear mission: helping local people live longer, healthier lives.
The Trust is now entering a period of significant transformation and investment. We are strengthening our services for women, children and frail adults, including expanding maternity services in line with the Start Well programme, and deepening our partnerships with UCLH and the Royal Free to enhance access to specialist care closer to home. Alongside notable improvements in ED, cancer and RTT performance, we continue to demonstrate the value of joined‑up, community‑focused care.
Central to the Trust's ambition are its colleagues. Whittington Health is a values-driven organisation, underpinned by Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, all grounded in Equity. Building an inclusive, supportive culture that reflects both its workforce and the diverse communities it serves, that reduces health inequalities and positions the Trust as an employer of genuine choice, is a strategic priority of the highest order.
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Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed duties and responsibilities listed in the attached pack .
This job description aims to illustrate the range and nature of responsibilities held by the post holder. The list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the post holder is expected to be flexible in their approach. The duties associated with the post will inevitably vary and develop and therefore the role will be reviewed on a regular basis and changes made in consultation with the post holder.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal Executive Board role, responsible for leading the operational delivery of high-quality, effective and efficient services across the Trust.
The postholder will play a central role in:
• Delivering operational recovery and sustained performance improvement
• Strengthening integrated working across acute and community services
• Driving system collaboration across North Central London
• Ensuring services are responsive to the needs of diverse local populations
• The COO will work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive team to translate strategy into delivery, ensuring the Trust continues to play a leading role within the system
Person specification
NHS Leadership Competencies
Essential criteria
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS
To comply with the Trust’s Safeguarding Children and Adults policies, procedures and protocols. All individual members of staff (paid or unpaid) have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults This will require you to:
Whittington Health is committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.