Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust provides child and adult mental health services, learning disability, wellbeing, older people's and eating disorder services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the diversity of our local communities within our teams. We welcome applications from all talented individuals with the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience
Please note, NSFT uses tools to screen any applications generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Job overview
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is committed to delivering outstanding mental health and community services across our region. We are proud to live our values of Team, Accountable, Learn and Improve, and Kind, which shape everything we do for our service users, carers, families, and colleagues.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Chief Operating Officer, a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, clinical quality, and strategic transformation across the Trust.
As post holder you will be an executive, voting member of the Board of Directors.
Main duties of the job
As Chief Operating Officer, you will be accountable to the Chief Executive and Trust Board for the effective and efficient delivery of all operational and clinical services. You will lead performance management, service improvement, and clinical engagement, ensuring the Trust meets and exceeds national and local targets.
You will play a key role in shaping and implementing the Trust's strategy, working collaboratively with executive colleagues, commissioners, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners to deliver integrated care pathways and high-quality services.
This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire teams, drive cultural change, and champion NSFT's values in every decision and interaction.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead operational delivery of clinical services across the Trust.
* Drive performance improvement and embed a culture of accountability.
* Ensure robust governance, quality assurance, and risk management.
* Foster strong partnerships across health and social care systems.
* Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion.
* Act as an ambassador for NSFT, representing the Trust locally and nationally
Working for our organisation
At NSFT, we:
Build strong relationships and work as a Team.
Are Accountable for our actions and take pride in our work.
Learn and Improve continuously to deliver the best care.
Act with Kindness, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health and community services in Norfolk and Suffolk. You'll be part of a forward-thinking Executive Team committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
We offer:
A supportive and inclusive culture.
Opportunities for professional development.
A chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Interested in applying?
We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community care. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief Executive's Executive Assistant to arrange a conversation.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
* Masters degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable criteria
* Clinical qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
* Operated as Director of Operations (including interim or long-term acting up) in a large or complex organisation
* Proven track record of leading mental health, physical health or social care services
Desirable criteria
* Operated as a Chief Operating Officer (including interim or long-term acting up) Experience of leading cultural change
YOUR APPLICATION
We can provide all our job application materials in alternative formats so that these are accessible to everyone. Should you require any documents within this job pack in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to contact us at
PLEASE NOTE: If you use a hotmail, msn or yahoo e-mail account, you will need to check your "junk" mail regularly as these email providers will divert any communication from this Trust/NHS JOBS straight into your " junk" inbox.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Apart from its legal duties in relation to equality and diversity, the Trust recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
As a part of the Disability Confident Employer Guaranteed Interview Scheme we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job vacancy (outlined in the Person Specification).. We encourage you to indicate your eligibility through TRAC jobs when applying.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post may be 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.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.