Head of emergency preparedness, resilience & response (band 8b)

Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience & Response (Band 8b)


📍 Worthing – Trust-wide role across Sussex

💷 £64,455 – £74,896 per annum (Band 8b)

🕒 37.5 hours per week | Flexible working considered

📄 Permanent | On-call and out-of-hours support during emergencies

📅 Closing date: 28 December 2025

📅 Interview date: 9 January 2026


About the role


We’re seeking an experienced Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) to lead and embed EPRR across Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.


Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be the Trust’s subject-matter expert for all EPRR matters, ensuring we are prepared, compliant and resilient in the face of incidents, emergencies and disruptive events.


This is a strategic leadership role with significant system influence, working closely with internal leaders and external partners to strengthen resilience across the wider health system.


What you’ll be doing

• Leading the Trust’s EPRR strategy and operational delivery

• Ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory and NHS EPRR standards

• Advising the Executive Team and senior leaders on emergency preparedness and resilience

• Planning for and leading responses to incidents under the Civil Contingencies Act

• Representing the Trust at local, regional and system-wide resilience forums

• Embedding a strong culture of preparedness, learning and continuous improvement

You’ll work across all Trust sites and support on-call arrangements during emergencies.


What we’re looking for

• Senior-level experience in emergency planning, resilience and response

• Strong knowledge of EPRR legislation, NHS standards and business continuity

• Experience working within complex health or public sector environments

• Proven leadership, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills

• Confidence making complex decisions in high-pressure situations


What we can offer you

At SPFT, we support senior leaders to make a real impact. You’ll benefit from:

• Flexible working options where service allows

• NHS pension scheme

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Access to wellbeing and psychological support services

• The opportunity to influence Trust-wide and system-wide resilience

• Working for a Trust rated ‘Outstanding’ for Caring by the CQC


Why Sussex?

If you’re new to the area, Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life, including:

• Coast and countryside within minutes

• Access to the South Downs National Park

• Over 140 miles of coastline

• Excellent transport links to London and major airports


How to apply

👉 Click “Apply now” to be redirected to our NHS Trac careers site, where you can complete your application.


Closing date: 28 December 2025 (23:59)

Interviews: 9 January 2026