The Opportunity
We are looking for an influential, pragmatic and delivery-focused Deputy Chief People Officer to join IC24's People Team on an 18‑month fixed‑term contract. This senior leadership role offers scope to shape, stabilise and transform how People services are delivered across a large, complex healthcare social enterprise. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer, you will operationalise the People Strategy, drive measurable improvements across the colleague journey – from attraction and recruitment through to engagement, development and retention – and support workforce, cultural and organisational change. The role focuses ~70% delivery and ~30% strategy, working closely with the executive team, senior leaders, clinicians and People leads to professionalise, stabilise and continuously improve the People function. Success will be measured through tangible outcomes such as improved engagement, reduced turnover, strengthened leadership capability and enhanced service effectiveness.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Deputise for the Chief People Officer and operationalise the People Strategy
* Lead the People Team day‑to‑day, covering Recruitment & Onboarding, Business Partnering and People Operations
* Drive defined People transformation initiatives from design through to delivery
* Act as a trusted advisor to executives, senior leaders and clinicians, with the confidence to challenge constructively
* Provide expert leadership on complex employment relations and employment law matters
* Represent the People function at executive and board level
* Ensure robust People governance, compliance and risk management
* Embed a compassionate, inclusive and values‑led culture across IC24
About You
You are a confident People leader with a strong track record of delivering measurable improvement in complex organisations. You bring strategic insight, hands‑on delivery capability, emotional intelligence and a pragmatic approach needed to operate effectively at sub‑board level.
* Chartered CIPD status and Level 7 (or equivalent) qualification in HR or Employment Law
* Extensive senior leadership experience within People / Workforce functions (ideally sub‑board level)
* Proven success leading People transformation and delivering quantifiable performance outcomes
* Deep, practical expertise in employment law and employee relations
* Strong influencing skills, emotional intelligence and a pragmatic, grounded leadership style
* Experience in healthcare, public sector or charity environments, or a strong commercial background with demonstrable experience translating best practice to regulated or mission‑led organisations
Why IC24?
IC24 is a major not‑for‑profit social enterprise delivering innovative, high‑quality primary care services across the South and East of England. Every penny we make is reinvested into our services, our people and the communities we serve. We offer:
* A senior leadership role with genuine influence and scope to make a lasting impact
* A values‑driven organisation committed to social value, inclusion and sustainability
* The opportunity to shape the People agenda at a critical point of organisational development
* A collaborative executive team that values challenge, trust and openness
* A strong sense of purpose, supporting frontline healthcare services and patient outcomes
Additional Information
Location: Ashford (preferred), with 2 days per week onsite (flexibility to travel required)
Contract: 18‑month fixed‑term contract
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
* Annual salary of £80,000 per annum
* Access to the NHS Pension Scheme
* Additional annual leave above statutory minimum based on length of service
* Free 24/7 independent counselling service
* Ongoing leadership and professional development opportunities
* Access to Blue Light Card and NHS discount schemes
* Membership to our reward and discount platform
If you are an experienced People leader with the confidence, credibility and drive to lead meaningful transformation, we would love to hear from you. Visit careers.ic24.org.uk to apply.
Equal Opportunities
We have a duty to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of those who use our services and our employees. This means we take every step we can to protect from harm, abuse and damage. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and actively encourage applications from ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodiverse individuals and other under‑represented groups. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. If you need any workplace adjustments during the application or interview process, or have accessibility requirements, please contact the recruitment team at careers@ic24.nhs.uk.
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.
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