Overview
Are you passionate about supporting improvements in the NHS and social care through public engagement?
We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and insightful Executive Officer with outstanding communication, patient engagement, and coordination skills. This is a maternity cover for a fixed term of six months from 5 January to 30 June 2026.
The 6 local Healthwatch organisations in South West London are looking for a skilled facilitator and co-ordinator to help elevate the voice of local people by pulling together insight work across boroughs; coordinating and delivering collaborative pieces and championing the findings at key groups, boards and committees at the South West London (SWL) Integrated Care System (ICS); and capturing and reporting examples of our influence on commissioning and decision-making.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that the engagement work of local Healthwatch, and the insights gathered from the views of the communities they serve, are used to influence decisions in South West London. The successful candidate will act as an intermediary, supporting collaboration between the SWL ICS and the 6 independent local Healthwatch.
Details
Details Date posted: 22 October 2025
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £50,000 a year Pro Rata 0.7 FTE
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 6 months
Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: B0562-25-0000
Job locations: Granfers Community Centre, 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton, SM1 3AA
A drivers license is not required.
Main duties
The 6 local Healthwatch organisations in South West London (SWL) are looking for an Executive Officer to help ensure that the engagement work of local Healthwatch and views of the communities they serve are used to influence decisions in our region. The successful candidate will act as the conduit between the ICB and local Healthwatch organisations to coordinate activities and collate findings across common areas. They will also help identify and deliver collaborative patient engagement projects across South West London. The role will involve working at a senior level, acting as a representative for the 6 local Healthwatch at groups, boards and committees within the ICS. The post holder is accountable to all 6 local Healthwatch and will report back to SWL ICS in relation to contract delivery. The successful candidate will be employed directly by a local Healthwatch (Healthwatch Sutton). The post holders objectives and impact will be independent of any one of the 6 local Healthwatch in South West London, but will be accountable to and steered by them as part of a collaborative arrangement.
Responsibilities include travel across South West London (home-working and flexible hours available); however, regular face-to-face activity is required and occasional evenings may be needed. A driving license is not required.
Major responsibilities are outlined below. Additional duties may be assigned.
* Elevate and champion patient insight
* Champion the role of patients in ICS decision-making and share patient insights with the South West London ICS
* Use Healthwatch intelligence to improve patient experiences and work with ICS commissioners and wider system partners to implement Healthwatch recommendations
* Update the South West London ICS Insights Bank with relevant Healthwatch reports
* Advocate that ICS decision-makers engage the public at the earliest stage in health planning
* Help the 6 local Healthwatch to hold the ICS to account in meeting its duty to engage the public, through governance processes
* Stay updated about national policies affecting patients and best practices for engaging ICB; e.g., liaising with Healthwatch England
* Represent the 6 local Healthwatch on selected ICS Boards and committees
2. Coordinate collaborative working of the 6 local Healthwatch
* Organise and facilitate a monthly meeting of the local Healthwatch leads and the ICS
* Deliver collaborative patient engagement projects
* Pull together insight from across multiple Healthwatch organisations to produce cross-borough insight reports
* Relay information from the ICS to the local Healthwatch leads to inform planning and delivery of engagement activities
3. Capture impact and learnings
* Identify, record, and share examples of how the SWL Healthwatch collaborative has made a difference for patients
* Capture and share learnings for how to engage different communities with the ICS and external groups
* Conduct a formal end-of-contract evaluation of how the Executive Officer role and collaboration among local Healthwatch have influenced the ICBs ways of working
* Support the successful legacy and transition of local Healthwatch work into the ICB
Core attributes and competencies
The post holder must:
* Be committed to working with and across the 6 local Healthwatch organisations, understanding the challenges faced by small voluntary sector organisations
* Be able to undertake qualitative and mixed methods research (surveys, focus groups, interviews) and guide ICS colleagues in selecting appropriate methods
* Promote and encourage engagement opportunities within South West London
* Recognise key influencers and champion the involvement of local Healthwatch and community views
* Be passionate about improving outcomes and tackling health inequalities, focusing on less engaged communities
* Understand the role and statutory duties of local Healthwatch
* Be aware of current and future social, political and economic trends influencing health and social care
* Be able to analyse complex issues from a service user perspective and inform South West London deliberations
* Have the confidence to question information and explanations and to engage constructively
* Be able to influence, persuade, and build consensus; be a skilled negotiator and facilitator
* Work autonomously and maintain effective relationships across local Healthwatch
* Translate complex concepts into accessible language
* Have project management experience with the ability to deliver against time, task and budget
* Be committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality and inclusivity
Core personal experience
* Demonstrable understanding of listening and responding to the voices of patients, service users, families and carers
* Experience involving patients and the public in practice within a public sector organisation
* Experience promoting the voice of patients in collective decision-making groups such as boards/committees
* Track record in securing or supporting improvements for patients and the wider public
* Advanced facilitation and coordination experience with ability to influence and build consensus
* Experience horizon scanning engagement opportunities
* Strong communication skills and a diplomatic approach to collaboration
Other information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure check.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details: Healthwatch Sutton, Granfers Community Centre, 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton, SM1 3AA. Website: https://www.healthwatchsutton.org.uk/
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