Job overview
Applications for this role are being handled by Odgers.
A pivotal leadership role shaping the future of mental health and community care across the Thames Valley
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is at a defining point in its development. Serving a population of around two million people across four counties, we deliver mental health, community health and learning disability services that make a real difference to the lives of children, adults and families every day. With 7,600 dedicated colleagues working across 150 sites, we are united by our purpose: to provide safe, compassionate and high-quality care that helps people live healthier and more independent lives.
We are proud of our strong foundations. Rated Good by the CQC, we have a track record of financial stability, operational performance and improvement, with high patient experience scores and growing research capability driven by our strong academic partnerships. We are progressing major developments including the transformation of our community services, digital modernisation and the redevelopment of Warneford Park as a world-leading campus for research, education and innovation.
Main duties of the job
This is a moment of significant change and opportunity. From April 2026 the new NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board will be formed. Oxford Health will play a central leadership role in helping to design and deliver integrated models of care, tackle inequalities and shape system priorities across a population of 2.5 million people. Our leadership in specialised mental health provider collaboratives and our research strength give us real scope to influence the future of care across the region.
We now seek an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead Oxford Health into its next chapter.
You will be a visible, values-driven and inclusive leader with the strategic breadth, compassion and credibility to guide a complex organisation through transformation. You will bring a strong track record of senior leadership in a demanding healthcare environment, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams, strengthen culture and work collaboratively with partners across the wider system. You will set the tone for compassionate, patient-centred care that is delivered equitably across a diverse geography.
Working for our organisation
We provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”
Our values are:“Caring, safe and excellent”
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
* Excellent opportunities for career progression
* Individual and Trust wide learning and development
* 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
* NHS Discount
* Pension scheme
* Lease car scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Mental Health First Aiders
* Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
* Staff networking and support groups
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will provide strategic clarity and operational grip. You will champion staff wellbeing and engagement, support clinical leadership, promote innovation and lead programmes that enable us to deliver consistently high-quality care. You will also play a central role in shaping the future of integrated care across the Thames Valley, ensuring Oxford Health continues to be an influential advocate for mental health, community services and research excellence.
If you are a forward-thinking, inclusive and ambitious leader who shares our values of Caring, Safe and Excellent, and who believes in the power of partnership and compassionate leadership to improve lives, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Key dates
Closing date - Friday 27th March
Focus Groups (in person) - Monday 27th April
Interviews (in person) - Tuesday 28th April
Person specification
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
* Working at Board-level, as an Executive Director (or equivalent) within a large, complex healthcare organisation.
* Championing patient participation.
* Championing clinical leadership within and across organisations.
* Evidence of partnership working, collaboration and system thinking.
* Driving Board effectiveness.
* Managing quality improvement, innovation and change.
* Track record of building high-performing, highly motivated and cohesive teams.
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Exhibiting deep knowledge of mental health provision.
* Awareness of national health and social care plans and policies.
* Sound knowledge of effective governance and assurance frameworks and processes.
Skills
Essential criteria
* Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate in diverse settings.
* Political acumen, required to influence a range of local and national stakeholders.
* Commitment to social justice, and a strong personal drive to improve patient and carer experience.
* Strong emotional intelligence and personal integrity
Documents to Download
Candidate Brief - Odgers (PDF, 376.1KB)
Recruiter Contact Details
Name: Carmel Gibbons
Title: Partner and Head of the Healthcare Practice
Email: vicky.graham@odgers.com
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