Overview
We are seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer to join the executive leadership team of our CQC Outstanding-rated NHS Trust, delivering high-quality mental health and community services. This pivotal role will lead strategic and operational delivery of clinical services, ensuring safe, high-quality, and sustainable care for our patients. As a key Board member, you'll shape our strategy, drive performance, and lead day-to-day operations aligned with CQC and regulatory standards. You'll bring proven leadership in healthcare service transformation, operational excellence, and financial management across complex systems, alongside deep insight into the wider social care landscape. Our culture is built on care, commitment, and collaboration, with staff engagement at the heart of all we do. If you're a values-driven leader who inspires teams and delivers operational excellence, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
* As Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board member, you will lead the operational delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient clinical services across the Trust.
* Work closely with the Medical Director and Director of Nursing and Therapies to ensure strong systems, effective clinical leadership, and performance against key targets and regulatory standards.
* Drive service transformation, embed modern operational practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement aligned with our values.
* As a strategic partner, lead emergency preparedness, support ICS priorities, and represent the Trust in key system forums.
* Oversee service planning, performance, and workforce delivery, ensure robust governance, and champion our Quality Improvement culture.
* Act as Executive Sponsor of one of our Staff Equality Networks, advancing our inclusion and equity agenda.
* Provide strong leadership with seven direct reports, prioritising workforce engagement and culture across the Trust.
* Contribute to corporate strategy, system partnerships, and organisation-wide development, making a lasting difference.
* Lead executive on call duties on a rotational basis.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we are committed to providing the best possible care across Berkshire. We strive to offer an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people feel belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values
* Caring for and about you is our top priority
* Committed to providing good quality, safe services
* Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Benefits include:
* Flexible working options to support work-life balance
* 27 days' annual leave rising with service + option to buy and sell
* Generous NHS pension scheme
* Excellent learning and career development opportunities
* Cycle to Work and car leasing schemes including electric vehicles
* Wellbeing tools and services
* Discounts at retailers and restaurants
* Staff networks supporting equality and inclusion
* Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
* Free parking across Trust sites
Details
Date posted: 26 August 2025
Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary: Depending on experience; aligns with other trust executives
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 371-CS292
Job locations: Chief Executive and Board, London House, Bracknell, RG12 2UT
Job responsibilities
The essential criteria include:
* Relevant degree or equivalent operational experience with ongoing professional development.
* Experience of service management in mental health or community services, or wider health and social care system.
* Experience of leading the delivery of an organisation's operational portfolio at or near Board level.
* Demonstrable experience delivering major change programmes.
* Understanding of quality improvement methodologies and operational excellence techniques.
* Evidence of being a role model for inclusivity, with ability to lead inclusively and embed anti-racist principles.
* Ability to travel across the geographical area served by the Trust.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We encourage you to review the criteria in the person specification and include a point-by-point response in your supporting statement for the best chance of shortlisting.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled candidates, and former UK military veterans. We are committed to inclusion and hold accreditations including Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided as needed.
We have identified underrepresentation of ethnically diverse colleagues and offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who meet the essential criteria and identify as Asian or Asian British, Black or Black British, Mixed and Other Ethnic Groups.
If you’d like a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Karen Smythe, Business and Performance Manager, at DirectorofPeople@berkshire.nhs.uk
Please note that we may close the role earlier than the advertised closing date if a high number of applications are received.
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