Job summary
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community health services in the country, serving a population of more than 1.1 million people across Derbyshire and Derby. We are proud to be a segment 1 organisation in the NHS Oversight Framework, reflecting our strong performance and high degree of autonomy, and to have achieved green status in our recent Provider Capability Assessment. We were rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission and continue to be recognised nationally for our culture, quality of care and staff experience.
Following the decision of our previous chief executive to step down after 13 years, we appointed an interim chief executive from within our existing executive team to provide continuity and stability through a period of significant national challenge. Over the past 18 months, we've continued to perform strongly, maintaining financial balance, delivering high levels of activity and strengthening our role as a key partner within the Joined Up Care Derbyshire Integrated Care System.
In the most recent reporting year we achieved a £3.26m surplus, delivered 98% of planned activity, and sustained excellent staff survey results, retaining our position as one of the highest performing community providers in the country. We have continued to invest in our people, modernise our services and play a leading role in shaping the future of community-based care across Derbyshire.
Main duties of the job
You will provide visible, values-led leadership to an organisation that is performing well, with a clear strategic direction and a deeply committed workforce. You will work closely with the Board, executive team and system partners to sustain high-quality care, deliver financial sustainability and continue to develop integrated, neighbourhood-based models of care aligned to the NHS long-term vision.You will be accountable for the overall leadership and performance of the Trust, ensuring robust governance, strong financial management and a culture where people feel supported, included and able to do their best work. You will represent DCHS across the Derbyshire system and beyond, strengthening partnerships with NHS organisations, local authorities, the voluntary and community sector and wider stakeholders.
We are looking for a leader who is credible, collaborative and grounded in NHS values. You will bring a strong understanding of the health and care system, evidence of developing Neighbourhood operating models, experience of leading complex organisations and the emotional intelligence to lead with compassion through a challenging and changing environment.
Above all, you will share our commitment to putting people at the centre - our patients, our communities and our colleagues. This is an opportunity to lead a high-performing, well-regarded community trust at a time of stability, confidence and opportunity - helping to shape the future of health and care in Derbyshire.
About us
Our purpose is to provide community health services to a patient population of over one million people in Derbyshire and Derby, as part of Joined Up Care Derbyshire.
We employ around 4,200 substantive staff, caring for patients in 11 community hospitals and more than 30 health centres, as well as in clinics, GP practices, schools, care homes and, increasingly, in people's own homes and via virtual consultations.
Details
Date posted
23 February 2026
Pay scheme
Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
842-EXEC
Job locations
Ash Green Learning Disability Centre - Trust Headquarters
Ashgate Road
Chesterfield
S42 7JE
Job description
Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.Please attach a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the requirements of this role, rather than completing the supporting statement section.
Job description
Job responsibilities
PLEASE NOTE: Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification. To apply, please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB - this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.Please attach a CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the requirements of this role, rather than completing the supporting statement section.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
* Masters degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, alongside strong analytical abilities
* Ability to bring out the best in people and foster a proactive organisational culture
Experience
Essential
* Significant and successful recent experience at board level within a complex organisation that provides a variety of related services
* Experience as an inclusive manager who has built and supported high-performing, cohesive teams based on trust and accountability
* Strong record of effective partnership and system working, with clear evidence of delivering innovation across organisational boundaries
* Experience of fostering deep staff engagement, which positively influences organisational culture and performance
* Experience of delivering key performance targets while maintaining quality and safety
* Experience in leading strategic planning and collaborating with statutory, voluntary, or private sector organisations
* Proven record of successful resource allocation, proactively managing performance and holding individuals accountable to ensure high standards
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential
* Masters degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, alongside strong analytical abilities
* Ability to bring out the best in people and foster a proactive organisational culture
Experience
Essential
* Significant and successful recent experience at board level within a complex organisation that provides a variety of related services
* Experience as an inclusive manager who has built and supported high-performing, cohesive teams based on trust and accountability
* Strong record of effective partnership and system working, with clear evidence of delivering innovation across organisational boundaries
* Experience of fostering deep staff engagement, which positively influences organisational culture and performance
* Experience of delivering key performance targets while maintaining quality and safety
* Experience in leading strategic planning and collaborating with statutory, voluntary, or private sector organisations
* Proven record of successful resource allocation, proactively managing performance and holding individuals accountable to ensure high standards
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT
Address
Ash Green Learning Disability Centre - Trust Headquarters
Ashgate Road
Chesterfield
S42 7JE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHSFT
Address
Ash Green Learning Disability Centre - Trust Headquarters
Ashgate Road
Chesterfield
S42 7JE
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)