Head of Programme – Leading to Change

Flexible Location: Based throughout Scotland, NES is a remote friendly employer supporting office and hybrid working. We’re happy to talk about how you want to work.

Work Pattern: Permanent, Full time, 37 hours per week

You must have eligibility and entitlement to work in the UK which is required to be maintained throughout your period of employment.

Who We Are

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is the national health board with statutory responsibilities to effect sustainable change through workforce development, education and training across the health and social care system in Scotland, while working at UK level with partner organisations.

The Workforce Directorate works at a national level to support the delivery of NES’s strategic plan and is a key partner to the delivery of Scottish Government priorities for the health and social care workforce. It also provides a comprehensive People and Organisational Development strategy and service for the people who work for NES and externally to NHSScotland in the recruitment of medical and dental trainees and other vocational trainee groups.

Nationally the Workforce Directorate acts as key strategic partner to Scottish Government in the delivery of national Talent, Leadership and Management, Quality Improvement, and Learning & Development ambitions. We also provide information, advice, educational solutions and support to the wider NHS through links with Territorial Boards and the Scottish Government.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of the Leading to Change programme delivering national leadership development programmes and resources to support the health, social care and social work workforce in Scotland. The Programme aims to create leaders at all levels who are inspirational and empowering, and who promote wellbeing and the creation of a diverse, inclusive and values driven workforce.

The Head of Programme role will be responsible for leading a team with the capability and capacity to deliver a range of leadership development programmes, interventions and resources accessible by leaders at all levels across the Health and Social Care workforce.

• Do you have experience of developing and implementing delivery plans with multiple programmes of work to time and budget?
• Do you have a track record in leading a team of expert practitioners to deliver high quality leadership development interventions, based on evidence-based leading-edge theory and best practice?
• Do you have experience in working with multiple professions in a complex, challenging and ambitious organisation?
• Do you enjoy working with a wide range of stakeholders, co-creating options and solutions?
• Do you have a track record of effective evaluation and impact assessment to ensure the achievement of tangible benefits?
• Do you enjoy nurturing a team to realise their full potential?
• Do you have a passion for engaging with others to develop innovative, evidence based leadership learning?

What We Love To See

Heads of Programme need to offer a broad range of skills and experience, if you can offer some or all of these, we would love you to apply:

• More than 3 years experience of a senior leadership role including leading and managing change in complex organisations/systems
• More than 3 years experience of leading and managing a team of senior professionals and subject matter experts
• Proven track record of leading the development and implementation of operational plans with multiple workstreams which are aligned with organisational and/or system level strategies
• Master’s degree or equivalent experience
• Specialist knowledge of contemporary theory and significant practical experience of design and delivery of programmes in the following areas:
• Systems leadership development
• Culture transformation
• Equalities, inclusion and wellbeing
• Talent management
• Organisational development
• Extensive knowledge of the wider combined health and social care system (including the third and independent sector) including a thorough understanding of the Scottish Government strategy and policy context
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiating, influencing and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate sensitive information appropriately
• Experience of working with key health stakeholders e.g. Territorial and National Board representatives and the Scottish Government

Benefits Which Matter

As a valued employee of NHS Scotland, you can enjoy an extensive range of benefits including:

• Life-work balance - with opportunities for flexible working and remote working
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Annual incremental salary progression (up to the maximum of the salary band) plus annual NHS salary scale review
• Annual Leave - 27 Days increasing in line with service plus 8 days public holiday
• NHS discounts and more

Diversity and Inclusion

Developing a successful national service for Scotland is impossible without ensuring we consider the diverse needs, perspectives, and backgrounds of everyone in Scotland in our work.

We are focused on hiring the very best talent available for NES, and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and aim to ensure everyone is treated fairly, with respect and has a positive recruitment experience – regardless of the outcome.

It’s not essential to be in a Head of Programme role right now. You may be returning from a career break (e.g., maternity, paternity, caring for others) or returning after working in another field. Your experiences elsewhere can bring a fresh perspective to our work.

If you are considering applying and feel it would be helpful to discuss this initially, please contact Janice Gibson, Associate Director for Organisational Development, Leadership and Learning (ODLL) – janice.gibson3@nhs.scot

Next Steps

Our recruitment process is currently 100% remote and if successful you would initially work remotely, working from our offices as operationally required.

All applicants who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by e-mail.

Online interviews (including a presentation) will take place week commencing 9th December 2024. The presentation topic will be sent to candidates selected for interview.

For further information please refer to the Job Information Pack below which also includes some guidance on the application process.

Unless otherwise stated the deadline for applications is 23:59 hours on the closing date. Please note, CV’s will not be accepted.

If you have any queries regarding the NHS Scotland National Recruitment Portal or the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to contact our recruitment partners, the East Region Recruitment Service, at: EoS.ERRS@nhs.scot