Director of People and Culture

Job Description OUR VALUES IN ACTION - Care and Compassion - Quality and Teamwork - Dignity and Respect - Openness, honesty and responsibility About The Opportunity NHS Borders invites applications from accomplished Human Resources and Organisational Development professionals with a strong record of leadership in complex settings. This is a rare opportunity to join the Board's Executive Team at a pivotal time, where your vision and expertise will help shape the future of healthcare delivery across the Scottish Borders. As Director of People & Culture, you will be at the forefront of a major transformation programme, leading the development and implementation of a progressive People strategy that aligns with the Board's service and financial objectives. You will play a central role in guiding the organisation through significant change, ensuring NHS Borders remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. NHS Borders is a fully integrated territorial board serving a population of 116,900 (2022 Census). We have a workforce of approximately 4000 staff delivering healthcare services There are 114 GPs across the region (Public Health Scotland, 2022). Made up of 24 GP practices, Community health services, a 320 bedded District General Hospital, Inpatient and Community MH & LD Services, 5 Community Hospitals, Community Dental services and links with independent contractors (GPs, opticians, pharmacists and dentists). Leadership Opportunities - Strategic Influence: As a key member of the Executive Team, you will help set the direction for the organisation, contributing to the development and delivery of Board-wide values, strategic objectives, and corporate management. Your insights will directly inform decisions at the highest level, impacting both local and national workforce strategies. - Transformational Change: Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team through a period of significant service redesign and workforce transformation. You will be instrumental in addressing the Board's current financial challenges, driving innovation, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. - Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with colleagues across NHS Borders and NHS Scotland, fostering partnerships that support integrated care and shared learning. You will represent NHS Borders at regional and national forums, influencing policy and best practice across the wider health system. - Talent Development: Champion the development of staff at all levels, ensuring the organisation attracts, retains, and nurtures talented individuals who share the Board's commitment to excellence in patient care. - Visible Leadership: As an ambassador for NHS Borders, you will embody and promote the organisation's values, earning the confidence and respect of staff, partners, and the wider community. Why Join NHS Borders - Impactful Role: Make a tangible difference to the health and wellbeing of the Borders population by shaping the workforce that delivers vital services. - Professional Growth: Expand your influence beyond the local level, contributing to regional and national workforce initiatives within NHS Scotland. - Supportive Culture: Join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and personal development. - Outstanding Location: The Scottish Borders covers a large and scenically beautiful area of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. Enjoy the unique lifestyle offered by the Scottish Borders, with its beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, and excellent leisure facilities. Candidate Profile We Are Seeking An Inspiring Leader With - A broad range of strategic and professional skills - Vision and the ability to drive organisational change and culture - Fellow CIPD membership (or equivalent) - Outstanding leadership, communication, and analytical abilities Application - You must live in the United Kingdom - Current NHS Scotland employees must obtain written approval from their line manager prior to applying for this secondment and provide this if shortlisted. - Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email. Please ensure you check your inbox and junk/spam folders regularly. Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a regulated role, your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes. To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK websitehere. For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or going rate. Further information on these criteria can be foundhere. It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsoredBEFORE submitting your application form - PLEASE NOTE: This advert will close at midday on the closing date specified. We are unable to accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early** NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.