Head of Workforce Systems and Strategic Planning

Head of Workforce Systems and Strategic Planning

Join us as Head of Workforce Systems, Strategic Planning & Resourcing

We are looking for a dynamic and strategic thinker to lead our workforce planning and systems in shaping and driving the Trust's workforce strategy to meet current and future organisational needs. This pivotal role will have a significant impact on how we develop, optimise, and harness our workforce to meet current and future needs.

Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Workforce, you will take full responsibility for leading the development, implementation, and optimisation of workforce systems. Your expertise will drive data-driven decision-making and develop innovative solutions to address staffing challenges. Additionally, the post-holder will lead on strategic resourcing initiatives to attract, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce aligned with the Trust's values and long-term objectives.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

• Workforce Planning: Ensure the Trust's workforce planning is robust, coordinated, well-documented, and routinely reviewed, with clear impact.
• Alignment with NHS Priorities: Ensure workforce planning aligns with NHS system-wide planning priorities, targets, and schedules.
• Workforce Information Use: Drive effective use of workforce data to support service performance and development across NLFT.
• Workforce Intelligence & Analytics: Enhance the effectiveness of the Workforce Intelligence and Analytics function, working on system development.
• Strategic Resourcing: Develop and implement strategic plans to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse, skilled workforce.
• Recruitment Efficiency: Lead initiatives to improve recruitment processes, including employer branding and innovative sourcing strategies.
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Ensure compliance with NHS resourcing policies and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all activities.
• Expert Guidance: Provide expert advice to senior leaders on workforce planning, systems, and resourcing, using negotiation and influencing skills to address complex and contentious issues.

About us

North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) is committed to improving mental health care across North London to deliver excellent services to our local people.

Our Five-Year Strategy:

• We will provide consistently high-quality care closer to home.
• With our partners in North London and each borough, we will ensure equity of outcome for all.
• We will offer great places to work, providing staff with a supportive environment to deliver outstanding care.
• We will be more effective as an organisation by pioneering research, quality improvement, and technology.

Why NLFT?

• We develop and retain our staff through leadership behaviours and managers programme and many more opportunities.
• We promote flexible working and support staff with a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
• NHS Discounts, generous annual leave, and NHS pension scheme.
• Excellent internal staff network.

The post holder will be aligned with our Values:

• We Are Kind
• We Are Respectful
• We Work Together
• We Keep Things Simple
• We Empower
• We Are Proudly Diverse

In order to meet the needs of the Trust, you may be required to work at different locations to your normal place of work. This may mean that you are required to work at any location that falls under Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, or Islington. The Trust reserves the right to require staff to work at such other places or locations as it considers reasonable and necessary on a temporary or permanent basis.

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities include managing complex workforce projects, enhancing the use of technology and analytics in workforce management, and ensuring compliance with NHS policies and best practices. The Head of Workforce Systems and Strategic Planning will work collaboratively with senior leaders, clinical teams, and external partners to deliver a sustainable, agile, and high-performing workforce that supports excellent patient care.

Person Specification Qualifications

• Master's level qualification or equivalent
• CIPD or equivalent experience
• Qualification or equivalent experience in workforce planning/workforce transformation

Skills/Abilities

• Able to analyse highly complex workforce problems identifying risk and developing a range of tailored solutions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate highly complex concepts
• Ability to relate appropriately to staff at all levels.

Experience/Knowledge

• An up-to-date knowledge of workforce planning software
• Knowledge of key project management principles and processes
• Extensive experience of working in People transformation providing guidance and support to managers and clinical teams on workforce transformation, such as planning, recruitment & retention, education & development.

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.