Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Strategy and Impact Evaluation Programme Manager

The closing date is 21 April 2026

Job summary

Our ambition is to create a 'fit for the future' Strategy, Transformation and Improvement model, able to provide visibility and insights to enable the Federation to:o Make informed decisions, ensure resources and attention are focussed on the right initiativeso Achieve the right balance between operational improvement with and strategic transformationo Have greater confidence that programmes are driving the intended outcomes and maximising their value in delivering their full potential impact.

We are looking for an adaptable, strategic thinking, individual to join our Strategy Transformation and Improvement team, to support the development of the new model and put in place the building blocks that move us from where we are, to where we need to be.

The successful candidate will need to embrace a dynamic and flexible approach, maintaining a clear focus on the intended benefits, ensuring the new model is aligned to the realisation of the intended outcomes while putting in place the systems and processes to support the transition.

Main duties of the job

The key responsibilities for the postholder fall into three categories:

1. Strategy, where the postholder will support the Federation to:- Review and refresh our federation strategy- Define and quantify strategy success measures- Build the delivery roadmap- Ensure alignment of enabling plans

2. Insight, Impact and Evaluation where the postholder will oversee the establishment and delivery of a function that is able to:- Define and quantify outcome measures, model impact trajectories, monitor and evaluate progress- Identify, assess and prioritise opportunities- Identify risks, issues, interdependences, overlaps and unintended conflicts- Manage the gateway process- Establish and co-ordinate portfolio management, reporting and governance arrangements

3. Future model development where the postholder will support the Joint Strategy, Transformation and Improvements by:- Developing the business case for the new model, translating the vision and defining the new operating model- Undertaking an As Is - To Be gap analysis and developing the transition plan for the Strategy and Insight & Impact Evaluation functions.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the ability to blend PMO / TMO experience and analytical skills with fresh ideas, think critically, and explore innovative ways to ensure the Strategy, Transformation and Improvement team deliver the expected benefits for the Federation.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Details

Date posted

09 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year p.a.

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-S220.25

Job locations

Any DHC or DCH site

Dorchester

Dorchester

DT1 1QR


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over-reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

Person Specification

BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT

Desirable

  • Certificate in business case writing

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Essential

  • Professional knowledge acquired through training and / or experience to master's level equivalent qualification
  • Project and programme management qualifications or equivalent experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Relevant experience in successful management and evaluation of change with demonstrable outcomes in challenging environments
  • Relevant experience of working effectively with multiple stakeholders across organisational and professional boundaries in a complex system
  • Specialist knowledge and significant experience in programme and project management from planning through to evaluation
  • Experience of analysing and identifying opportunities from complex financial, activity and demand information
  • Proven skills in staff management and development, building effective relationships and networking
  • Understanding of the NHS and FT Financial Frameworks as these relate to delivery of strategic transformation programmes
  • Experienced in the use of MS office - excellent Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills. Y
  • Understanding of the management of change and what is required to support cultural change

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

  • High degree of skill in all aspects of communication both internal and external to the organisation, with experience of delivering presentations, chairing meetings, and producing briefing documents for a senior audience.
  • Able to communicate highly complex, sensitive and often contentious information, requiring influencing and negotiation skills, where there may be barriers to understanding
  • Strong analytical and judgement skills with the ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information, present the outputs succinctly and capable of explaining technical concepts in clear concise understandable terms to audiences with different levels of understanding
  • Ability to plan and organise a broad range of complex activities; and adjust plans or strategies to meet the needs of the Federation in a changing environment.
  • Able to interpret complex guidance and legislation which determine potential impact for strategy development and transformation programmes
  • Proactive with the ability to work under pressure on own initiative and maintain confidentiality to the highest degree
Person Specification

BUSINESS CASE DEVELOPMENT

Desirable

  • Certificate in business case writing

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Essential

  • Professional knowledge acquired through training and / or experience to master's level equivalent qualification
  • Project and programme management qualifications or equivalent experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

  • Relevant experience in successful management and evaluation of change with demonstrable outcomes in challenging environments
  • Relevant experience of working effectively with multiple stakeholders across organisational and professional boundaries in a complex system
  • Specialist knowledge and significant experience in programme and project management from planning through to evaluation
  • Experience of analysing and identifying opportunities from complex financial, activity and demand information
  • Proven skills in staff management and development, building effective relationships and networking
  • Understanding of the NHS and FT Financial Frameworks as these relate to delivery of strategic transformation programmes
  • Experienced in the use of MS office - excellent Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills. Y
  • Understanding of the management of change and what is required to support cultural change

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential

  • High degree of skill in all aspects of communication both internal and external to the organisation, with experience of delivering presentations, chairing meetings, and producing briefing documents for a senior audience.
  • Able to communicate highly complex, sensitive and often contentious information, requiring influencing and negotiation skills, where there may be barriers to understanding
  • Strong analytical and judgement skills with the ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information, present the outputs succinctly and capable of explaining technical concepts in clear concise understandable terms to audiences with different levels of understanding
  • Ability to plan and organise a broad range of complex activities; and adjust plans or strategies to meet the needs of the Federation in a changing environment.
  • Able to interpret complex guidance and legislation which determine potential impact for strategy development and transformation programmes
  • Proactive with the ability to work under pressure on own initiative and maintain confidentiality to the highest degree

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Any DHC or DCH site

Dorchester

Dorchester

DT1 1QR


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Any DHC or DCH site

Dorchester

Dorchester

DT1 1QR


Employer's website

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Transformation Director

Judith Dean

judith.dean1@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

09 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 to £64,750 a year p.a.

Contract

Secondment

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

152-S220.25

Job locations

Any DHC or DCH site

Dorchester

Dorchester

DT1 1QR


Supporting documents

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