Job summary
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL) was formed in July 2023 following the transaction between St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.
The Trust is now seeking two Assistant Directors of HR, who will report to the Deputy Director of HR & OD. The postholders will each have a portfolio of responsibility and will form part of the wider HR Senior Leadership Team which includes Workforce Development, ED&I, L&OD, Health work and wellbeing and Education. The areas of responsibility for the posts are 1) HR Operations and Medical workforce including appraisal and revalidation 2) Resourcing, Temporary workforce and HR Systems. Together the post holders will with the HR Senior Leadership Team be responsible for the delivery of the MWL People Plan Strategy and the supporting operational delivery plans.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of leading the areas of responsibility and must be able to demonstrate highly developed communication skills, a drive for innovation and improvement alongside having HR expertise.
If you are enthusiastic and passionate about the challenges this opportunity offers and believe that you have the experience and ambition to play a key role in delivering our vision, values, and strategic objectives of MWL, we would welcome an application from you.
Interview Date: 21st February 2024
Main duties of the job
Accountable for HR service delivery for Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust regarding the following portfolio:
- HR Operations, Medical Workforce, Medical HR, HR Governance
The post holder will ensure the delivery of a pro-active, customer focussed HR Service to stakeholders delivering a strategic, operational, business and value added services.
The post holder will provide specialist expertise to the Deputy Director of HR & Governance, Director of HR and the Trusts Executive Committee in developing HR services and ensuring the achievement of strategic aims, business objectives and contractual requirements within financial constraints and minimising risk to all parties.
The role will also include leadership of performance management and KPI's against contractual requirements and ensuring real added value is delivered to stakeholders.
In addition the post holder will develop and deliver operational plans and strategies for services utilising a wide range of innovative techniques to develop capabilities and optimise opportunities for efficiencies for the benefit of service users and stakeholders.
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available upon request.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Lead on the development and delivery of MWLs HR Strategy and operational business plan for the defined portfolio and to deliver an effective service to stakeholders
- Ensure the HR Service has long term strategic plans aligned to national strategies particularly around the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and other pivotal workforce papers.
- Responsible for the delivery of the HR Service to stakeholders, providing a leadership style which develops and empowers the HR team to be involved in the development of services
- Promote an environment of customer focussed service delivery, continuous improvement and innovation, demonstrating and promoting behaviour in accordance with MWL values.
- Provide strategic specialist advice and guidance to stakeholders on portfolio areas regarding legislation e.g CQC, EDS2, WRES and WDES and gender pay standards.
- and best practice
- Provide strategic long term planning and short term tactical and implementation support for HR Service development
- Ensure that the HR team apply legislatively compliant, consistent and best practice processes.
- Proactively influence stakeholders to adopt best practice approaches and apply effective HR policies.
- Accountable for the delivery of effective stakeholder engagement, working in partnership with the Trusts Communications Team where applicable.
- Develop a strategic service to identify and analyse key trends enabling a proactive service to be provided adding real value to the wider NHS economy.
- Engage with key internal and external stakeholders to develop a system wide approach to the Trusts HR functions which provides opportunities for collaboration at scale working and information / intelligence sharing.
- Demonstrate continuous improvement of the HR Service to ensure that services remain responsive, relevant and cost effective.
- Provide strategic and professional leadership and complex advice to stakeholders to identify proactive solutions to service issues and highlight any risks arising from decisions related to the workforce.
- Provide professional leadership and strategic support to the HR team managing complex issues, ensuring a quality led, evidence based approach and identifying opportunities for shared learning.
- To provide senior leadership and participation on specific projects.
- Provide and encourage innovative solutions for stakeholders on all HR related issues, presenting options for consideration.
- To work alongside external agencies to ensure that the organisation and stakeholders are developing new ideas that are consistent with the national agenda.
- Provide evidence demonstrating the performance and quality of the function
- Development of HR Service policies in conjunction with trade union and staff side representatives to ensure a fair and equitable approach to policy development.
- Promote a positive employee relations climate through effective partnership working with staff side colleagues.
- Develop business cases for funding required to support the delivery of the HR Service strategy and seek opportunities for external funding streams as applicable e.g. HEE or other external funding agencies or authorities
- Monitor, manage and measure the impact of service development activities providing benefits realisation reports to demonstrate return on investment.
- Optimise the use of e-systems to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, stakeholder and staff experience
- To maintain strategic oversight of the provision of advice and support to managers on Trust policy, procedural interpretation and organisational practice.
- Lead on the administration of the Trust DAS account, and development of an apprenticeship strategy in collaboration with HEE and other stakeholders that optimises levy spend.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director of HR on Trust HR Directorate/Corporate issues as required
- To represent the Trust on HR Service matters at internal and external meetings.
Service and Business Development
- Ensure the provision of a high quality and efficient HR Service offer and value proposition to current and potential future stakeholders.
- Development and implementation of operational strategies for HR services within portfolio.
- Continually refine and improve internal processes to optimise team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identify and manage business development opportunities, building an in-depth understanding of the market opportunities.
- Lead on the development, agreement and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators and targets
- Ensure that effective management of SLAs/ contracts related to the delivery of contracts and services within the HR function.
- Liaise and network with a range of stakeholders to ensure the delivery of a current, cost effective and value added service.
- To lead on the development and implementation of systems and strategies that address strategic workforce issues.
- Ensure high quality reports are presented on all aspects of HR Services within portfolio in a timely and accurate manner.
- Support stakeholders to ensure they are legally compliant with employment legislation and are aware of the potential risks and impact of decisions.
- Manage the functions across the HR Service as outlined above albeit where not directly line managing to be overall accountable for the HR Service and any third party related suppliers to ensure seamless service delivery to customers.
- In partnership with Procurement, Finance and HR colleagues lead on the completion of tenders and contract documentation submissions for the HR Service
Governance and Compliance
- Responsible for the design, implementation and delivery of the Governance Framework for the HR Service
- Attend Governance meetings to ensure compliance across the HR Service with governance requirements and best practice
- Manage staff, systems, processes and controls to ensure accountability, probity and compliance with external legislation and internal governance
- Ensure the relevant risk action plans are developed, implemented and delivered for portfolio of services
- Ensure paper based and electronic record and filing systems are maintained in accordance with the Trust Information Governance, GDPR and Record Management policies.
- Monitor the HR Service compliance with GDPR, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Equality and Diversity and Equal Opportunities
- Ensure that appropriate privacy assessment and robust governance arrangements are in place to ensure compliance with e.g. GDPR with regards to any communication/engagement with employees and stakeholders
- Work with Trust Information Governance and IT specialists to ensure the security of personal data held in internal and external hosted systems using robust monitoring processes
- Ensure data protection and confidentiality is maintained.
- Chair relevant HR councils/ committees/ groups both regionally and strategically.
Leadership, People Management and Development
- Manage team members ensuring that they have objectives, personal development plans and an annual appraisal including continuous professional development and career development.
- Ensure that all staff in the portfolio of services are managed in accordance with the organisations HR strategy, modelling excellent and innovative people management.
- Ensure a talent management strategy, coaching and mentoring programmes are in place for the portfolio of servicesand delivery is supported.
Teaching and Training Responsibilities
- Ensure that all team members receive appropriate training and development as required to perform their duties including the opportunity to undertake professional or post graduate qualifications.
- Develop and deliver training in relation to the departments policies, processes and performance standards internally and externally to stakeholders
- Be responsible for own development, including attendance at mandatory training and continually keep up to date with changes to employment legislation and best practice.
- To fully partake in appraisal process and undertake continued professional development
Financial Responsibility
- Deliver services within identified budgets, managing risks and escalating concerns with mitigation plans
- Achieve the annual agreed financial income target for the portfolio of services
- Authorisation of the procurement of resources, expenses etc.
- Identify and deliver cost and efficiency improvements, service developments and income generation opportunities
- To support the Trusts Finance department in the management of cash flow in relation to contracts, recharges, aged debt, salaries and other financial streams
- Accountable for the Trusts DAS pot.
Research and Audit
- Engage in department and organisation wide audits, benchmarking and surveys as required
- Ensure that the service is managed to attain significant assurance in audits.
Recruitment & Selection
- Ensure the provision of a timely, comprehensive and professional recruitment of any staff recruitment for the service.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
- Lead on the development and delivery of MWLs HR Strategy and operational business plan for the defined portfolio and to deliver an effective service to stakeholders
- Ensure the HR Service has long term strategic plans aligned to national strategies particularly around the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan and other pivotal workforce papers.
- Responsible for the delivery of the HR Service to stakeholders, providing a leadership style which develops and empowers the HR team to be involved in the development of services
- Promote an environment of customer focussed service delivery, continuous improvement and innovation, demonstrating and promoting behaviour in accordance with MWL values.
- Provide strategic specialist advice and guidance to stakeholders on portfolio areas regarding legislation e.g CQC, EDS2, WRES and WDES and gender pay standards.
- and best practice
- Provide strategic long term planning and short term tactical and implementation support for HR Service development
- Ensure that the HR team apply legislatively compliant, consistent and best practice processes.
- Proactively influence stakeholders to adopt best practice approaches and apply effective HR policies.
- Accountable for the delivery of effective stakeholder engagement, working in partnership with the Trusts Communications Team where applicable.
- Develop a strategic service to identify and analyse key trends enabling a proactive service to be provided adding real value to the wider NHS economy.
- Engage with key internal and external stakeholders to develop a system wide approach to the Trusts HR functions which provides opportunities for collaboration at scale working and information / intelligence sharing.
- Demonstrate continuous improvement of the HR Service to ensure that services remain responsive, relevant and cost effective.
- Provide strategic and professional leadership and complex advice to stakeholders to identify proactive solutions to service issues and highlight any risks arising from decisions related to the workforce.
- Provide professional leadership and strategic support to the HR team managing complex issues, ensuring a quality led, evidence based approach and identifying opportunities for shared learning.
- To provide senior leadership and participation on specific projects.
- Provide and encourage innovative solutions for stakeholders on all HR related issues, presenting options for consideration.
- To work alongside external agencies to ensure that the organisation and stakeholders are developing new ideas that are consistent with the national agenda.
- Provide evidence demonstrating the performance and quality of the function
- Development of HR Service policies in conjunction with trade union and staff side representatives to ensure a fair and equitable approach to policy development.
- Promote a positive employee relations climate through effective partnership working with staff side colleagues.
- Develop business cases for funding required to support the delivery of the HR Service strategy and seek opportunities for external funding streams as applicable e.g. HEE or other external funding agencies or authorities
- Monitor, manage and measure the impact of service development activities providing benefits realisation reports to demonstrate return on investment.
- Optimise the use of e-systems to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, stakeholder and staff experience
- To maintain strategic oversight of the provision of advice and support to managers on Trust policy, procedural interpretation and organisational practice.
- Lead on the administration of the Trust DAS account, and development of an apprenticeship strategy in collaboration with HEE and other stakeholders that optimises levy spend.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director of HR on Trust HR Directorate/Corporate issues as required
- To represent the Trust on HR Service matters at internal and external meetings.
Service and Business Development
- Ensure the provision of a high quality and efficient HR Service offer and value proposition to current and potential future stakeholders.
- Development and implementation of operational strategies for HR services within portfolio.
- Continually refine and improve internal processes to optimise team efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identify and manage business development opportunities, building an in-depth understanding of the market opportunities.
- Lead on the development, agreement and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators and targets
- Ensure that effective management of SLAs/ contracts related to the delivery of contracts and services within the HR function.
- Liaise and network with a range of stakeholders to ensure the delivery of a current, cost effective and value added service.
- To lead on the development and implementation of systems and strategies that address strategic workforce issues.
- Ensure high quality reports are presented on all aspects of HR Services within portfolio in a timely and accurate manner.
- Support stakeholders to ensure they are legally compliant with employment legislation and are aware of the potential risks and impact of decisions.
- Manage the functions across the HR Service as outlined above albeit where not directly line managing to be overall accountable for the HR Service and any third party related suppliers to ensure seamless service delivery to customers.
- In partnership with Procurement, Finance and HR colleagues lead on the completion of tenders and contract documentation submissions for the HR Service
Governance and Compliance
- Responsible for the design, implementation and delivery of the Governance Framework for the HR Service
- Attend Governance meetings to ensure compliance across the HR Service with governance requirements and best practice
- Manage staff, systems, processes and controls to ensure accountability, probity and compliance with external legislation and internal governance
- Ensure the relevant risk action plans are developed, implemented and delivered for portfolio of services
- Ensure paper based and electronic record and filing systems are maintained in accordance with the Trust Information Governance, GDPR and Record Management policies.
- Monitor the HR Service compliance with GDPR, Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Equality and Diversity and Equal Opportunities
- Ensure that appropriate privacy assessment and robust governance arrangements are in place to ensure compliance with e.g. GDPR with regards to any communication/engagement with employees and stakeholders
- Work with Trust Information Governance and IT specialists to ensure the security of personal data held in internal and external hosted systems using robust monitoring processes
- Ensure data protection and confidentiality is maintained.
- Chair relevant HR councils/ committees/ groups both regionally and strategically.
Leadership, People Management and Development
- Manage team members ensuring that they have objectives, personal development plans and an annual appraisal including continuous professional development and career development.
- Ensure that all staff in the portfolio of services are managed in accordance with the organisations HR strategy, modelling excellent and innovative people management.
- Ensure a talent management strategy, coaching and mentoring programmes are in place for the portfolio of servicesand delivery is supported.
Teaching and Training Responsibilities
- Ensure that all team members receive appropriate training and development as required to perform their duties including the opportunity to undertake professional or post graduate qualifications.
- Develop and deliver training in relation to the departments policies, processes and performance standards internally and externally to stakeholders
- Be responsible for own development, including attendance at mandatory training and continually keep up to date with changes to employment legislation and best practice.
- To fully partake in appraisal process and undertake continued professional development
Financial Responsibility
- Deliver services within identified budgets, managing risks and escalating concerns with mitigation plans
- Achieve the annual agreed financial income target for the portfolio of services
- Authorisation of the procurement of resources, expenses etc.
- Identify and deliver cost and efficiency improvements, service developments and income generation opportunities
- To support the Trusts Finance department in the management of cash flow in relation to contracts, recharges, aged debt, salaries and other financial streams
- Accountable for the Trusts DAS pot.
Research and Audit
- Engage in department and organisation wide audits, benchmarking and surveys as required
- Ensure that the service is managed to attain significant assurance in audits.
Recruitment & Selection
- Ensure the provision of a timely, comprehensive and professional recruitment of any staff recruitment for the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level and/or equivalent qualification
- MCIPD professional registration
- Master's degree in HR Management or related qualification and / or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification in specialist area e.g. leadership or equivalent experience
- Evidence of CPD
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Significant senior management experience in HR
- Evidence of managing complex human and financial resource issues
- Experience of providing a professional HR Service in a customer focused environment
- A track record of managing innovation and service improvement
- Experience of contract management and delivery
- Experience of working with and influencing senior managers and customers
- Experience of writing business plans, policies, business cases and board papers
- Demonstrable knowledge of the NHS agenda
- Demonstrable knowledge of governance requirements
- Knowledge of contract management
- Knowledge of leadership development and its impact on transformational change
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of effective change management resulting in improved outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of the national strategic context for NHS HR services
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of NHS workforce terms and conditions of service
Skills
Essential
- Ability to act with complete independence and express highest levels of initiative
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team effectively; and to motivate staff through delegation, review and support
- Able to analyse both strategic and operational issues, provide positive and innovative solutions progressing these through at a practical level
- Highly articulate and well-developed communication skills and interpersonal skills; advanced presentation and written skills. Excellent social skills with proficiency in managing relationships and building networks
- Ability to manage complex relationships and to gain / negotiate successful outcomes with key stakeholders where expert opinion may differ
- Effective budget management skills
- IT literate and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate impact and proactive customer relationship building, with the ability to respect, influence and motivate a range of stakeholders to deliver continuous improvement in services
- Highly developed problem solving, analytical and interpretive skills
- Strategic and business planning approach to delivery and development of services
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level and/or equivalent qualification
- MCIPD professional registration
- Master's degree in HR Management or related qualification and / or equivalent experience
- Postgraduate qualification in specialist area e.g. leadership or equivalent experience
- Evidence of CPD
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Significant senior management experience in HR
- Evidence of managing complex human and financial resource issues
- Experience of providing a professional HR Service in a customer focused environment
- A track record of managing innovation and service improvement
- Experience of contract management and delivery
- Experience of working with and influencing senior managers and customers
- Experience of writing business plans, policies, business cases and board papers
- Demonstrable knowledge of the NHS agenda
- Demonstrable knowledge of governance requirements
- Knowledge of contract management
- Knowledge of leadership development and its impact on transformational change
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of effective change management resulting in improved outcomes
- Knowledge and understanding of the national strategic context for NHS HR services
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of NHS workforce terms and conditions of service
Skills
Essential
- Ability to act with complete independence and express highest levels of initiative
- Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team effectively; and to motivate staff through delegation, review and support
- Able to analyse both strategic and operational issues, provide positive and innovative solutions progressing these through at a practical level
- Highly articulate and well-developed communication skills and interpersonal skills; advanced presentation and written skills. Excellent social skills with proficiency in managing relationships and building networks
- Ability to manage complex relationships and to gain / negotiate successful outcomes with key stakeholders where expert opinion may differ
- Effective budget management skills
- IT literate and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate impact and proactive customer relationship building, with the ability to respect, influence and motivate a range of stakeholders to deliver continuous improvement in services
- Highly developed problem solving, analytical and interpretive skills
- Strategic and business planning approach to delivery and development of services
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
