GatenbySanderson
Director of People and Culture / Deputy Chief Executive
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Director of People and Culture / Deputy Chief Executive
NHS Shetland Director of People and Culture / Deputy Chief Executive Band 9 - Salary Range £127,521- £133,044 per annum Location: Board Headquarters, Lerwick, Shetland
Distant Island Allowance of £2,578 per annum Relocation Assistance of up to £8000 available
This job post will be advertised for a minimum period of two weeks on LinkedIn. After this time please apply directly to https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe133403/Deputy-Chief-Executive-Director-of-People-and-Culture/ until the closing date of 9am 22nd July 2026.
This is a rare and high-impact opportunity to join NHS Shetland as Director of People and Culture and Deputy Chief Executive. As a key member of the Executive Management Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership to ensure our workforce is skilled, motivated and supported to deliver high-quality, person-centred care for the Shetland community. You will play a pivotal role in shaping organisational culture, delivering workforce transformation, and ensuring strong staff governance and partnership working is in place across the Board. As Deputy Chief Executive you will support the organisation navigate strategic changes like Public Sector Reform whilst also maintaining operational tempo and focus to achieve our strategic objectives.
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NHS Shetland serves a population of approximately 23,000 people across a unique island setting, delivering integrated primary and secondary care services. We are committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality services despite the challenges and opportunities of a remote and rural environment. We are currently progressing an ambitious transformation programme focused on redesigning services, workforce models and digital capability to secure long-term sustainability.
We are seeking an experienced, values-driven leader with a strong track record of delivering strategic workforce and cultural change. This is a demanding and rewarding role requiring resilience, political acumen and a strong focus on people. You will operate across local, regional and national projects, balancing competing priorities while maintaining a compassionate and inclusive leadership style.
Joining us offers you the opportunity to shape workforce strategy, making a visible impact across the whole organisation and local community. We are a forward-thinking Board committed to compassionate leadership and inclusive culture.
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Relocating to Shetland offers you a unique opportunity, balancing work and a high-quality lifestyle offering an unrivalled mix of outdoor and cultural experiences within the family-oriented environment of a rural island community.
To find out more about living and working in Shetland go to www.shetland.org and/or www.shetland.org/life. Further information on NHS Shetland can be found at www.shb.scot.nhs.uk/
Closing date for applications: 9am 22nd July 2026
Interview assessments will take place in person in Shetland on Friday 14 August 2026 Travel and accommodation arrangements to be agreed for Thursday 13 August 2026, 2/3 nights
If you feel this could be an opportunity that fits your capabilities and aspirations please contact our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson via Robin Staveley, Emily Smith emily.smith@gatenbysanderson.com & Joanna Riley Joanna.Riley@gatenbysanderson.com
Further information about the role and details on how to apply are available on the GatenbySanderson website by clicking Apply.
In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
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