Director of Strategy & Partnerships

Overview

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is dedicated to providing top-quality patient care while fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous enhancement. We seek a dynamic executive to join our Board as Director of Strategy and Partnerships, a vital leadership position entrusted with shaping healthcare delivery for communities in Cheshire, Merseyside, and North Wales.

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and participating fully on the Board, you will guide the creation and execution of our strategic goals. Your leadership will ensure the Trust is well-positioned to tackle NHS challenges and seize opportunities through innovation and partnership across multiple organizations. You will collaborate extensively with health and social care bodies including Welsh Health Boards, local councils, voluntary sectors, and broader systems to champion strategic planning, population health initiatives, social value, sustainability, and partnership growth. Your efforts will support NHS's 10 Year Plan and system-wide targets while adapting services to meet evolving population needs.

Candidate Profile

We require an inspiring, politically savvy executive with significant leadership experience in complex environments such as healthcare or the public sector. The successful candidate must demonstrate proven Board-level influencing skills, adeptness at forging strong partnerships, and a solid track record in driving strategic transformations amidst uncertainty and complexity. Using data, insights, and collaboration, you will create shared objectives and ensure lasting sustainable change. Commitment to compassionate leadership aligned with our core values—Safe, Kind, and Effective—is essential to foster a supportive and empowering workplace culture focused on excellent patient care.

Opportunities with Us

• Be part of a forward-looking and ambitious Board.
• Lead development of strategy and partnerships at Trust and system levels.
• Shape the future design of integrated health and care services.
• Build impactful connections across NHS, local authorities, and community sectors.
• Improve outcomes for patients, communities, and staff sustainably.
• Drive key initiatives in population health, prevention, and inequality reduction.

About the Trust

The Trust services over 400,000 residents covering West Cheshire, Ellesmere Port, Neston, and parts of North Wales. It operates across three sites: the Countess of Chester Hospital with 473 general and acute beds; Ellesmere Port Hospital with 60 beds for rehabilitation, intermediate care and outpatient services; and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, a community care base for rural populations.

The Trust employs 5,964 professionals providing a wide range of medical and support services. It is an active member of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System, as well as collaborating closely with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board of North Wales due to its border location. In the 2024/2025 period, there were about 643,000 patient interactions across inpatient, A&E, outpatient, and diagnostic services, covering everything from routine consultations to complex surgeries.

Additional Information

For further inquiries or to arrange informal visits, please contact:
Jane Tomkinson, Executive Director
Email: jane.tomkinson2@nhs.net
Phone: 01244 362768

Alternatively:
Vicki Wilson
Email: vicki.wilson8@nhs.net