Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, more than 5,000 dedicated colleagues provide mental health, community, children's and learning disability services to a population of around 800,000 people. Every day, they support individuals, families and communities through some of the most important moments in their lives, united by a shared commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality care and improving health outcomes for all.



We are seeking an exceptional Chief Finance Officer to help shape the next chapter of our development. As a voting member of the Board and a key member of the Executive Team, you will play a pivotal role in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring long-term sustainability while enabling continued investment in services that make a real difference to people's lives.



This is far more than a traditional finance leadership position. Alongside responsibility for the Trust's financial strategy, planning and performance, you will provide executive leadership across a broad portfolio including estates and facilities, procurement, contracting, legal services, sustainability and corporate governance. Working closely with Board colleagues, clinical leaders and system partners, you will help ensure that resources are used wisely, innovation is encouraged and opportunities for transformation are realised.



The Trust has ambitious plans for the future, set against a rapidly evolving NHS landscape. As the lead provider of mental health and learning disability services across the two counties, and a major provider of community health services, the organisation is committed to delivering safe, inclusive and person-centred care while addressing financial and operational challenges with confidence and creativity. The Chief Finance Officer will be central to that ambition, working at organisational, system and regional level to support sustainable services and improved outcomes for local communities.



We are looking for a strategic, values-led leader with significant senior financial leadership experience gained within the NHS, wider public sector or a similarly complex organisation. You will bring a strong track record of developing financial strategy, leading transformation and improvement programmes, and influencing at Board level. Just as importantly, you will demonstrate the ability to build trusted relationships, inspire high-performing teams and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries to tackle complex challenges.



As a professionally qualified accountant, you will combine financial credibility with commercial awareness, political acuity and a genuine commitment to public service. You will understand that excellent financial stewardship is not an end in itself, but a means of improving care, reducing inequalities and delivering better experiences for patients, service users, carers and communities.



In return, you will join an organisation defined by its values of being Courageous, Ambitious, Responsive, Empowering and Supportive. You will have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most important agendas in public service, helping to shape the future of community and mental health services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire while working alongside committed colleagues and partners who share a passion for improving lives.



If you are an outstanding executive leader who can combine strategic vision, financial expertise and compassionate leadership, we would be delighted to hear from you.




Closing date: 9am Friday 2nd October 2026




Stakeholder sessions and final panel interviews: to be confirmed



For a confidential discussion, please contact:



Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant

E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com

T:+44 (0) 7807 631 564



Melanie Shearer, Partner

E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com

T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548



Will McAlpine, Principal Researcher



E: will.mcalpine@gatenbysanderson.com



To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.




Documents

Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

9am Friday 2nd October 2026




How to Apply

• Please submit an up to date copy of your CV, along with a Supporting Statement that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.


• A completed fit and proper person form - the template can be downloaded from the same place as the job description.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• You should provide the names, positions, organisations, and contact details for your referees, which must be your line managers and include your current and most recent employer. The referees should cover at least two roles as the minimum. Please note, should you be appointed, you will be required to provide references covering your last 6 years of employment as per the new NHS Fit and Proper Person regulations. Where there have been gaps in employment, this six year period will be extended accordingly. Referees will only be contacted for those proceeding to the final stage - we will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email to confirm that you have applied. If you do not receive this email, please make contact with GatenbySanderson.




Acceptable use of AI



Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.