Head of Business Planning

Job summary

CFT's Strategy & Planning Function helps the organisation define its priorities, understand the challenges and opportunities it faces, and develop plans that deliver high-quality community and mental health services for people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We are seeking a Head of Business Planning to lead the Business Planning team and coordinate Trust-wide planning activity. Working closely with the Head of Strategy & Partnerships, Head of Strategic Analysis and Associate Director of Strategy & Planning, the postholder will help shape and strengthen the Trust's planning function.

A key responsibility will be driving continuous improvement in business planning. CFT is moving from a traditional annual planning cycle towards a year-round, evidence-based approach. The successful candidate will embed and enhance this model, using data and analysis to support decision-making and strengthen links between service, estates, digital and quality improvement planning.

The role also requires strong partnership working across the health and care system. The postholder will build effective relationships with organisations including the Integrated Care Board, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, primary care and VCSE partners. They will represent the Trust in system planning discussions, promote collaboration and provide expert advice on NHS England planning requirements, ensuring the Trust remains aligned with national priorities and obligation.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the Trust's planning function
• Planning oversight and delivery
• Oversee strategic and operational planning
• lead service development and business opportunities
• Provide good governance and assurance
• Interpret policy and influence system planning

Interviews: Week commencing 31 August

About us

We're an NHS community and mental health provider Trust based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We deliver community and hospital-based care to improve people's physical and mental health. We also provide specialist support to people with dementia or a learning disability.

We are a people organisation and people matter to us. As part of the team, you'll help support the health and wellbeing of the people who live and visit this beautiful part of the UK.

Over 5,000 people make up the Trust. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, plus admin and support staff.

We work in people's homes, in community clinics and bases. Some staff work from one of our 10 community hospitals. Our aspiration is to have great people, provide great care, be a great place to work and a great partner.

Approximately 568,000 people live here. A third of people who live in Cornwall are supported by acute hospital services in Devon. As a result, we also work closely with our partners in Devon. In the summer, and during other holidays lots of people choose to visit the area. This increase the numbers of people who use out services.

Job responsibilities

To view a detailed job description and person specification including the main responsibilities of this role please see supporting documents.

Person specification

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification
• Masters level qualification or equivalent level of experience
• Management qualification or post graduate diploma
• Project/ programme management expertise (PRINCE2; Lean; QI; QSIR)
• Experience of transformational change
• Evidence of successful operational and business planning achievement
• Experience of planning and delivery i.e. service improvement and redesign project delivery
• Ability to write complex reports and communicate complex messages
• Developing successful business cases

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential

• Demonstrable experience in managing and delivering projects across a range of services

Communication

Essential

• Excellent oral and written communication skills