Location: Board Headquarters, Lerwick, Shetland
Distant Island Allowance of £2,578 per annum
Relocation Assistance of up to £8000 available

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.

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.

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

Hear directly from NHS Shetland Chief Executive Brian Chittick as he shares insights into this exciting opportunity in the video below:

https://vimeo.com/1202465983/1b1ec602d5

Closing date: 9am Wednesday 22nd July 2026

Stakeholder Session and Final Panel interview: Friday 14th August 2026 In person in Shetland. Travel and accommodation to be pre-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: www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe133403

In promoting equal opportunities, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
9am Wednesday 22nd July

Short listing
Monday 27th July

Final interview and stakeholder activity (in person)
Friday 14th August

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.
• 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. 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.