Job summary
- Main area
- Chief Operating Officer
- Grade
- VSM
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 220-WHT-VSM-F
- Employer
- Whittington Health NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Magdala Avenue
- Town
- London
- Salary
- Competitive Salary
- Closing
- 24/06/2026 12:00
Employer heading
Chief Operating Officer
VSM
Please note in order to progress your application, your data will be processed by our 3rd party recruitment providers – North London Partners Shared Service, who conduct recruitment activities on behalf of Whittington Health NHS Trust.
For our current apprenticeship vacancies, please go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and use Keyword ‘Whittington’
By applying for this role, you accept in the event you are successful that your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which is aimed at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technology that can perform various tasks that typically required human intelligence. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role.
We recognise that AI tools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants. However, it’s important that examples and responses genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AI must not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
Further guidance can be found in the NLPSS Applicant Toolkit https://royalfree.pagetiger.com/cuuomnr/1.
Whittington Health NHS Trust is committed to fair and transparent recruitment and requires applicants to provide accurate information, as misleading details may affect their application or employment and may be verified in line with the Fraud Act 2006. For further information please visit https://royalfree.pagetiger.com/cuuomnr/1.
Job overview
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer represents a critically important hire for the Trust. The COO is a voting member of the Trust Board and a senior member of the Executive Team, carrying accountability for the operational delivery of high-quality, safe and efficient services across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the postholder will lead operational performance, service transformation and recovery across both acute and community settings, whilst also acting as Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) and contributing to the delivery of the Trust's financial plan, including Cost Improvement Programmes.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will lead the transformation of operational services across both acute and community settings, working collaboratively across organisational boundaries to strengthen system-wide delivery and improve population health outcomes. This includes leveraging digital innovation, data and analytics, and new models of care to deliver sustainable, high-performing services.
The MBS Group are acting as Whittington Health’s advisors on this appointment. To apply please send a covering letter and CV to [email protected] by midday on Wednesday 24th June.
OR
To apply, please submit your application via email with the subject line “Application for the role of Chief Operating Officer” to [email protected]
Working for our organisation
Whittington Health is one of London’s most developed integrated care organisations, bringing together acute and community services, strong partnerships with local government, and high‑performing adult and children’s pathways. Serving the people of Islington, Haringey and neighbouring boroughs including Barnet, Enfield, Camden and Hackney, we have deep roots in our communities and a clear mission: helping local people live longer, healthier lives.
The Trust is now entering a period of significant transformation and investment. We are strengthening our services for women, children and frail adults, including expanding maternity services in line with the Start Well programme, and deepening our partnerships with UCLH and the Royal Free to enhance access to specialist care closer to home. Alongside notable improvements in ED, cancer and RTT performance, we continue to demonstrate the value of joined‑up, community‑focused care.
Central to the Trust's ambition are its colleagues. Whittington Health is a values-driven organisation, underpinned by Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, all grounded in Equity. Building an inclusive, supportive culture that reflects both its workforce and the diverse communities it serves, that reduces health inequalities and positions the Trust as an employer of genuine choice, is a strategic priority of the highest order.
.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed duties and responsibilities listed in the attached pack .
This job description aims to illustrate the range and nature of responsibilities held by the post holder. The list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the post holder is expected to be flexible in their approach. The duties associated with the post will inevitably vary and develop and therefore the role will be reviewed on a regular basis and changes made in consultation with the post holder.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal Executive Board role, responsible for leading the operational delivery of high-quality, effective and efficient services across the Trust.
The postholder will play a central role in:
• Delivering operational recovery and sustained performance improvement
• Strengthening integrated working across acute and community services
• Driving system collaboration across North Central London
• Ensuring services are responsive to the needs of diverse local populations
• The COO will work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive team to translate strategy into delivery, ensuring the Trust continues to play a leading role within the system
Person specification
NHS Leadership Competencies
Essential criteria
- Drive high-quality and sustainable outcomes
- Develop and set strategy and deliver long-term transformation
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Tom Field
- Job title
- Researcher
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 020 7722 1221
List jobs with Whittington Health NHS Trust in Directors or all sectors




