About this role
Job summary
This is an opportunity to shape the future of sustainable healthcare by leading the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust's ambitious Green Plan and Net Zero agenda. As the Trust's senior sustainability specialist, you will influence strategic decision-making at the highest level, driving and leading innovative programmes that deliver measurable environmental, financial and social benefits. If you are passionate about creating lasting change, thrive on strategic leadership and want to make a tangible impact on patient care, communities and the environment, this role offers the chance to leave a meaningful legacy.
Main duties of the job
You will lead the development and delivery of the Trust's sustainability strategy, working collaboratively with clinical, corporate and external partners to embed sustainable practices across the organisation. The role involves developing business cases, securing investment, overseeing major sustainability programmes, monitoring performance, ensuring regulatory compliance and, perhaps most importantly, inspiring behavioural change through engagement and leadership. We are seeking an influential and collaborative leader with extensive sustainability expertise, excellent communication and analytical skills with the evidenced ability to build strong partnerships, translate complex challenges into practical solutions and inspire others to achieve ambitious environmental goals.
About us
Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.
Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.
If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.
Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.
Job description Job responsibilities
Lead the strategic development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Trust's Sustainability Strategy and Green Plan, ensuring alignment with national policy, regulatory requirements and organisational priorities.
Act as the Trust's lead specialist for sustainability, providing strategic and technical advice to the Trust Board, Executive Team and senior managers on sustainability, environmental management, compliance and Net Zero programmes.
Develop, lead and deliver a portfolio of sustainability and decarbonisation programmes that improve environmental performance, reduce carbon emissions, enhance social value and support organisational efficiency.
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, national policy and regulatory requirements, embedding environmental, social and economic sustainability into Trust strategies, policies and operational decision-making.
Identify funding opportunities and develop business cases to secure investment in sustainability, energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies, ensuring effective delivery and benefits realisation.
Build effective partnerships with clinical and corporate services, Executive Directors and external organisations to embed sustainable practices, promote innovation and deliver the Trust's sustainability objectives.
Lead the Trust's sustainability engagement programme, including staff communications, awareness campaigns, education, behavioural change initiatives and the Green Champions Network.
Develop governance arrangements, performance measures and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitoring and reporting progress against Green Plan objectives, carbon reduction targets and Net Zero commitments.
Analyse complex environmental, financial and operational data to inform strategic decision-making, producing reports and recommendations for the Trust Board, committees, senior management and external stakeholders.
Lead the Trust's energy, utilities and waste management programmes, including contract oversight, performance monitoring and the identification of efficiency and carbon reduction opportunities.
Provide leadership for sustainability projects, coordinating staff, contractors and specialist suppliers to ensure effective programme delivery, governance and regulatory compliance.
Ensure the Trust meets its sustainability, environmental stewardship and corporate citizenship responsibilities, supporting compliance with the requirements of NHS England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Environment Agency (EA), Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other relevant regulatory bodies.
Produce regular Board reports, the annual Sustainability Report and other assurance, audit and benchmarking reports required by the Sustainability Steering Group, Trust Board and external organisations.
Spearhead and Chair or co-chair cross-functional Sustainability Working Groups, providing strategic programme and project management to align subject matter experts and drive organisational initiatives
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications Essential
Education Degree and Postgraduate Specialist Knowledge Evidence of Continuing Professional Development Management Training and Experience
Desirable
Professional Registration Programme/Project Management Qualification
Experience and Knowledge Essential
Experience at a senior level in the NHS Strong understanding of sustainability, environmental policy and regulatory frameworks. Experience interpreting legislation and applying best practice Experience in a comparable sustainability role (typically 3+ years).
Desirable
Experience working with Local Authorities or system wide partners Experience within the NHS Acute sector or other NHS provider organisation.
Skills and Ability Essential
Highly effective communication skills Evidence of strong collaborative and team working capability Excellent digital literacy and written skills Evidence of the ability to analyse and interpret complex data Evidence of delivering Programmes and project
Desirable
Specialist knowledge of - Environmental Services/Energy Management/Green Issues/Net Zero/Clinical and non-clinical Waste Services Understanding of building services and estates practice.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Berkshire Hospital
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)