About this role
Job summary
1-year fixed term contract / secondment if coming from the NHS
Please note this role will be 15 hours per week
We are seeking a Civic Society Advisor to provide specialist expertise in developing and implementing a structured engagement model between the ICB and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. This is an opportunity to support meaningful partnership working, strengthen community voice and help shape how NHS Essex works with civic society partners during a period of organisational transition.
Working closely with the Chief of Staff, you will support consultation activity, market development, mobilisation and transition to a sustainable model of engagement that improves outcomes, reduces inequalities and supports stronger community partnerships.
Main duties of the job
You will lead and support project planning, consultation and engagement activity, analysis of qualitative and quantitative feedback, and clear reporting to inform decision-making. You will work with internal teams, NHS providers, local government, VCFSE organisations and community partners to build effective relationships and support delivery of an agreed VCFSE engagement model.
We are looking for someone with experience of VCFSE engagement or consultation, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work across organisational boundaries. You will be able to manage complex information, influence without direct line management, support procurement or mobilisation activity where required, and contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced inequalities across Essex.
About us
NHS Essex ICB is a statutory organisation responsible for the planning and funding of NHS services for around 1.9 million people across Essex. Our role as an ICB is to bring health and care services together, improve the health and wellbeing of our population and ensure equitable access to services and outcome for everyone. The organisations headquarters is Seax House, Chelmsford, and we operate a hybrid working model (2 office-based days) that includes working across Essex and from home. Essex ICB currently has offices in Brentwood, Harlow and Colchester, in addition to the Chelmsford HQ.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We know that different experiences, ideas and perspectives help create a stronger and more innovative organisation that delivers better outcomes for patients. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including people of all ages, disabilities, sex, gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or personal circumstances. Our policies ensure all applicants are treated fairly and consistently throughout the recruitment process, including consideration of reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants.
Please note that the organisation does not hold a sponsorship licence.
Job description Job responsibilities
ROLE PURPOSE / SUMMARY
The Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a new organisation formed through the consolidation of three ICB areas in response to the NHSs ambition to deliver a more streamlined, strategic and cost-effective model of health commissioning. The ICB will oversee the commissioning of care for the approximately 2 million people who live in Essex. Operating within a reduced running cost envelope and aligned to the new requirements of ICBs in England, the ICB will focus on improving population health outcomes, health equity and smarter resource allocation.
The Civic Society Advisor will provide specialist expertise to support the development and implementation of a structured engagement model between NHS Essex and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. Working closely with the Chief of Staff, the postholder will lead the design and delivery of consultation activity, support development of the VCSE engagement market, and contribute to the implementation of a sustainable and effective model for partnership working. This includes supporting procurement, mobilisation and transition to a new model of engagement. The role will ensure that the VCSE sector is effectively represented, sustainably supported, and meaningfully involved in shaping health and care services, supporting improved outcomes, reduced inequalities and stronger community partnerships.
As the ICB transitions to become a leaner, more focused strategic commissioning organisation the post holder will be expected to support the Chief of Staff in delivering on the three fundamental shifts set out in the NHS 10-year plan:
From Treatment to Prevention: Embedding preventative, personalised and population based approaches to commissioning.From Hospital to Community: Championing care model redesign that supports community and neighbourhood health.
From Analogue to Digital: Enabling clinically driven transformation through digital innovation, data analytics and evidence based improvement.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To deliver on the job description set out above, the job holder will be expected to deliver on the requirements set out below:
Policy and service development
Implement policy and service developments related to VCSE engagement and partnership working, drawing on requirements from NHS strategies, including the ICB strategy and the 10 Year Health PlanEnsure compliance with relevant ICB policiesUse research, innovation and audits to inform service improvements or performance management
Strategy and analysis
Analysis of complex qualitative and quantitative data relating to VCSE engagement, consultation feedback and partnership effectivenessTurns analysis into useful insights and reports that can be used to inform decision making and deliveryPresent complex data, information and insights, including qualitative and quantitative data, through clear and simple written and verbal briefingsUse of data and insight to contribute to reporting, including performance management, financial and quality reporting against agreed contractual or project deliverablesUse of Population Health Management methodologies and tools to inform projects and programmes that will improve outcomes for patients and sustainability of health services
Planning and organisation
Develop and deliver project plans relating to VCSE engagement, consultation activity and implementation of the convener modelSupport delivery and monitoring of business plan for external affairs and partnership engagementManaging competing priorities, prioritizing own and team resources to effectively deliver on short, medium and longer term prioritiesEnsure accurate reporting and records management
Communications and Partnerships
Work collaboratively, modelling inclusive, respectful and compassionate leadershipAble to take account of a broad range of perspectives, including staff, patients and the public, to inform decision makingComfortable presenting information and training to internal and external stakeholder groupsBuild strong, trust-based relationships across the ICB, with NHS providers, local government, VCFSE partners and communities as neededEffective engagement with patients and the public as requiredWork effectively in multi-disciplinary teams to enable the collective ownership and delivery of projects that are seeking to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and deliver a sustainable health and care systemShare complex and challenging information which may relate to service performance or staffingAble to manage conflict, find compromise and persuade based on evidence as needed
Financial and resource management
Supports delivery of budget for VCSE engagement and related programmes, including effective budget monitoring and reporting as requiredSupports procurement of relevant services
Team management and capability building
No direct line management responsibility; however, the postholder will influence and support delivery across teams and external partnersAble to influence in order to deliver effectively through those not directly line managingSupport staff through ICB transition, including the development of teams to deliver on new ICB portfolios as agreed through transitionSupport the effective transition of relevant functions to new portfolios within or beyond the ICB to support the new NHS operating model, in line with the requirements of the Model ICB BlueprintWork collaboratively with system partners to facilitate transitional arrangementsMaintain a focus on quality, safety and affordability during transitionSupporting effective Information Asset Management for the team
Other
Use initiative and work independently as needed to deliver on requirements of the rolePrimarily desk-based work that requires use of visual display units, focused concentration and frequent participation in on-line or in person meetingsAble to use software required to develop report, including ability to deliver high quality documents through Microsoft suite (word, power point, excel)
Flexibility and evolving responsibilities
As the ICB continues to evolve, portfolios may be subject to change to reflect the needs of the organization, the health and care system and national policy direction. This may include adjustments to areas of responsibility or realignment of reporting structures.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will need to build constructive relationships with partners from across the health and care system. Key relationships will be with:
ICB senior leadershipChief Executives OfficeCorporate Services DirectorateLocal Authority partnersNHS ProvidersVCSE organisations and networksCommunity and voluntary sector partnersNHSE regional partners
Person Specification
Strategy & Analysis Essential
Good understanding of current health and social care national aims and policy Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex problems Good data analysis and interpretation skills, including use of data to support Population Health Management Ability to translate complex information into clear communications for a range of audiences Experience scoping and delivering evaluations of projects and interventions.
People & Culture Essential
Line management experience, including supporting individual development and addressing under-performance where necessary Acts as a positive, compassionate and inclusive manager Commitment to continuous improvement, organisational learning and achieving positive outcomes for staff, patients, service users and carers.
Qualifications Essential
Educated to Degree level (relevant focus) or equivalent managerial experience Evidence of sustained commitment to continuing professional development
Personal Attributes and Values Essential
Personal commitment to the values of the NHS 10-year Plan, the NHS People Plan, the Nolan Principles, to championing equality, diversity and inclusion within the ICB and the wide health system Demonstrates professionalism, self-awareness and emotional intelligence Takes personal responsibility and works with integrity; excellent interpersonal and communication skills Able to work as part of a team and independently Self-motivated, confident and able to adapt to complex and changing environments Advanced IT skills in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a relevant healthcare environment (NHS or other) Experience managing projects in relevant commissioning functions Experience managing sensitive situations with staff and stakeholders Experience managing complex and confidential information Extensive experience working with VCFSE organisations and facilitating stakeholder engagement or consultation processes.
Governance & Assurance Essential
Experience delivering projects that require collective decision-making and negotiation Good understanding of effective corporate governance and routes for decision-making within the ICB Understanding of relevant legislation, policies and guidance across health, care and local government
Partnerships & Communities Essential
Experience working across organisational boundaries in the development and delivery of projects Able to represent the organisation credibly and positively Able to influence and challenge effectively within areas of responsibility, escalating appropriately where necessary
Employer details Employer name NHS Essex Integrated Care Board
Address Seax House
Victoria Road South
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.essex.icb.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)