About this role
Job summary
Help managers build healthier, more supportive teams.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a People Programme Manager to support the delivery of DHU Healthcares Absence Improvement Programme across our services and sites.
This is a key role where you will work alongside operational leaders and People colleagues to improve attendance management practice, build leadership capability and support sustainable behavioural and cultural change. You will act as a catalyst for improvement, using data, coaching and practical support to help managers address attendance challenges confidently, consistently and compassionately.
You will support the implementation of programme initiatives, translating programme plans into practical local activity. You will identify risks and barriers, support the embedding of new tools and processes, and help ensure programme outcomes are delivered consistently and effectively.
You will work closely with operational leaders, People Practices teams, Occupational Health, Wellbeing, Workforce Information and Learning and Development colleagues to improve colleague experience, strengthen management capability and support sustainable improvements in attendance performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR, workforce improvement, organisational development or operational leader who is confident coaching managers, influencing stakeholders and using workforce data to drive meaningful change.
Main duties of the job
As a People Programme Manager, you will:
Support the delivery of the Absence Improvement Programme across assigned services and locations Translate programme plans into practical local implementation activity Coach managers to improve confidence in attendance management Facilitate workshops, learning sessions and local engagement activity Support managers to undertake high-quality return-to-work discussions and wellbeing conversations Review local attendance practices and identify opportunities for improvement Support the implementation of new tools, processes and ways of working Use workforce data to identify trends, hotspots and targeted interventions Promote fair, compassionate and inclusive attendance management practice Work collaboratively with operational leaders, People colleagues and specialist services Act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to managers Support the embedding of programme outputs into business as usual practice
About us
For you, benefits that work.
Well support your health, happiness and future with benefits that put you first:
Access to the NHS pension scheme Wellbeing support Flexible working options Career growth and development opportunities
For more information on the full range of benefits available, click here.
Learning, leading, shaping healthcare.
At DHU Healthcare, we support your growth at every stage of your career. With clear career paths, tailored training and the DHU Academy, youll have the tools and encouragement to explore new skills and opportunities, take the next step and make an impact.
From leadership programmes and apprenticeships to essential role-specific training, development is part of how we work and shape healthcare together.
Together, reflecting our communities.
We believe great care starts with people feeling valued, respected and supported. Thats why were proud to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome colleagues from all backgrounds.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome candidates to share any support or reasonable adjustments they may need during the recruitment process.
We proudly support the Armed Forces community, recognising the strengths and dedication they bring.
Job description Job responsibilities
The People Programme Manager will lead the implementation of DHU's Absence Improvement Programme across designated services and sites.
Working alongside operational leaders and People colleagues, the postholder will build leadership capability, support the adoption of improved attendance management practices and facilitate sustainable behavioural and cultural change.
The role will act as a catalyst for improvement, using data, coaching and practical support to enable managers to address attendance challenges confidently and consistently.
The postholder will work collaboratively across organisational boundaries to strengthen management capability, improve colleague experience and support the successful delivery of programme outcomes.
Programme Implementation
Support the delivery of programme initiatives across assigned services and locations. Translate programme plans into practical local implementation activity. Monitor progress and escalate barriers appropriately. Identify local risks, barriers and dependencies that may impact implementation and escalate appropriately. Ensure interventions are delivered consistently and effectively. Support the embedding of programme outputs into local management practice and business-as-usual processes.
Capability Building
Coach managers to improve confidence in attendance management. Facilitate workshops and learning sessions. Support managers to undertake high quality return-to-work discussions and wellbeing conversations. Reinforce accountability for attendance management across leadership teams. Practice Improvement Review local attendance practices and identify opportunities for improvement. Support the implementation of new tools, processes and ways of working. Promote evidence-based approaches to attendance management. Ensure programme activity supports consistent application of DHU's attendance management policies, employee relations frameworks and wellbeing approach. Promote a fair, compassionate and inclusive approach to attendance management, ensuring wellbeing, reasonable adjustments and colleague experience remain central to programme delivery. Share examples of effective practice across services.
Data and Insight
Analyse workforce information to identify trends and hotspots. Develop targeted interventions based on local needs. Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of improvement activity. Contribute to benefits delivery through effective local implementation and evidence of sustained practice improvement. Support services to interpret and utilise workforce intelligence.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent experience. Significant experience within HR, workforce improvement, organisational development or operational leadership roles. Experience leading or supporting change initiatives. Experience coaching and influencing managers. Experience using workforce data to inform interventions. Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to work effectively within complex operational environments. Ability to influence without direct authority. Ability to operate with credibility, resilience and sound judgement in complex and sensitive workforce environments.
Desirable
Experience of attendance improvement initiatives. Experience within NHS, healthcare or contact centre environments. Experience supporting operational teams working within 24/7 services. Knowledge of change management methodologies. Experience of quality improvement approaches.
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.
Employer details Employer name DHU Healthcare
Address Orbis Building
Riverside Road, Pride Park
Derby
Derbyshire
DE24 8HY
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.dhuhealthcare.com/ (Opens in a new tab)