Head of Policy
(Acute Care)

About the job

This is an exciting opportunity to lead IHPN's work on the policy issues that matter most to independent acute healthcare providers.

Reporting to the Director of Policy, you will shape and influence policy across NHS commissioning, Patient Choice, the NHS payment system and privately funded care, ensuring members are well positioned to deliver high-quality services and seize emerging opportunities.

You will work closely with senior leaders from member organisations, NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, health think tanks and other influential stakeholders to develop policy, build consensus and drive change. As part of the senior policy team, you will also contribute to IHPN's broader policy, regulatory and communications programme.

Download the job description

About you

Essential

• Knowledge of NHS commissioning, finance, and contracting policy, as well as a good working understanding of the private pay market.

• Excellent influencing skills that can be deployed with a variety of key stakeholders.

• Excellent policy research and analysis skills that cut through complexity and provide insight, with the ability to write accessible and compelling policy narratives informed by member/stakeholder views, evidence and best practice.

• Extensive skill and experience in both research and analysing data to understand key insights.

• Excellent attention to detail, a methodical approach, and able to consistently deliver high-quality outputs.

• Able to demonstrate strong customer service and interpersonal skills, gaining the respect and confidence of internal and external stakeholders.

• Be able to work collaboratively and build strong cross-organisational relationships within a multidisciplinary team and to deliver independently when needed.

• Flexible and agile in a rapidly changing environment.

• Effective facilitation and collaboration, using relevant tools and technology, online and face-to-face.

• Previous experience of working in public policy, healthcare and/or a membership organisation or trade association environment

• Excellent IT skills along with project delivery experience.

Desirable

• Educated to degree level.

We have provided an outline of the essential and desirable criteria for this role. However, it is important to us to find the right person with the right mindset than someone with a very specific set of previous experiences. So, we would really encourage you to apply or get in touch for a conversation if you:

• Are you a people-person, interested in putting your people skills into action with members and stakeholders.

• Have a can-do attitude that enjoys getting on and delivering.

• Enjoy working as part of a team and able to lead when needed.

• Work in line with IHPN team values including proactivity, integrity, and putting members first.