New Frimley Park Hospital - Candidate Brief DEPUTY PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
Contents
Welcome
4
New Frimley Park Hospital
5
Deputy Programme Director Overview
6
Duties and Responsabilities
8-13
Person Specification
14-16
Location
17
Benefits
18
How to Apply
19
What makes Frimley Health special is our culture. We listen to our colleagues, support growth at every career stage and celebrate the strengths that each person brings. Whether your experience is clinical, corporate or support services, you will find teams that collaborate, leaders who are approachable and development pathways that help you reach your goals. We work as part of a wider health and care system, building strong partnerships and working collaboratively to ensure the best possible care and experience for our patients. Together, we make decisions that improve outcomes and create services that are inclusive, digitally enabled and designed around patients and staff. We are looking for people who are curious, kind and motivated to make things better. If you choose to join us, you will be welcomed into a community where your work matters and your wellbeing is valued. I hope you will see a place here to thrive and to build a career you are proud of. Lance McCarthy, Chief Executive
Welcome
Thank you for considering a career with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. We are a team of people who care deeply about the communities we serve across Berkshire, Surrey and North East Hampshire, and we are proud of the difference our colleagues make every day. Our new organisational strategy, FHFT 2030, sets a
clear course for delivering care that is compassionate, effective and modern.
We are also progressing the once-in-a-generation redevelopment of Frimley Park Hospital, which creates exciting opportunities for people who want to shape the future of healthcare.
New Frimley Park Hospital The programme to rebuild the hospital will be the largest single undertaking by the Trust in a generation. It will involve Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (the Trust) serves a population of about 900,000 across the Frimley Health System from three main sites (Frimley Park Hospital, Heatherwood Hospital and Wexham Park Hospital).
stakeholders from across the local and national health economies and into the local communities. It will provide an opportunity to transform and modernise the way care is provided in the region. It is likely that the redevelopment programme will comprise not only the rebuilding of Frimley Park Hospital, but other significant developments across the Trust’s estate. Our three core values, and the behaviours that support them, guide everything we do and set out what we expect of our staff in the way they treat patients, visitors, service users and each other. So whether you use our services or are just visiting you can expect us to be Committed to Excellence, Working Together and Facing the Future.
The Trust has premises at a further seven sites throughout the system. The existing Frimley Park Hospital is constructed from predominantly (over sixty percent) Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC). This concrete is reaching the end of its life expectancy, and a new hospital is urgently needed to ensure the continued provision of acute healthcare to the Frimley population. In Summer 2023, the Government confirmed that the new Frimley Park Hospital will form part of the national New Hospital Programme (the NHP). More recently the new Government confirmed that the new Frimley Park Hospital will be exempt from the on-going review of the national New Hospital Programme.
Deputy Programme Director - Role Overview The post holder will occupy a crucial role within the programme, providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure successful delivery of a major capital investment programme for a new NHS hospital. Direct the programme management office (PMO), maintain delivery confidence, deputising for the Programme Director across all programme domains including governance, risk, schedule, commercial, clinical transformation, digital, estates, and stakeholder engagement. In particular, the post holder will undertake the following: Work with the Programme Director to actively maintain a detailed overview of the programme, coordinate the workstreams, manage interdependencies and ensure realisation of projected benefits. Provide a specific focus on key aspects of the programme such as the production and submission of business cases, the development of the new integrated model of care and other key workstreams.
Support the management of the production of submissions and business cases to Government, together with other key stakeholders, providing expert professional knowledge to support their development and progress through Government approvals processes. Reporting of progress to the Programme Director and project leadership groups as required. The position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills to manage and develop a diverse set of relationships with senior personnel from Government, the NHS, charities, fundraising groups and commercial partners. An expert facilitator, the postholder will provide a blend of tactical and strategic management which dovetails with the Programme Directors role. Ensuring responsiveness to the changing needs of the health and care system, creating and maintaining focus, enthusiasm, and momentum. This combined role is a senior leadership position at the heart of a complex, high-value major NHS investment. It ensures strategic oversight, operational delivery, governance excellence, and integrated management of a multi-year programme while serving as the principal deputy to the Programme Director/SRO.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure that project milestones are reported in a timely and accurate manner as required to meet the requirements of the project. Drive overall programme delivery strategy, ensuring integration across clinical, operational, digital, estates, commercial and construction workstreams. Contribute to long-term organisational planning associated with the new hospital’s future service model, workforce and digital strategy. Provide visible leadership to promote a culture of safety, quality, collaboration and excellence. Oversee development of commissioning, migration, and activation plans for new hospital opening. Ensure long-term operational readiness with a clear transition from programme to steady-state operations.
Industry Engagement Strategy
General Responsibilities Deputise for and represent the Programme Director at governance forums, external meetings and executive discussions as required. Provide leadership alignment with the Trust’s strategic objectives, New Hospital Programme (NHP) requirements, and national guidance on major capital programmes. To represent the assigned projects development and supporting partners internally and externally, playing an active role in external forums and groups to promote collaborative working across the health and care system. The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Frimley values of Committed to Excellence, Working Together, and Facing the Future.
To develop, prioritise and deliver a commercial engagement and sponsorship strategy for the project, leveraging a strong understanding of the research, innovation and funding landscape (including UKRI and key national programmes) to secure funding and industry collaboration. To identify, develop and deliver collaborative commercial projects with multinational industry partners, trade associations and Government agencies, coordinating working groups as required and ensuring delivery to agreed time, budget and impact objectives. To build, manage and represent the programme through key external research, innovation and translational partnerships, including participation in public consultations, regulatory reviews and partner forums to support the project and wider sector development.
Planning & Programme Management Plan, design and manage Frimley’s programme of work as directed by programme senior leadership, monitoring delivery against agreed milestones, budgets and critical paths, and initiating corrective action as required to maintain progress. Develop, maintain and assure the Integrated Programme Plan (IPP), identifying synergies and dependencies across projects, avoiding duplication, and applying programme management best-practice methodology, including robust risk, financial and benefits controls. Establish and maintain an effective governance and assurance framework for the New Hospital Programme at programme, project and workstream level, adapting to national programme requirements while ensuring clear oversight, accountability and reporting. Hold accountability for delivery structures across named workstreams, ensuring alignment with clinical strategy, agreed quality standards, statutory and regulatory requirements, and the effective management of clinical risk through co-production with stakeholders. Lead programme controls and approvals processes across transformation, operations, digital, workforce, clinical, communications and engagement workstreams, including reviewing and approving RFIs and ensuring the consistency, accuracy and integrity of programme reporting. Manage strategic and operational risks, resolve major delivery issues, and oversee the day-to-day management of external advisers and consultants, flexing supplier engagement models as programme needs evolve and influencing the environment into which programme outcomes will be delivered.
Capital Funding, Commercial & Procurement
Support the Commercial Director in: Managing and leading the production of Spending Review/capital allocation submissions and business cases and where relevant oversee transition into project delivery. Commissioning and co-ordinating further health economic work where necessary to build evidence and benefits realisation case in support of the project’s proposal. Preparing for rapid delivery of the project’s development based on a comprehensive options appraisal in the event of resources becoming available. Overseeing cost planning, budget tracking and financial forecasting for the capital and revenue allocation. Working closely with Finance, Commercial and Estates leads to ensure cost discipline, value for money and financial compliance with DHSC/NHP frameworks. Driving mitigation strategies to protect programme schedule and maintain delivery confidence. Ensuring commercial governance, contract management disciplines and adherence to procurement regulations. Work with the Commercial Director to oversee procurement strategy for design teams, contractors (e.g., MMC, NEC4) and enabling works. Support negotiation strategies, tender evaluation and contract mobilisation.
To develop and deliver a core stakeholder engagement strategy, with Frimley and any relevant partner Communications and Engagement experts, focusing on decision-makers in Government to gain funding approval. To deliver, with Frimley and relevant partner Communications and Engagement experts, high quality proposal materials for the development aimed at Government, the Treasury, key pharmaceutical partners, research charities and regional stakeholders. Work with Frimley and relevant partner Communications and Engagement teams to undertake stakeholder/ service mapping and analysis to ensure that key stakeholders and patients and the public are involved in the planning and development of project. Support the Programme Director in managing relationships with senior stakeholders including Trust Board, ICB/ICS partners, DHSC, NHP central team, IPA, local authorities, and construction/consultancy partners. Act as a senior point of contact for clinical leaders, ensuring clinical engagement and co-design across pathways and functional design. Ensure transparent communication with patient groups, the public, staff, and external partners to build confidence and support for the programme.
Core Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
Project Delivery
Governance
Ensure the project is managed within a proportionate and robust project management methodology, including clear business cases, defined functional specifications, approved project documentation, effective change control, governance, and structured handover, closure and post-project evaluation. Establish and maintain effective risk and issue management arrangements, underpinned by accurate assessment of cost, benefit and risk, and proactive mitigation to support delivery confidence. Develop and manage productive relationships with stakeholders across partner and regional organisations, coordinating and integrating activity across all workstreams and ensuring effective communication, negotiation and issue resolution throughout project delivery. Analyse complex qualitative and quantitative information, undertaking horizon scanning and research into improvement, transformation and translational best practice, and providing clear options and recommendations to senior leaders and project stakeholders. Ensure the programme delivers a future-ready clinical model supported by integrated digital, operational and workforce transformation, with readiness assured for key milestones including planning approvals, procurement gateways, construction, commissioning and hospital opening. Ensure full compliance with statutory, regulatory and NHS infrastructure standards, embedding patient safety, clinical quality, operational safety, sustainability, equality and a safety-first culture throughout design, construction and delivery phases.
Oversee programme governance arrangements to ensure they operate effectively, support evidence-based decision-making, and align with Frimley and partner governance structures, maintaining the programme’s assurance and approvals plan. Quality assure project delivery, ensuring internal consistency and external coherence with infrastructure planning, inter-programme dependencies, corporate requirements, technical standards and the strategic vision. Lead data-driven performance reporting, producing high-quality programme documentation and providing timely, accurate insights to the Programme Board, Trust Board, NHP and external stakeholders. Set and manage programme budgets and resources, ensuring optimal utilisation, monitoring expenditure against benefits realisation, and escalating resource or financial risks to the Programme Director as appropriate. Ensure robust management of programme risks, issues and dependencies, maintaining effective escalation routes and supporting an integrated approach to project and programme management. Establish and maintain consistent programme controls, tools, methodologies and reporting frameworks aligned with NHS capital programme standards, HM Treasury Green Book, IPA guidance, and lead preparation for external reviews and assurance.
Proactively monitor, analyse and report on project progress, including tracking component work packages, dependencies, interfaces with other developments, and ensuring timely escalation of risks, issues, and concerns to the Programme Director. Interpret and manage project risks, issues and actions, implementing early mitigation and resolution where possible, and preparing regular reports for the Programme Director, relevant Frimley directors, partner teams, and project boards. Lead benefits realisation tracking and reporting to ensure the project achieves its objectives, maintaining alignment with clinical strategy, operational transformation, and agreed programme outcomes. Programme Oversight and Tracking
Line Management Team Membership
Direct the PMO and programme management staff in conjunction with the Head of PMO, ensuring robust controls and assurance across schedule, cost, risk, scope, benefits and dependencies. Actively contribute to the project team, building constructive relationships, coaching, inspiring staff, and fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and adoption of best practice. Work closely with leaders, senior managers, clinicians and other project members, chairing meetings and leading the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and workforce planning for the programme team. Oversee recruitment, capability development, and professional development, recognizing achievement, addressing underperformance, and encouraging innovation and value creation across all teams.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience Demonstrable experience of working at management or senior leadership level within the NHS, large research organisations, universities, or industry, leading multi- disciplinary teams to deliver complex projects and programmes. Extensive experience of managing large-scale programmes and projects using recognised methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2), including service improvement techniques, change management, and the identification, mitigation and escalation of risks, issues and dependencies. Proven track record of preparing and supporting substantial investment funding business cases, research proposals, and commercially attractive strategic propositions, including benefits realisation and performance monitoring through key indicators. Experience of identifying, initiating and managing partnerships and collaborations with industry, trade associations, and other stakeholders from inception through delivery and alliance management. Strong leadership and influencing skills, with evidence of motivating staff, negotiating effectively internally and externally, and contributing to wider team culture and organisational objectives. Experience of managing project budgets, resource allocation, and operational delivery, with commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
Essential Educated to master’s level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area. Evidence of Project Management training Evidence of continuous professional development. Desirable Additional project management qualifications Membership of an appropriate professional body (RICS, IStructE, ICE, IEE, IMechE, RIBA, etc). Qualifications
Demonstrate compassionate leadership. Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive, and contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups. Persuade board and senior managers of the respective merits of different options, innovation, and new market opportunities. Negotiate on difficult and very complex and detailed issues. Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise. Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands. Conflict resolutions skills Knowledge of healthcare technology integration Knowledge of the principles of the intelligent hospital and smart physical building Knowledge of NHS standards, including Health Building Notes and Health Technical Memoranda Knowledge of Government Soft Landings and building commissioning Extensive knowledge of the public sector property environment, specifically NHS property and land use.
Skills & Knowledge
Highly developed specialist knowledge Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of developing and implementing Capital Planning strategies and undertaking major Capital works Should have an appreciation of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England/ NHS Improvement and individual provider and commissioning organisations. Experience of delivering against competing priorities and deadlines while also directing the work of teams/individuals. Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement.
Where you’ll find us
We provide care across Berkshire, Surrey and North-East Hampshire through three main hospitals
Frimley Park Hospital (Frimley)
Wexham Park Hospital (near Slough)
Heatherwood Hospital (Ascot)
Our community services and clinics operate in towns including: Aldershot, Farnham, Fleet, Camberley, Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead. Teams collaborate across sites, sharing expertise and offering flexible development opportunities. Each location has its own character and strengths, with modern facilities and good transport links. If you’re relocating, we can signpost local information on housing, schools and transport. Visit our website and careers pages for full details.
The benefits of working for Frimley Health
Your wellbeing and development matter. Our offer includes a generous NHS pension, retail and leisure discounts, Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes, a car leasing option and onsite nurseries at selected locations. Flexible working and strong family friendly policies help balance life and work, and relocation support is available for some roles. Growth is built in: regular career conversations, continuous learning, and leadership programmes for different stages of your journey. Wellbeing support includes confidential counselling, Mental Health First Aiders, occupational health, staff gyms and peer networks. Expect practical tools and fair, approachable leadership - so you can do your best work.
How To Apply
All applications must include A full, up-to-date CV detailing qualifications and employment history, with contact email and telephone number. A two-page covering letter demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria and outlining your interest in the role and Trust. Contact details for up to three referees (references will not be sought without permission). All applications can be send on TRAC or to fabiola.mobou@nhs.net Application information is confidential and only used for monitoring. All applications will be acknowledged. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation, or whether or not you have dependents.
Stage
Date
15 Apr 2026
Advert closing date
Keeping in touch
To explore our services, sites and opportunities - and to follow progress on the new Frimley Park Hospital. please see our website and careers pages
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