Director of External Affairs, Strategy and Communications

The Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman (PHSO) is based in both London and Manchester with flexibility about where the role is geographically based. The role can be based at either location, with an openness to candidates who seek an element of flexible working.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman makes final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government, the NHS in England and a selection of other Public Organisations. Their work is accountable to Parliament, is free to everyone and delivered independently and impartially.

PHSO is in the final year of its current three-year strategy, is on a journey to being an exemplary Ombudsman Service and has ambitious plans for the future. This ambition is wide ranging, from developing best practice in complaint handling which is supported through training, to publishing a large proportion of its casework online. All of this whilst acknowledging the unparalleled pressure being faced across large parts of the Public Sector as a result of COVID-19.

As Director of External Affairs, Strategy and Communications you will be at the forefront of the launch of a new Strategy, leading an important portfolio of four business areas. You will be a strategic leader and a key part of the Executive Team, playing a central role in the development of the organisation, it’s service delivery and progressing a range of new initiatives with a wide-ranging stakeholder community. This role will improve public services through insight and evidence, enabling PHSO to increase the quality of its casework service and outcomes that drive improvement across the public sector.

A strategic leader, you will have a proven ability to effectively influence within government and communicate complex issues in a compelling way to different audiences. You will be a trusted advisor to the Board, building trust and credibility quickly.