Job summary
We areseekinga highly capableSenior OD Practitionerto join our People Directorate. This senior role plays a pivotal part in shaping organisational culture, building capability, and enabling change across the Trust.
You will lead end-to-end OD projects and interventions, from diagnosis and design through to implementation, evaluationand continuous improvement. Working closely with senior leaders, you will function as a trustedpractitioner, applying OD theory, evidence, and consultancy skills to deliver interventions that strengthen organisational effectiveness and support our strategic priorities.
This role uses inclusion as a core design principle and culturallens, however it is not an EDI specialist post, nor is it a leadership development role. Instead, you will contribute an OD perspective while working collaboratively across the People Directorate to ensure alignment and a joined-up approach to culture and organisational development.
Main duties of the job
Diagnose organisational needs using data, insightand OD methodologies.
Analyse people and organisational data to inform priorities, evaluate impact and continuously improve OD interventions.
Design and deliver evidence-based OD interventions that support the Trust's annual plan and long-term strategy.
Partner with senior leaders to shape and embed cultural improvement, teameffectivenessand organisational capability.
Facilitate engagement activities such as focus groups, diagnosticsand team sessions to ensure employee voice informs improvement and decision-making.
Ensure OD interventions are accessible, reflective of diverse perspectives, and support a positive colleague experience.
Work closely with Leadership Development colleagues to ensure OD interventions complement broader people development activity.
Contribute ODexpertiseto cross-functional programmes where cultural and organisational development perspectives add value.
Build capability in leaders and managers to lead change confidently and effectively.
Support the annual NHS Staff Survey and Pulse Survey process, using insights to shape Trust-wide action planning.
About us
We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
Benefits
Competitive NHS salary
A standard working week of 37.5 hours
Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
Generous Pension Scheme
Career and salary progression
Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
Free parking across Trust sites
Discounts from various organisations across the UK
Details
Date posted
24 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year
pa
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,
Part-time,
Flexible working,
Home or remote working,
Compressed hours
Reference number
202-8134243
Job locations
Trust HQ
Abbey Court, Eagle Way,
Exeter
EX2 7HY
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to HRServices@swast. nhs. uk . Accessibility statement available upon request
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to HRServices@swast. nhs. uk . Accessibility statement available upon request
What you will do
Diagnose organisational needs using data, insightand OD methodologies.
Analyse people and organisational data to inform priorities, evaluate impact and continuously improve OD interventions.
Design and deliver evidence-based OD interventions that support the Trust's annual plan and long-term strategy.
Partner with senior leaders to shape and embed cultural improvement, teameffectivenessand organisational capability.
Facilitate engagement activities such as focus groups, diagnosticsand team sessions to ensure employee voice informs improvement and decision-making.
Ensure OD interventions are accessible, reflective of diverse perspectives, and support a positive colleague experience.
Work closely with Leadership Development colleagues to ensure OD interventions complement broader people development activity.
Contribute ODexpertiseto cross-functional programmes where cultural and organisational development perspectives add value.
Build capability in leaders and managers to lead change confidently and effectively.
Support the annual NHS Staff Survey and Pulse Survey process, using insights to shape Trust-wide action planning.
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to HRServices@swast. nhs. uk . Accessibility statement available upon request
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Alternative formats of our vacancies are available upon request to HRServices@swast. nhs. uk . Accessibility statement available upon request
What success looks like
Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level, or equivalent demonstrate experience
- Grad CIPD (Level 7) or substantial evidence of continuing professional and personal development equivalent to this level
- Significant experience of project management
- Experience of supporting successful programmes of work at an organisational level
- Experience of supporting organisational change
Desirable criteria
- Degree in relevant subject
- CIPD Level 5
- Part qualified CIPD expected to achieve Grad CIPD within 12 months
- Previous NHS HR Experience
- Previous experience of leading projects with an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lens
Benefits
Competitive NHS salary
A standard working week of 37.5 hours
Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
Generous Pension Scheme
Career and salary progression
Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
Free parking across Trust sites
Discounts from various organisations across the UK
Details
Date posted
24 August 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
£49,387 to £56,515 a year
pa
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time,
Part-time,
Flexible working,
Home or remote working,
Compressed hours
Reference number
202-8134243
Job locations
Trust HQ
Abbey Court, Eagle Way,
Exeter
EX2 7HY
United Kingdom
Job description
Essential skills
Essential: Change Management
Essential: Project Management
Mentioned skills
Mentioned: Leadership
About the company
Home & Hybrid shows the working arrangement and verification date before candidates apply to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.