Chief Operating Officer

Go back Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 23 February 2026

Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of 1.4 million people across Surrey and north-east Hampshire. We provide mental health, learning disability, neurodiversity and substance use services that make a profound difference to individuals, families and communities. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we are recognised for our values-led approach, our commitment to compassionate care, and championing innovation and R&D. We have strong foundations and significant ambition; our aim is to deliver great care, everywhere, every day.

We are now seeking to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer (COO), following the retirement of our current postholder. As our COO, you will lead the delivery of all operational services, working as a key member of the Executive Team to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, access, performance and experience. You will be a visible and motivating presence across the organisation, inspiring our people, strengthening our culture, and ensuring our values are felt in every interaction.

The Trust's expectation is that colleagues are expected to be in person at their place of work during their working hours in order to optimise team effectiveness, with flexible working policies guiding any variation to this which takes into account team and individual circumstances. Colleagues are expected to be present at Trust sites a minimum of 4 days a week.

• Leading the operational delivery of mental health, learning disability and specialist services across the Trust, ensuring high-quality, safe and accessible care.
• Translating strategy into effective service plans aligned with local and national NHS priorities, including strengthening community-based care.
• Driving improvements in access, flow, waiting times and productivity, ensuring robust performance management across all operational divisions.
• Championing a culture of quality, safety and continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance with CQC standards.
• Supporting digital transformation, data-driven insight and innovative models of care that modernise service delivery.
• Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to undertake an assessment centre, the outcome of which will inform which candidates are invited to the stakeholder discussion and interview.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.

We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.

Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.

Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please see attached the Job Description for you to check for more information on the full, detailed requirements for this job role.

Our recruitment partner for this post is James Stephens, Director, at Morgan Law. For a recruitment pack with further information/key dates or for any queries please visit:

In applying for this role, you are giving your permission for your application to be shared with Morgan Law.

• Degree-level
• Professional leadership training (e.g. NHS Leadership Academy, King's Fund, or equivalent). Evidence of continuous professional development
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Postgraduate qualification in management, healthcare leadership, or related field
• Clinical background (e.g. nursing, psychiatry, psychology, therapy, social work) may be advantageous but not essential

• Extensive senior operational experience in health or similar field
• Proven track record of operational delivery across complex systems
• Experience in service transformation, quality improvement, and performance management
• Experience working within or alongside Integrated Care Systems (ICS) including partnership working across health and social care
• Experience in financial management, including budget oversight and cost improvement programmes
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage large-scale operations
• Strong understanding of NHS regulatory frameworks, including CQC standards

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.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Depending on experience up to £149,000 per annum