Interim Cluster Chief Executive/Accountable Officer
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- Employer:
- Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Cluster
- Location:
- Cornwall
- Salary:
- Competitive
- Closing date :
- 10pm Sunday 1st March 2026
- Job Ref:
- GSe130372
Associated documents
Description
NHS Devon & NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly – South West Peninsula ICB Cluster
We are seeking an exceptional, seasoned interim NHS Chief Executive/Accountable Officer to lead the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Cluster through one of the most significant periods of transformational change in the NHS. The two ICBs now operate with a single Cluster Board and shared leadership model ahead of a planned merger in 2026/27, chaired by John Govett, appointed in September 2025 to provide strong, stable leadership throughout this transition. This Cluster arrangement forms part of national reforms to redesign ICB operating models, strengthen strategic commissioning and reduce running costs through more integrated system leadership approaches.
This is a role for a leader who wants to shape the future model of care, drive system innovation, and galvanise partners across an entire peninsula health and care system.
About the Role
As Interim Cluster CEO/AO, you will provide visible, strategic leadership across both ICBs, working with senior partners, NHS England and local systems to accelerate the next stage of ICB reform. You will:
- Lead delivery of system performance and financial outcomes across the NHS Cluster.
- Oversee and drive the redesigning of the operating model that is currently in development across both ICBs.
- Roll out of 26/27 NHS system wide change management and commissioning plans.
- Implementation of our £19 per capita running‑cost envelope for the ICB itself.
- Shape the future clinical and commissioning strategy, aligning with the major shifts of Acute→Community, Illness→Prevention, and Analogue→Digital.
- Build and develop the new ICB Cluster Executive Team
- Support development of the revised 2026/27 plan and the future service offer across the whole NHS across the Peninsula.
- Explore future system integration opportunities, including IHOs, that enable more cohesive, responsive care.
This is a rare opportunity to take forward the Model ICB Blueprint at scale — with the freedom to design, test and implement the next generation of commissioning capability, system architecture and population‑health management.
About You
We are seeking a leader with:
- Significant experience as an NHS CEO/AO operating at board level in complex systems.
- A reputation for driving transformational change, redesigning operating models and delivering through uncertainty.
- The ability to influence, inspire and convene partners — from acute and community providers to local government, VCSE and NHSE.
- Strong communication skills, particularly in times of change.
- For the Interim availability from mid‑March 2026 (or earlier would be ideal).
You will be the individual who brings confidence, strategic grip, turnaround and energy during a moment that will define the future shape of the South West Peninsula health system.
While this role is fundamentally about leadership, transformation and system impact, it is based within a region known for strong communities, a distinctive identity and a high‑quality environment. Cornwall offers a deeply rooted cultural landscape and coastal environment, while Devon is recognised for its strong quality‑of‑life indicators, natural environment and accessible urban centres. Both counties provide a collaborative and supportive context in which system innovation can thrive.
For a discussion in confidence, please contact our retained recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:
Helen Barkham, Principal Researcher
E: helen.barkham@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7921 308 766
Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant and Research Lead
E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7807 631 564
Melanie Shearer, Partner
E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548
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How to Apply
- Please submit an up to date copy of your CV, along with a Supporting Statement that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.
- A completed fit and proper person form – the template can be downloaded from the same place as the job description.
- Detail any employment or education gaps.
- You should provide the names, positions, organisations, and contact details for your referees, which must be your line managers and include your current and most recent employer. The referees should cover at least two roles as the minimum. Please note, should you be appointed, you will be required to provide references covering your last 6 years of employment as per the new NHS Fit and Proper Person regulations. Where there have been gaps in employment, this six year period will be extended accordingly. Referees will only be contacted for those proceeding to the final stage - we will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
- Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
- Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email to confirm that you have applied. If you do not receive this email, please make contact with GatenbySanderson.