Job summary Working with partners across the BLMK Integrated Care System, the ICB Head of Strategy & Planning is responsible for supporting and coordinating the development of BLMK's system strategies and plans. This is an important role for the system, helping to provide our Partnership with the strategic direction necessary in a leading Integrated Care System. Main duties of the job A key responsibility will be steering the planned refresh of our Integrated Health and Care Strategy, and our Joint Forward Plan, during 2025/26. This role requires extensive collaborative working with NHS, local authority, VCSE, Healthwatch and anchor institution partners. The postholder will also coordinate the work required to deliver a more robust and consistent approach to how we measure our impact in BLMK. This means working together with partners to continue to develop our population health-focussed & outcomes-based approach to assessing the impact that our strategies are having for the people we serve, and reporting on this to the ICB Board and our Health and Care Partnership. The postholder will also lead the development of the narrative submission required as part of the annual operational planning process in the NHS. The postholder will prioritise our two core missions as a system, ensuring these are a fundamental part of every system strategy and associated work programmes. These are a) increasing healthy life expectancy and b) reducing health inequalities. In undertaking this role, the AD will ensure that the resident's voice informs the development of ICB strategies and plans and is at the centre of our strategic decision-making. The postholder will support a more consistent and easily understandable approach to strategy and strategy development across the ICB - one which works better for our residents. About us We are committed to promoting equal opportunities to achieve equity of access, experience and outcomes and to recognising and valuing people's differences. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity; we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes. We are committed to creating the best place to work, where your contribution is valued, your wellbeing is supported and all our colleagues can reach their full potential. We welcome and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of their protected characteristic. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone, including making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition and support with the recruitment process for people with lived experience. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We operate a Carer friendly working environment that is supportive and inclusive. We actively encourage Carers to self-identify themselves. We are a Disability Confident Employer and commit to shortlisting suitable applicants who meet the essential criteria for an interview. Please inform us of any adjustments you may require. Date posted 10 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year None Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 465-6986206 Job locations Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire SG175TQ Job description Job responsibilities - Six of the ICBs 11 system level strategies will expire by the end 2025, including the systems digital and data strategies. The postholder will work with relevant Directors, Board Members and Partners to coordinate the ICBs approach to agreeing updated system strategies to reflect our recently-agreed missions and transformation priorities as a system; - Coordinate the ICBs work with partners to refresh the systems Integrated Health & Care Strategy in 2025/26, and the annual update of the BLMK Joint Forward Plan; - Develop a clear and concise strategic narrative that is understood by residents, staff and partners across BLMK, and making this central to the planned refresh of our system strategy, building upon the 2024 publication of our Health Services Strategy; - Set clear outcomes and standards as part of strategy develop that mean we can effectively measure success which can then be reported on to the Board. - Ensure the three golden threads of reducing inequalities, supporting neighbourhoods, and advancing digital are reflected across all BLMKs strategy work. Reducing health inequalities is a key priority for the BLMK system, inspired by the Denny Review of Health Inequalities, and delivery of Revd Dennys recommendations must be embedded in all system strategies. - Consider national and regional strategies and their impact on BLMK strategies and plans. Job description Job responsibilities - Six of the ICBs 11 system level strategies will expire by the end 2025, including the systems digital and data strategies. The postholder will work with relevant Directors, Board Members and Partners to coordinate the ICBs approach to agreeing updated system strategies to reflect our recently-agreed missions and transformation priorities as a system; - Coordinate the ICBs work with partners to refresh the systems Integrated Health & Care Strategy in 2025/26, and the annual update of the BLMK Joint Forward Plan; - Develop a clear and concise strategic narrative that is understood by residents, staff and partners across BLMK, and making this central to the planned refresh of our system strategy, building upon the 2024 publication of our Health Services Strategy; - Set clear outcomes and standards as part of strategy develop that mean we can effectively measure success which can then be reported on to the Board. - Ensure the three golden threads of reducing inequalities, supporting neighbourhoods, and advancing digital are reflected across all BLMKs strategy work. Reducing health inequalities is a key priority for the BLMK system, inspired by the Denny Review of Health Inequalities, and delivery of Revd Dennys recommendations must be embedded in all system strategies. - Consider national and regional strategies and their impact on BLMK strategies and plans. Person Specification As per Criteria set out in JD Essential As per JD Person Specification As per Criteria set out in JD Essential As per JD Disclosure and Barring Service Check 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. Employer details Employer name NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board Address Priory House, Chicksands, Shefford Bedfordshire SG175TQ Employer's website https://bedfordshirelutonandmiltonkeynes.icb.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)