Case study: Supporting executive leadership transformation across a major NHS trust

Hays delivered a coordinated executive search programme to support cultural transformation across a major NHS trust, successfully appointing multiple senior leaders during a period of heightened scrutiny.
 

Overview 

A major healthcare provider partnered with us to deliver executive search and selection services for critical leadership roles. The trust required a proven partner to manage executive search and candidate assessment for board-level, senior leadership, and middle management appointments. This was a pivotal moment, as the trust sought to strengthen performance, improve quality, and embed a new culture across its operations.

Challenge 

The trust required a systematic cultural change. This went beyond senior appointments; it became clear that the trust needed a long-term partner with multi-sector expertise who could help them navigate their transition.
 

Key considerations included:

• Cultural transformation:
  The newly appointed CEO aimed to fundamentally change the organisation’s culture and position it as a system-wide partner across multiple NHS systems. 

• Regulatory pressure:
  The organisation had been placed in ‘Special Measures’ by NHS England, adding urgency and complexity to the recruitment process.

• Multi-vacancy scope:
  11 overlapping campaigns required strategic coordination and stakeholder engagement.

• High expectations:
  Roles demanded exceptional leadership capability to deliver systematic change, build partnerships, and improve operational performance

Solution

Our Executive Search team engaged extensively with stakeholders through detailed briefings involving leadership teams, NHS England, and system partners, including the Chair, CEO, and functional directors. This approach ensured that all parties were fully informed and aligned on the objectives and requirements for each role. 

Tailored campaign plans were created for every vacancy, incorporating specific project timelines and communication strategies to promote clarity and maintain alignment throughout each campaign cycle. And to reach the best leaders possible, we utilised head-hunting techniques, launched a dedicated campaign microsite, and deployed focused advertising. Moreover, the team conducted joint interviews and administered psychometric assessments to rigorously evaluate candidates. 

Throughout the entire process, we worked in close partnership with functional managers, ensuring that each appointment was an ideal cultural and organisational fit for the trust’s evolving needs.

Outcome 

Hays delivered a complex, multi‑year executive search programme that supported both immediate leadership needs and long‑term cultural transformation across the trust.
 

The partnership resulted in:

• First‑time success across all campaigns, despite regulatory pressure and overlapping vacancies
• 22 senior leadership appointments over three years, including:
  • Main board roles
  • The creation of a new Culture, Education & Strategy Directorate
  • Critical leadership positions across HR, Fleet and Operations
• A sustained strategic partnership, supporting the trust beyond individual hires

Together, these appointments helped the trust to:

• Strengthen leadership capability at board and executive level
• Embed meaningful, organisation‑wide cultural change
• Position itself to operate effectively as a system‑wide partner within the NHS

Facing complex leadership challenges during change?

Speak to our executive search specialists to strengthen executive capability, deliver coordinated senior appointments, and support cultural transformation in complex public sector environments.
 

Connect with our experts