Interim Chief Executive - up to 6 months

North East London NHS Foundation Trust

London and Essex

  • Location London and Essex
  • Sector Health
  • Client North East London NHS Foundation Trust
  • Job Type Fixed Term Contract
  • Salary/Remuneration Competitive
  • Reference GSe132947
  • Closing Date 9am Friday 15th May 2026

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) is one of the NHS’s largest providers of community and mental health services, serving nearly five million people across North East London and Essex.

We are seeking an experienced Interim Chief Executive to lead the Trust through a transition period while we recruit a substantive appointment. The postholder will build on recent progress, maintain organisational momentum and provide visible, confident and values‑led leadership across a complex, multi‑place organisation. They will hold clear accountability for quality, safety, operational performance and financial sustainability, bringing strong operational leadership, sound financial oversight and the ability to lead with compassion and clarity amid ongoing system and workforce pressures.

The Interim Chief Executive will ensure delivery of the Trust’s annual plan and agreed operational and financial objectives, while reinforcing the Trust’s strategy, culture and values. They will sustain effective collaboration with system partners to support delivery of Trust and Integrated Care System (ICS) priorities, and provide support and continuity to the current well established executive team to enable the organisation to operate effectively throughout the transition.

We are looking for an experienced NHS Chief Executive with a strong track record of delivering performance and improvement at scale. The successful candidate will bring calm authority, resilience and strong relational skills, with experience of leading through complexity, supporting executive teams and maintaining confidence with staff, partners and regulators. Above all, they will share our values: We are kind, we are respectful, and we work together with our communities.

Closing date: 9am 15th May. Interview date: 26th May Start date: June


To arrange a discussion in confidence, please contact our retained recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:

 

Melanie Shearer, Partner

E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com

T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548

 

 

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