Shape the Future of Care. Drive Transformation. Lead Finance.



The Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust are looking for an exceptional Group Chief Financial Officer to help lead one of the NHS's most progressive provider groups. As a voting Board Director across both Trusts, you will combine strategic financial leadership with responsibility for digital, commercial and estates services, helping to deliver sustainable, high-quality care for the communities we serve



You will play a pivotal role in leading two organisations that are working together through an innovative Group model to deliver excellence in care for patients and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. With a combined turnover of more than £1 billion, a workforce of over 11,000 colleagues and responsibility for a diverse range of acute, community and ambulance services, this is one of the most significant CFO opportunities in the NHS.



Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across finance while also leading the digital, commercial and estates portfolios. Working closely with executive colleagues, Boards, clinical leaders and system partners, you will ensure our organisations remain financially sustainable while supporting innovation, transformation and service improvement.



We are looking for an accomplished, qualified accountant with executive-level leadership experience gained within a large, complex organisation. You will bring a demonstrable track record of developing financial strategy, delivering sustainable improvement, leading through complexity and building strong partnerships across organisational boundaries. Equally important will be your ability to communicate complex financial issues with clarity, inspire high-performing teams and operate with integrity, political awareness and a collaborative, system-wide mindset



This is a rare opportunity to influence healthcare delivery across two respected organisations that share a vision of working together to deliver excellence in care for patients and communities. You will help shape long-term strategy, support the continued development of our Group operating model and ensure resources are aligned to deliver the best possible outcomes for the populations we serve.



If you are a strategic, values-driven leader who is motivated by the opportunity to influence services at scale and help shape the future of healthcare, we would be delighted to hear from you.




Closing date 5
th
October




Final Interviews w/c 2
nd
November



Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant



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



Stephanie Crossland, Associate Researcher



E: Stephanie.Crossland@gatenbysanderson.com



To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.




Documents

Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

9am Wednesday 14th October 2026



Final panel

Friday 6th November 2026




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.




Acceptable use of AI



Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.