NHS Employers appoints head of employment services

Ms Charman joins from Hinchingbrooke Healthcare trust where she was acting deputy chief executive and director of performance.

At NHS Employers she will lead the employment services function, which includes workforce planning, recruitment and retention, healthy work and wellbeing, modernising health professions and employment standards.

Professional experience

NHS Employers joint director Alastair Henderson said he looked forward to working with Ms Charman. “Karen’s professional background combines clinical, general management and HR experience to bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the post,” he said.

Ms Charman joined Hinchingbrooke Healthcare trust in 2003 as director of HR and communications before taking on a wider role in 2007. While at the trust she delivered the agenda for change and the consultant contract. During her career Karen has also worked at the NHS Pensions Agency to deliver a national project to encourage better promotion and use of the scheme within the improving working lives framework.

Pay deal practice

Before taking up her role at NHS Employers, Ms Charman was a member of the National Staff Council and represented NHS employers at multi-year pay deals.

She is also a registered nurse and a full time officer working regionally and nationally for the Royal College of Nursing.

“I am delighted to be joining NHS Employers at this exciting time and welcome the opportunity to work with all employers and stakeholders in healthcare on the challenges and opportunities outlined in a High Quality Workforce and the NHS Constitution in delivering high quality patient care,” she said.