The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It serves a population of around 470,000 people, a figure that can increase significantly with visitors during the busiest times of the year. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £740 million.
RCHT is responsible for the provision of services at three main sites with approximately 780 inpatient beds: the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, St Michael's Hospital in Hayle, and West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance.
We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Peninsula Dental School. Keeping at the forefront of medical advances, we are continually developing our clinical services as well as our facilities, and are committed to maximising the range of specialist care that can be offered locally. Allied to this is a growing reputation for research and innovation.
The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. This plays a vital part in attracting and retaining highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health professionals who support the care of well over half a million people each year.
Scroll down to find out more about the Trust — our 2026–2035 Strategy, our sustainability and Green Plan commitments, and our People & OD function — with links to useful documents throughout.
Our 2026–2035 Strategy
Our Strategy sets out our ambitions for the future, including our flagship Women and Children's Hospital, part of the national New Hospitals Programme. It represents the biggest ever single investment in healthcare in Cornwall.
It also sets out how we will deliver on our shared vision — outstanding care for one and all. This exciting 10-year plan builds on the strategy we first shared in 2022 and has been refreshed to reflect national ambitions in the NHS 10-Year Plan for Health, and the changing needs of our population, challenging us to think differently, innovate and transform.
To make this happen, we will work more closely with our local communities and partners, and we will continue to support and value our people, so they have what they need to provide outstanding care for Cornwall.
Sustainability: nurturing a greener future
As we look to the future, we know that the health of our population is inextricably linked to the health of our environment. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present and growing challenge that affects the wellbeing of our communities, the resilience of our services, and the sustainability of our healthcare system.
We are committed to delivering the national ambition of a Net Zero NHS by 2040, and to doing so in a way that reflects the unique needs and opportunities of our rural and coastal communities. Whether it's through the design of our new Women and Children's Hospital, the expansion of virtual care, or the creation of green spaces for healing, we are embedding sustainability into everything we do.
Our new Green Plan 2025–2028 sets out our roadmap for the next three years as we continue our journey towards Net Zero Carbon. It builds on the progress we've already made — from reducing emissions in clinical care through virtual wards and virtual outpatient appointments, to making our estate more energy efficient with LED lighting and digital transformation. It reflects our role as a leading anchor institution in Cornwall, working across the Integrated Care System to deliver greener, more sustainable healthcare.
About People & OD at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
At Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), our People & OD function plays a pivotal role in supporting the people who care for our communities. As one of the largest employers in Cornwall, we are determined to deliver a modern, dynamic, and people-focused service that underpins high-quality patient care.
Our People & OD Team is at the heart of the organisation, working collaboratively across clinical and corporate services to recruit, develop and retain a talented workforce. We provide strategic and operational support across the full employee lifecycle — from attraction and onboarding to learning, wellbeing and career progression — ensuring our staff feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work.
This is an exciting time to be part of the team at RCHT, where the People & OD function is more than a support function — it is a strategic partner in delivering outstanding healthcare. If you are a People & OD professional looking to grow your career while making a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
If you'd like to be part of our future, please apply via the vacancy section of this website. We know good people know good people, so if the roles aren't the right fit for you, please share the details with your network — referrals are welcomed. We look forward to hearing from you.
Embrace digital technology
Making better use of digital technology to support our patients and staff.
Care closer to home
Delivering more care closer to home through neighbourhood-based services.
Focus on prevention
Putting a stronger focus on preventing ill health, not just treating it.
Respect
Promotes diversity, equality and inclusion, and encourages treating everyone with dignity — patients, colleagues and the wider community. It also extends to respecting the environment and different cultures and beliefs.
Compassion
Focuses on delivering care with kindness, empathy and understanding. We aim to treat patients and colleagues as we would our own loved ones, recognising the importance of emotional support alongside clinical care.
Honesty
Encourages being open, transparent and accountable. We speak up, admit and learn from our mistakes, keep our promises and communicate clearly.
Teamwork
Highlights working collaboratively across teams and services, helping one another to achieve the best outcomes for patients — reinforcing our vision of delivering care for One and All.
People-first approach
We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive working environment where every individual can thrive.
Meaningful impact
Our work directly contributes to improving patient outcomes by supporting the people who deliver care.
Innovation & improvement
We embrace new ways of working, planning and implementing digital solutions and progressive people practices that enhance service delivery and experience.
Strong organisational values
Compassion, respect, integrity, and teamwork are embedded in everything we do.
Career development opportunities
Access to training, leadership development and professional qualifications.
Collaborative culture
Work alongside experienced People & OD professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Varied and rewarding work
Engage with a wide range of People & OD disciplines in a complex and evolving healthcare setting.
Contribution to a greater purpose
Be part of an organisation that makes a real difference to people's lives every day.
Latest jobs
| Title | Location | Salary | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic People & OD Lead (includes ER) 12 month FTC | Truro | Up to £77000 pa + great benefits | Permanent |
| Transformation Programme Lead - 7 month FTC | Truro | Up to £65000 pa + great benefits | Permanent |
