New Director of People and Culture Announced

Dave Harris will join NHS Orkney as the new Director of People and Culture following a comprehensive recruitment and selection process.

Dave has over 32 years’ experience of working in a range of public sector organisations, including recently, 10 years in the NHS in England. He is currently the Executive Director of People, Culture and Wellbeing at the University of Bradford. He is also an honorary lecturer there and at the University of Salford, where he is completing his PhD. He has an MA (Hons) in Classics and an MSc in Innovation and Improvement Science, is a qualified coach/mentor and mediator, and alongside slowly completing his doctorate, Dave lectures and speaks at conferences on how we can thrive in a complex, messy world.

He has expertise in organisational development and is passionate about putting people and relationships at the centre of everything an organisation does. Dave sees his role as helping NHS Orkney to be a place where each person can be the best that they can be as they serve the local community.

Speaking about his appointment, Dave said: “I am delighted, after a period in Higher Education, to be returning to the world of healthcare and especially to be joining NHS Orkney. I know it is a challenging time but the talent and kindness of the people I have already met assure me that the future can be bright and I look forward to having the privilege and joy of working alongside everyone and serving the people of Orkney.”

Dave will join NHS Orkney on Monday 17 November 2025.

Dave will replace Jay O’Brien who will leave the organisation on 19 September 2025. Interim Director of People and Culture arrangements are being explored to ensure there is not a gap in support between September and November 2025.