Thomas Simons

As Chief HR & OD Officer for NHS England, Thomas Simons is redefining the people profession across one of the world’s largest employers. Leading the strategic vision outlined in the Future of NHS HR & OD report, Thomas is setting a bold direction for the 20,000 HR and OD professionals serving the NHS workforce of 1.5 million people—anchored in the People Promise and the Long-Term Workforce Plan.

His leadership has driven major transformation across the system. Thomas has launched national policy frameworks covering pregnancy and baby loss, flexible working, overpayments, and sexual misconduct—embedding compassion and consistency at scale. He has also introduced the Expectations of Line Managers framework, promoting just culture and leadership effectiveness.

Key innovations under Thomas’s leadership include:

• A national People Profession Map and self-assessment tool, supporting professional development and succession planning.
• System-wide leadership development programmes for current and aspiring CPOs to build a diverse, “ready-now” talent pipeline.
• The Digital Staff Passport, enhancing workforce mobility, and digital strategies that are streamlining people systems and services.
• National optimisation of mandatory training, releasing 200,000 staff days annually for frontline care.

Thomas has also played a pivotal role in influencing national legislation, contributing to amendments to the Employment Rights Bill around pregnancy and baby loss.

Through strategic foresight, values-led leadership, and relentless commitment to capability building, Thomas is shaping a future-ready, high-impact NHS people profession—ensuring HR remains a critical enabler of system-wide transformation.