Emma Wilkins FCIPD

Director of People (interim)

United Kingdom

About

After nearly 22 years in the NHS, I’m ready and excited to start my next chapter in Further Education. I am a values-led HR and People leader with extensive experience delivering compassionate, inclusive and high-performing people services across complex NHS systems. I lead people strategy, workforce transformation, culture and OD, education and wellbeing — turning national priorities into measurable impact. I believe culture, leadership and inclusion directly shape outcomes. I have led large-scale transformation programmes, improved workforce availability and retention, reduced agency spend, strengthened safeguarding and governance, and supported major system change within highly regulated environments, complex industrial relations and sensitive casework. I am motivated to work beyond traditional HR boundaries, bringing together education, healthcare, local authorities and community partners to improve life chances, reduce inequalities and strengthen community wellbeing — with a particular passion for supporting young people into meaningful, inclusive careers. Developing others sits at the heart of my leadership. I am an experienced mentor and sponsor of inclusive leadership programmes, championing equitable talent pathways for neurodivergent and under-represented groups. I am drawn to purpose-led organisations where people, performance and social impact are deeply connected, and where leadership can make a lasting difference to communities and future generations.

Experience

  • Director of People (interim) at Telford College
    Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

  • Deputy People Director at NHS
    Dec 2020 - Apr 2026 · 5 yrs 5 mos

  • Deputy Chief People Officer & Director of People at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust & Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust
    Jan 2025 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr

  • The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (Full-time · 4 yrs 2 mos)
    • People Director (Interim)
      Sep 2024 - Jan 2025 · 5 mos

    • Deputy People Director
      Dec 2020 - Sep 2024 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • HR Business Partner at Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
    Nov 2012 - Dec 2020 · 8 yrs 2 mos