Rebecca Smith

Rebecca joined NHS Employers in April 2013 and was appointed director for the national engagement service in April 2016. In this role, she worked closely with HR directors, area heads of engagement and HR director network chairs to ensure the voice of employers was front and centre of workforce discussions. 

In October 2022, she took on a newly established role to lead the work to support ICB chief people officers, building relationships in support of integrated workforce thinking and a system approach in the workforce space.

In January 2026, her portfolio changed, and she is now feeling privileged to be leading on staff experience.

She has a long-standing commitment to social partnership working, which brings together employers, trade unions, DHSC and NHS England. She provides leadership to the SPF team, represents NHS Employers and brings an employer perspective to discussions that shape national workforce policy.

Rebecca has worked at HR director level in a range of organisations, including local authority, NHS acute and community trusts, mental health organisations and within Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs). Rebecca has a masters degree in HR management and is a member of the CIPD.