Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit Committee

As members of a unitary board, Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) have a duty to act with a view to promoting the success of the organisation, maximising the benefits for its patients and the public.The Board is collectively responsible for the performance of the NHS Foundation Trust.

Non-Executive Directors constructively challenge and scrutinise the Trust's performance against agreed goals and objectives. They should satisfy themselves as to the integrity of financial, clinical and other information, and ensure that systems of governance and risk management are robust.

Non-Executive Directors play a crucial role within the Board as, in addition to any specific knowledge and skills that they may have, they provide an independent perspective.

Furthermore, it is the duty of a Non-Executive Director to uphold the highest standards of probity and integrity as per the Trust's values, as well as encouraging good relations within the Boardroom.

The post holder will be expected to chair the Audit Committee and participate fully as a member of any other assigned Committees.

Main duties of the job

Assist the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, whilst considering the views of the Council of Governors.

Together with the Board of Directors, hold the Executive Team to account for the delivery of the agreed strategic objectives.

Provide constructive, considered and appropriate challenge to the Board of Directors.

Ensure that the Trust places patient safety at the heart of its work and that mechanisms are in place to ensure staff are able to speak up.

Together with the Board of Directors, ensure that the Trust manages risk effectively.

Participate in Board Service Visits and report findings back to Board in line with procedures.

Support the Chair, Chief Executive and Executive Directors in the governance and stewardship of the Trust.

Together with the Board of Directors, work with local communities and collaborate with partner organisations to address health inequalities and ensure that the Trust provides the best possible care for local communities.

Promote and support the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.

Promote and uphold the Trust values and fulfill any assigned Non-Executive Director champion roles.

Non-Executive Directors should attend the formal Council of Governors meetings, held quarterly, and take part in Governor and NED working groups including the Working Together sessions. NEDs should consider the views and interests of the Council of Governors who are representing the views of the Trust's Membership.

With a workforce of approximately 17,000 staff, we can now do more and go further in delivering health services to our local communities.

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

Patients will experience improved care as well as fewer delays and cancellations. We are able to provide more once-in-a-lifetime specialist care region-wide. With our new trust size will come more opportunities for development, research, networking and innovation.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.