Non-Executive Director

Overview

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust staff pride themselves on clinical excellence and creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. The Trust promotes a High Performance Culture to support everyone to be the best version of themselves by aligning with Trust vision, values and behaviours. Applications from colleagues from local and neighbouring communities, including those who are under-represented such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and disabled individuals, are welcomed. The organisation is reviewing working practices to support flexible working and a positive work-life balance, and will consider inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services as mutually beneficial.Interview date: Week commencing 22nd September 2025About the Role

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director (NED) to join its Board of Directors. This is a key leadership role at a time of strategic transformation and improvement.As an NED , you will bring independent judgement, financial expertise, and strategic insight to the Board. You will work collaboratively with Executive and Non-Executive Director colleagues to ensure the Trust delivers safe, kind, and effective care. The successful candidate will be expected to Chair either the Finance and Performance Committee or the Audit Committee and therefore must bring strong financial experience.Key Responsibilities

Provide independent financial oversight and strategic adviceSupport the development and delivery of the Trust''s Five-Year StrategyChampion patient safety, quality, and continuous improvementConstructively challenge and support the Executive teamPromote openness, transparency, and public sector valuesAct as an ambassador for the Trust within the community and wider NHSMain duties of the job

As a member of a unitary Board, there is a shared and collective responsibility amongst all the Directors for the overall strategic direction and performance of the Trust. As Non-Executive Director, you will collaborate with other Non-Executive Directors and Executive Directors as an equal member of the Board. You will share responsibility with other Directors for the decisions made by the Board and contribute to the success of the organisation in leading local improvement of healthcare services. All Board members are required to work collaboratively and provide constructive challenge as necessary. The Directors must satisfy themselves as to the appropriateness and integrity of information that comes to the Board and the efficacy of the controls and systems in place to ensure good governance. Non-Executive Directors bring fresh perspectives to governance, reflecting their wider experience and skill sets outside the Trust. Non-Executive Directors have a role in collaborating with the Council of Governors, which is responsible for holding the Non-Executive Directors to account for Board performance.In practice, this requires Non-Executive Directors to work with and be visible to the Council of Governors in their role.Working for our organisation

The Trust provides services to West Cheshire and Welsh patients and collaborates within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Services are provided from three locations:The Countess of Chester Hospital: 438 general and acute bedsEllesmere Port Hospital: 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facilityTarporley War Memorial Hospital: base for community services serving the local rural populationThe Trust employs over 5,916 staff (headcount) and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 411,000 (including 361,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire, Ellesmere Port, Neston and the Deeside area of Flintshire).Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Committee LeadershipThe successful candidate will participate in Board level Committees and be expected to chair one of the following Committees:Audit Committee – overseeing governance, risk, and assuranceFinance and Performance Committee – monitoring financial performance, sustainability and service deliveryEach committee meets at least four times per year and plays a vital role in Board assurance.Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who:Has significant Board-level experience in a large, complex organisationBrings strong financial acumen and business performance expertiseDemonstrates intellectual flexibility and strategic thinkingIs politically astute with excellent communication and influencing skillsUpholds the Nolan principles and NHS valuesIs committed to diversity, inclusion, and public serviceEssential Criteria

Professional financial qualification or equivalent experienceKnowledge of NHS governance, financial management, and performance systemsAbility to hold others to account and be held to accountStrong interpersonal skills and personal integrityOur Values

Safe

- avoiding harm and reducing riskKind

- considerate and non-judgmentalEffective

- delivering excellent and reliable careAdditional Information

You must be a member of one of the Trust''s constituencies (Chester and Rural Cheshire, Ellesmere Port and Neston, Flintshire, or the rest of England and Wales). You must meet the Fit and Proper Person requirements and declare any conflicts of interest. The role is not pensionable and is subject to HMRC regulations for travel and subsistence.Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and disabled individuals under-represented in non-executive roles.Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs will be deducted from their salary over the first three months of employment. You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £16 per year applies. New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above. Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date. Good luck with your application.Person specification

QualificationsPossess a professional qualification or appropriate degree or equivalent experienceExperienceSignificant Board level and senior management experience gained in a large, complex organisation (private or public sector)Business performance/financial experienceKnowledge of issues affecting Foundation Trusts and the NHS environmentDisclosure and Barring Service CheckIf applicable, disclosures will be required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and related guidance. The DBS process and associated costs may be deducted from salary as described above.Overseas CandidatesInformation for overseas candidates regarding sponsorship and recruitment processes is provided by GOV.UK and related guidance. Overseas candidates are responsible for their travel expenses.Documents to download include Job Description, Person Specification, Risk ID Form, Guidance Notes for Applicants and How to travel to ..... full job details .....