Non Executive Director

Castle Peak Group; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

Castle Peak Group is supporting an NHS Foundation Trust in the North East for the appointment of a Non-Executive Director who will also chair the Finance, Investment & Performance Committee. The role requires a senior finance or commercial leader with governance experience to contribute to the Board's strategic direction and financial stewardship across a large, complex organisation.

The successful candidate will provide independent oversight, challenge the Executive, and ensure financial

Qualifications

• Senior finance leadership and governance experience.
• Experience overseeing financial strategy, investment and performance.

Responsibilities

• Chair the Finance, Investment & Performance Committee.
• Provide independent challenge to the Executive team and hold them to account.
• Oversee financial information, investment proposals and assurance for the Board.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, risk, governance and performance monitoring.

Skills

Senior financial leadership

Governance and risk

Strategic financial planning

Independent judgement

Education

Professional accountancy qualification or equivalent

Job description

Chair of Finance, Investment & Performance Committee

NHS Foundation Trust Appointment

Location: North East England

Remuneration: £15,518 per annum

Recruitment Partner: Castle Peak Group

The Opportunity

Castle Peak Group is supporting a major NHS Foundation Trust in the North East with the appointment of a Non Executive Director who will also Chair its Finance, Investment & Performance Committee.

The Trust provides hospital, community and specialist healthcare services to more than 550,000 people across the region. It is a large and complex organisation with significant financial and operational responsibilities, an extensive range of services and a number of subsidiary businesses.

The organisation is seeking an experienced finance or commercial leader who can contribute to the work of its Board, provide independent oversight and bring sound financial judgement to important strategic and investment decisions.

This appointment comes at a time when NHS organisations face considerable financial and operational pressures. Maintaining financial sustainability while continuing to deliver safe, effective and high quality services requires strong governance, appropriate scrutiny and an understanding of how financial decisions affect the wider organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have developed their careers outside the NHS, including those with experience in financial services, investment, commercial businesses, professional services, consultancy and other complex organisations.

Previous NHS experience is not essential.

The Role

As a Non Executive Director, you will be a member of the Trust's unitary Board, sharing responsibility for its strategic direction, performance, governance and long term sustainability.

You will work alongside the Chair, Chief Executive, Executive Directors and fellow Non Executive Directors, contributing to Board discussions, providing independent judgement and holding the Executive team to account.

In addition to your wider Board responsibilities, you will Chair the Finance, Investment & Performance Committee.

The Committee has an important role in overseeing the Trust's financial position, investment priorities, operational performance and use of resources. As Chair, you will ensure that financial information and investment proposals receive appropriate scrutiny and that the Board has the assurance it needs to make informed decisions.

The role requires someone who can interpret complex financial and operational information, understand the implications of investment decisions and provide constructive challenge where appropriate.

You will also contribute to wider discussions concerning organisational strategy, risk, governance, service improvement, workforce and the quality of care provided to patients.

Key Responsibilities

Finance, Investment and Performance

You will Chair the Finance, Investment & Performance Committee, providing oversight and scrutiny of the Trust's financial strategy, financial performance, investment decisions and operational delivery.

This will include reviewing financial plans and forecasts, assessing significant investment proposals, challenging assumptions and ensuring that financial and commercial risks are appropriately considered.

You will also oversee performance against agreed objectives and ensure that resources are being used effectively and responsibly.

Strategy and Governance

As a member of the Board, you will contribute to the development and oversight of the Trust's strategy, ensuring that decisions are consistent with its priorities and responsibilities.

You will provide independent advice and constructive challenge to the Executive team, supporting effective governance, accountability and risk management.

You will also contribute to the work of the Board in ensuring that appropriate systems of assurance, internal control and performance monitoring are in place.

Leadership and Accountability

You will work closely with fellow Board members to support effective leadership and decision making across the organisation.

An important part of the role will be holding senior executives to account for financial and operational performance while maintaining positive and constructive working relationships.

You will be expected to exercise independent judgement, ask appropriate questions and contribute to discussions with confidence and credibility.

Quality, People and Partnerships

Although this appointment has a particular focus on finance and investment, the successful candidate will share responsibility for the wider performance and success of the Trust.

This includes ensuring that patient safety, quality of care, organisational culture and workforce considerations remain central to Board discussions.

You will also support the Trust's relationships with external stakeholders, partners and its Council of Governors.

The Candidate

We are seeking an experienced senior finance or commercial leader with a strong understanding of financial management, investment, governance and organisational performance.

Candidates must hold a recognised professional accountancy qualification or equivalent,

together with substantial experience of financial leadership, oversight and scrutiny.

You are likely to have gained your experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Senior financial leadership, including Chief Financial Officer or Finance Director positions.
• Financial services, banking or investment.
• Commercial businesses and large corporate organisations.
• Accountancy, audit, professional services or financial consultancy.
• Complex public sector or regulated organisations.

We would expect candidates to demonstrate significant senior leadership or Board experience, together with the ability to operate effectively within a complex organisation.

You should bring strong financial and commercial judgement, experience of reviewing investment proposals and an understanding of the importance of governance, risk management and accountability.

You will need to be comfortable analysing detailed financial information, challenging senior colleagues and contributing to strategic discussions that extend beyond your own professional specialism.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are important, as is the ability to build effective relationships while maintaining independence of thought and judgement.

Previous experience as a Non Executive Director or Committee Chair would be advantageous but is not essential.

Experience within the NHS or wider health and care sector would also be welcome, although we are particularly interested in candidates who can bring relevant experience from other sectors.

Why Consider This Appointment?

This is an opportunity to contribute to the leadership of a major NHS organisation providing essential services to communities across the North East.

The financial and operational challenges facing the NHS are significant, and the Board requires individuals who can bring experience, sound judgement and an understanding of how organisations manage resources, investment and performance.

For an experienced finance or commercial leader, the appointment offers the opportunity to apply that expertise in a different environment, contributing to decisions that have a direct impact on healthcare services and the people who rely upon them.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with an experienced Board, develop their understanding of the NHS and contribute to the future direction of an important regional organisation.

Location and Commitment

Candidates should reside in the North East of Englandand be able to attend Board and Committee meetings across the Trust's sites.

The appointment requires an appropriate commitment to preparation, attendance and engagement with the organisation.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have an understanding of the region and a genuine interest in contributing to the quality and sustainability of local healthcare services.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Trust is committed to developing a Board that reflects the communities it serves and recognises the importance of bringing different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives into its leadership.

Castle Peak Group welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is committed to ensuring that the recruitment process is fair, inclusive and accessible.

We would particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals who may not previously have considered a Non Executive Director appointment within the NHS.

Castle Peak Group is managing this appointment on behalf of the Trust.