Non-Executive Director & Chair of Finance and Performance Committee

Health Jobs UK; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A public health organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Non-Executive Director to assist in shaping the strategic direction while ensuring accountability. The successful candidate will chair the Finance and Performance Committee, bringing independent judgment and financial acumen to support governance and risk management processes. The role demands strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to public service values.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of working at Board level in a complex organisation.
• Experience of change management and improvement methodology.
• Strong personal commitment to public service values.

Responsibilities

• Chair the Finance and Performance Committee meetings.
• Work with Corporate Governance Team to plan meeting agendas.
• Ensure patient safety and effective risk management.

Skills

Critical appraisal of complex board papers

Independent judgement

Diplomatic skills

Financial and business acumen

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility and ability to travel

Education

Recognised financial or accounting qualification (Audit Chair only)

Job description

Job summary

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. NEDs 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.

NEDs 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 NED 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 Finance and Performance Committee (FPC) and participate fully as a member of any other assigned Committees. The post holder will be a member of the Integrated Care Board FPC.

Main duties of the job

As a Non-Executive Director, you will: 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 and Trust's annual plan.

To provide constructive, considered and appropriate challenge to the Board of Directors on areas where improvements are needed or assurance is lacking. To 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.

To ensure that the Trust manages risk effectively. To provide advice and guidance to the Trust on issues relevant to the NED's own skills, expertise and experience.

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.

Job responsibilities

As Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee, you will: chair the Finance and Performance Committee meetings, ensuring the agenda runs to time, all attendees are given the opportunity to participate, and the behaviours displayed are in line with Trust values.

Work with the Corporate Governance Team and Committees Executive Lead to plan meeting agendas, ensuring the cycle of business is followed and any arising actions are addressed. Bring independent financial acumen to the work of the Committee across its governance, risk management, assurance and financial control functions.

Escalate any areas to the Trust Board within the Committees responsibilities that have inadequate assurance or require further mitigation in accordance with the protocols determined by the Trust Board.

Person Specification

Key Skills

• Ability to read and critically appraise complex board papers.
• Able to be independent in judgement and character and to challenge appropriately.
• Understanding of the components of a complex organisation and the processes of planning, financial control, performance management and assurance that deliver its objectives.
• Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide-ranging audience and network effectively with a variety of organisations/individuals within and outside the NHS.
• Flexibility regarding time commitment and the ability to travel.

Desirable

• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Awareness and understanding of the requirements of the NHS system
• A strong personal commitment to public service values (Nolan Principles) of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity.
• Clear understanding of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non-executive Directors.
• Evidence of continuing Professional/personal development.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working at Board level or equivalent in a complex, changing organisation.
• Experience of change management / improvement methodology.
• Recognised financial or accounting qualification (Audit Chair only)

Desirable

• Relevant NHS experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.