Non-Executive Director & Chair of People and OD Committee | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK healthcare institution is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join its board. The successful candidate will help shape the strategic direction and hold the Executive Team accountable. Responsibilities include chairing the People and Organisational Development Committee, ensuring patient safety, and collaborating with local communities. This role is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and addressing health inequalities. The application window closes on 11 Jan 2026.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Board in setting the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Hold the Executive Team to account for delivering strategic objectives.
• Challenge the Board on areas needing improvement.
• Ensure patient safety and effective risk management.
• Provide advice relevant to NED skills and expertise.
• Collaborate with local communities to address health inequalities.

Job description

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 People and Organisational Development Committee and participate fully as a member of any other assigned Committees.

Interviews to be held W/C 23rd February 2026.

As a Non-Executive Director, your duties will be:

• To 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.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of duties.

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

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.

As Chair of the People and Organisational Development Committee, you will:

• Chair the People and Organisational Development 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.
• Provide assurance to the Board of Directors on the development and delivery of the People Strategy for a sustainable and empowered workforce in line with the NHS Long Term Plan and NHS People Plan.
• Work with the Corporate Governance Team and Committee’s Executive Lead to plan meeting agendas, ensuring the cycle of business is followed and any arising actions are addressed.
• Escalate any areas to the Trust Board within the Committee’s responsibilities that have inadequate assurance or require further mitigations – in accordance with the protocols determined by the Trust Board.

This Committee is responsible for:

• Workforce
• Organisational Development, Engagement and Culture
• Health and Safety
• Review of Risks on the Board Assurance Framework relevant to the Committee’s activity

For further details on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description and person specification.

We look forward to your application!

This advert closes on Sunday 11 Jan 2026