Roles of non-executives
- Role of the NHS non-executive
- Role of the chair of an NHS board
- Roles in Foundation Trusts
- Roles in national health bodies
- Roles in other Government departments
Role of the NHS non-executive
The non-executives on an NHS Board are drawn from their local community. They bring their expertise and experience, as well as their particular knowledge as a member of the community to the work of the Board.
Non-executives work as a member of the Board team with the executive members (such as the Chief Executive, Finance Director and Medical Director).
The key responsibilities of an NHS non-executive are:
- helping to plan for the future to improve healthcare services;
- making sure that the management team meets its performance targets;
- making sure that the finances of the organisation are managed properly with accurate information;
- helping the Board to be sure that it is working in the public interest and keeps its patients and the public properly informed;
- serving on important board committees.
Role of the chair of an NHS board
The chair of an NHS Board plays an important part in the healthcare of the local community. He or she can make all the difference to the way the organisation works. The key responsibilities of an NHS chair are:
- leading the Board and making sure it works effectively;
- making sure that patients, the public and staff are kept informed about the organisation plans and that their views are listened to;
- making sure that the Board and its members are working well together and as individuals;
- supporting the Chief Executive and making sure the executives and non-executives can contribute to the work of the Board.
Roles in Foundation Trusts
NHS Foundation Trusts remain part of the NHS but have been largely set free from central government control. They possess three key characteristics that distinguish them from NHS Trusts:
- Freedom to decide locally how to meet their obligations
- Accountable to local people, who can become members and Governors
- Overseen by Monitor, the independent regulator
Foundation Trusts are accountable to their community through a Board of Governors who are elected from the local population, patients and staff to direct the work of the Trust. They in turn appoint a chair and non-executives to a management board. This board has a similar composition of executive and non-executive members to an NHS Trust board and directs the day-to-day activities of the Trust.
Non-executive opportunities
You can come from a variety of backgrounds and any walk of life. You will have senior experience gained in your field, which could be private, public or voluntary sector. You will need to demonstrate a range of competencies required to contribute effectively at board level including strategic thinking, team working and excellent communication skills. Particular expertise in voluntary and community sectors or finance, governance and business are sometimes needed. Any such requirements will be clearly stated in the specific requirements for the post.
Dependent upon the demands of the role, remuneration will range from £5,875 to £12,663 for, typically, two and a half days of your time each month.
Roles in national health bodies
Public appointments roles in health organisations are available nationally in advisory, regulatory and executive non-departmental public bodies.
The qualities needed for these roles vary, but are generally in line with those for local NHS organisations. The specific roles and qualities needed are always set out in our recruitment packs and featured on the vacancies section of this website.
Roles in other Government departments
The Appointments Commission works with a number of Government departments, including the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence and Defra, to provide recruitment services for their public appointments to a range of advisory, regulatory and executive non-departmental public bodies.
The board member roles handled by the Commission are advertised on this website and on the main vacancy website for Government public appointments at www.publicappts-vacs.gov.uk, along with full details of what the roles entail and how to apply.
General information on public appointments can be found at: www.publicappointments.gov.uk