Non Executive Director - Chair of the Audit Committee

Non Executive Director - Chair of the Audit Committee NHS Non-Executive: NHS Trust Non-Executive Member/Director Main area non executive director Grade NHS non executive: NHS Trust non executive member/director contract fixed term: 3 years (Further appointments will be subject to a process agreed by the Council of Governors - CNWL.) hours part time - there is likely to be a need for 'on-site' presence plus some time for reading and meeting preparation (an average four days per month). This time may be required during the working day or in the evening. Job ref 333-C-HQ-2062

Site 350 Euston Road Town London salary £15,000 per annum (pro rata P/T) salary period yearly closing 17/04/:59 interview date 27/04/2026

CNWL (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust) has almost 8,000 staff providing integrated healthcare to a third of London's population, Milton Keynes and areas beyond. We involve service users, carers, the public, staff and partner organisations in the way that we are run.

Our catchment area spans diverse communities, with over 100 first languages spoken. It contains areas of great affluence as well as areas of much deprivation. We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a difference.

We're proud of our diversity and we continue to undertake new initiatives to advance equality for LGBT+, BME and people with disabilities to promote good relations and understanding between our staff. We are recognised locally, nationally and internationally for providing high quality, innovative healthcare. We aim to employ only the best people, and our experts are frequently called upon to contribute to national health strategy and policy, and many models of our care have been adapted for use in other countries.

We offer a generous relocation package (subject to eligibility assessment) and flexible working options, including bank assignments for most roles. For more information on these and other benefits of working for us, see our benefits, reward and wellbeing page.

CNWL NHS Foundation Trust are committed to safeguarding all children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Job overview Please refer to the Candidate Recruitment Pack for details on how to apply. Applications should not be made online via TRAC or NHS Jobs.

NHS boards play a key role in shaping the strategy, vision and purpose of an organisation. They hold the organisation to account for the delivery of strategy and ensure value for money. They are also responsible for ensuring that risks to the organisation and the public are managed and mitigated effectively. Led by an independent chair and composed of a mixture of both executive and independent non-executive members, the board has a collective responsibility for the performance of the organisation.

Main duties of the job The Non-Executive Directors examine information that comes to the Board ensuring the governance of the Trust. They bring an additional perspective to governance, bringing their industry skills and experience.

Non-Executive Directors must demonstrate the highest standards of corporate conduct and personal probity and adhere to the Code of Conduct for the Board, and the seven Nolan Principles of Public Life.

Working for our organisation We are passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patient's own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do.

Most of our services are provided in the community, which means treating people in their homes or from clinics close to home. In this sense we are a very modern part of the NHS, with better integration and coordination of care. Where community care is not possible, we offer a number of facilities to treat people in hospital or residential environments. We also provide healthcare in prisons, in London and the surrounding areas.

Our vision is wellbeing for life. We work in partnership with all who use our services to improve health and wellbeing. Together we look at ways of improving an individual's quality of life, through high quality healthcare and personal support. Our work at neighbourhood and place is a key part of who we are.

As a Trust we have always been committed to constantly developing to provide modern, dependable services. We are committed to continuous improvement and seek out opportunities to challenge conventional practice. Our values led approach represents the way in which we care for our patients, and for each other.

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Constructively challenge, influence and help the Executive Board develop proposals on such strategies to enable the organisation to fulfil its leadership responsibilities to patients, for healthcare of the local community
• Assist fellow Directors in setting The trust's values and standards and ensure that its obligations to its stakeholders and the wider community are understood and fairly balanced. Ensure that the Board sets challenging objectives for improving its performance across the range of its functions.
• Provide financial oversight and strategic advice to the Board, contributing to the overall strategic decision making and governance of the Trust.
• Monitor, in accordance with agreed board procedures, the performance and conduct of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and statutory responsibilities, including the preparation of annual reports and annual accounts and other statutory duties.
• Satisfy themselves of the integrity of reporting mechanisms, and financial and quality intelligence including getting out and about, observing and talking to patients and staff.
• Provide analysis and constructive challenge to information on organisational and operational performance. this is a constant.
• Hold the executive to account for the delivery of strategy. Chair or take part as a member of key committees that support accountability.
• Accept accountability to NHS Improvement for the delivery of the organisation's objectives and ensure that the board acts in the best interests of patients and its local community.
• Actively support and promote a healthy culture for the organisation which is reflected in their own behaviour. Ensure that the organisation values diversity in its workforce and demonstrates equality of opportunity in its treatment of staff and patients, their families and in all aspects of its business.
• Ensure that the Directors of the Board are 'fit and proper' for the role and champion an open, honest and transparent culture within the organisation. As a member of Board Committees, appoint, remove, support, encourage and where appropriate 'mentor' senior executives. Commit to working to, and encouraging within the Trust, the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance and contribute to ensuring that the Trust's internal governance arrangements conform with best practice and statutory requirements.
• Ensuring the effective operation of the Audit Committee, facilitating effective discussion and decision making. Ensuring the Committee operates appropriately within the delegated authority of the Board, reporting back, making recommendations and referring matters to the Board as required.

Person Specification

• Ability to understand the complex environment in which the NHS operates including the role of the integrated care board and systems working to ensure quality of care for all service users
• Experience of partnership working to enhance service delivery
• Experience of working in complex organisations, or of working with numerous partners
• Experience of working at board level or in senior leadership positions in a complex, changing organisation
• Ability to interpret and critically appraise complex board papers
• Ability to be independent in judgement and to provide support and challenge appropriately
• Understanding of the processes of business planning, financial control, performance management and assurance
• Ability to manage ambiguity of working across organisational boundaries at system and place level
• Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse group of organisations/individuals within and outside the NHS Commitment to service user and staff equality, diversity and inclusion ensuring this is at the centre of the work of the Board and its considerations regarding service delivery, workforce and leadership
• Political acumen with the ability to think creatively Sound knowledge of and commitment to corporate governance Strong business and financial acumen
• Awareness and understanding of requirements of working in a regulated environment
• Strong personal commitment to public service values (Nolan Principles) of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity
• Understanding of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non Executive Directors

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI can be used as a support tool, not a replacement for the applicant's own work. Applications must remain personal, accurate, and reflective of the candidate's real experience. AI-generated content must not misrepresent skills, qualifications, or experience . click apply for full job details