The role: Non Executive Director

You will be required to have regular contact with internal and external stakeholders and will often need to engage with them over sensitive, complex, contentious and confidential issues. An example of some of these stakeholders is detailed below:

Internal:          

• Trust Chair
• Executive Directors
• Governors

External:         

• NHS Sussex
• Other Partner Organisations
• Voluntary organisations

You may be required to participate in internal and external working groups/projects, services and initiatives to provide a wider perspective focusing on the needs of the local population.

Non-Executive Directors work alongside Executive Directors as part of a unitary Board and are accountable, through the Chair, to the Council of Governors which represents the interests of the Trust and the public. They support the Chair and the Chief Executive in promoting the Trust values internally and externally and exemplify the corporate culture. As well as a strong track record of professional achievement, we are looking for candidates who demonstrate the enthusiasm and motivation needed to understand and make a difference to our diverse communities.

Together with other Board Directors you will support the leadership of the Trust while ensuring that our strategic direction is suitably ambitious, meeting the needs of patients, family and the wider community.

You will help maintain a board level focus on all aspects of quality with particular regard to patient experience while ensuring the Trust has robust and effective financial and clinical quality controls, ensuring that systems of risk management and governance are sound and operate effectively.

While contributing to the development of strategic plans to enable us to deliver our ambitious goals, you will ensure that the necessary resources are in place for the Trust to meet its objectives and plans and be committed to ensuring that our values are embedded in all aspects of its business.

You will monitor the performance of the Trust and its Executive Team, ensuring that reports meet the highest level of integrity. To this end you will also maintain a commitment to upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life along with an ability to reflect them in your role.

• Prepare for, attend and contribute to Board and Committee meetings and take the role of Committee Chair when so appointed
• Participate in Board development/induction activities
• Attend joint meetings of the Board and Council of Governors and take into account the views of Governors, members and the public to gain a different perspective on the Foundation Trust and its strategy and performance
• Attend the Annual Members’ Meeting
• Participate in service visits and occasional external stakeholder meetings
• Provide advice and guidance on issues relevant to own skills, expertise and experience
• Build and maintain relationships with Trust staff, Board colleagues, peers and stakeholders which promote the effective operation of the Trust’s activities and development and delivery of its strategy
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust
• Bring diversity of thought to the Board