Non-Executive Director

Job Description North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care BoardIndependent Non-Executive MembersRole summaryWe are seeking to appoint two further Independent Non-Executive Members to complement our existing Board Members, using their skills and experience to help us to achieve our ambitions and strategy.We are seeking individuals with significant Board-level experience within a complex organisation. We recognise the value that experienced Non-Executive leadership can add to our Board, providing constructive challenge and independent judgement across complex issues including quality, governance, performance and system transformation.Independent Non-Executive Members are chosen for their breadth of experience, appropriate calibre and personal qualities.Main duties of the roleAs an Independent Non-Executive Member, you will work alongside the Chair, other Independent Non-Executive Members and Executive Directors as a full member of the Board. You will be individually and collectively accountable with other Board Members for the success of the organisation and will have the responsibility to constructively challenge the decisions of the Board and help develop proposals on priorities, risk mitigation, values, standards and strategies.Specific dutiesServe on Board Committees, including the Quality and Safety Committee, providing assurance that robust processes are in place for the effective management of patient safety and quality governance.Bring independent oversight and constructive challenge to the priorities, plans and performance of the ICB.Promote open and transparent decision-making that facilitates consensus.Support the stewardship of significant public resources and ensure statutory duties are met.Ensure that the voice and needs of patients, carers and communities are central to Board discussions and decisions.Independent Non-Executive Member appointments are made in accordance with the Code of Governance and public appointment principles.About usThe North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the statutory NHS organisation responsible for planning, funding and improving health and care services for people across one of the largest health systems in England; serving a population of around 2.9 million.Our region spans from the Scottish borders to North Yorkshire and across to North Cumbria, covering both major urban and rural communities.Our focus is on improving outcomes, reducing health inequalities and ensuring high-quality, sustainable services for our communities.Working closely with NHS providers, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector, we are leading the delivery of our Integrated Care Strategy, Better health and wellbeing for all, alongside key ambitions set out in the NHS 10-Year Plan.The ICB is now entering a new phase of its development, strengthening its role as a strategic commissioner in line with the national ICB Blueprint published by NHS England.This blueprint sets out a clearer, more focused role for ICBs - centred on long-term system planning, improving value and productivity, reducing unwarranted variations in care and health, and working through strong place and neighbourhood partnerships.While our organisational structure and ways of working are evolving, our core purpose remains unchanged: improving outcomes, tackling inequalities and maintaining strong, collaborative partnerships across our health and care system.This is an important stage in our development. As we sharpen our focus as a strategic commissioner - effective governance, independent insight and constructive challenge will be central to our success.This is a crucial time to join the organisation - an opportunity to help shape the next phase of our development and support the delivery of better health.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesYou will be responsible for specific areas relating to board governance and oversight:Bringing independent, external perspectives and respectful challenge to the plans, aims and priorities of the ICBPromoting open and transparent decision-making that facilitates consensus aimed at delivering exceptional outcomes for the population.You will need to be able to demonstrate you can use your experience to:Work alongside other non-executives and executive colleagues as an equal member of the BoardHold the executive to account by providing purposeful, constructive scrutiny and challengeShape and actively support a healthy culture for the ICBChair meetings in an inclusive way in line with the ICB's valuesPerson SpecificationKnowledge, Experience and Skills required within the following competency areas:Setting strategy and delivering long-term transformationStrong knowledge of the health, care, local government and/or voluntary sector landscapeAbility to operate confidently in complex, politically sensitive environmentsProven experience leading strategic change at senior level, bringing together diverse stakeholder interestsBuilding trusted relationships with partners and communitiesUnderstanding of diverse sectors, networks and population needsExcellent communication and presentation skills across varied audiencesHighly developed interpersonal and influencing skillsExperience working collaboratively across organisational and professional boundariesLeading for social justice and health equalityAwareness of social justice principles and their application within an Integrated Care SystemTrack record of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership rolesPersonal insight and lived experience that strengthens Board-level discussion and decision-makingDriving high-quality, sustainable outcomesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to identify risks and issues early and guide stakeholders towards effective resolutionProviding robust governance and assuranceSound understanding of corporate governance principlesAbility to act independently and with integrityExperience contributing effectively at very senior-level meetings within complex organisationsCreating a compassionate and inclusive cultureDemonstrates respectful, inclusive and compassionate leadershipChampions openness, transparency and the principles of public lifeActively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion for Boards, patients and staffHow to applyApplications should be emailed to Scot McHarg, our appointed recruitment consultant at NRG Executive, at [email protected] you wish to be considered for the role, please provide:A CV that includes your address and preferred contact details, highlighting and explaining any gaps in your employment history.A supporting statement outlining your skills, experience, values and motivations for applying, clearly demonstrating how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification.The names, positions and contact details of three referees in a senior or line management capacity.Details of any dates when you will not be available for interview.Closing date 7th April 2026Interview date To be confirmedRemuneration 13,000 - 16,000 per annumInformal DiscussionsFor an initial informal discussion about the roles, please contact Scot McHarg at NRG Executive, again via [email protected] Executive are supporting the Trust with these appointments and can provide further information about the opportunities.Diversity & Inclusion PolicyWe value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We believe that the best Boards are those that reflect the communities they serve and we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented at Board level.EligibilityPlease note that to be eligible to apply for this role candidates must reside in, or have strong connections to, the North East and North Cumbria (i.e. the geographical area covered by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System).Disclosure and Barring Service CheckGiven the significant public profile and responsibility Board Members hold, appropriate background checks will be undertaken to ensure those appointed meet Fit and Proper Person requirements.Applications will be assessed on merit as part of a fair and open process, from the widest possible pool of candidates.

Created: 2026-03-20