Go back Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Chair - Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 05 August 2025
We are now looking to appoint our next Chair who will uphold our values and lead our Board of Directors and Council of Governors. The appointed individual will provide challenge and guidance to our ongoing journey of improvement; and support the leadership to help us achieve better outcomes for those we serve. This is an opportunity for an exceptional individual to work with an established leadership team, a committed board, and a dedicated Council of Governors, as we strive to realise our Vision of "outstanding care for all.
Main duties of the job
With a track record of board or senior level leadership experience which can be translated effectively to our environment, the appointed individual will bring experience of leading comparably complex organisations through periods of change which have resulted in improved organisational performance and quality outcomes. Experienced in building and developing relationships and partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, the successful candidate will be able to effectively navigate a complex network of competing interests to get the best outcomes for service users and our workforce. Above all else, we are seeking an individual able to demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity and a clear understanding of and alignment to our values, together with a genuine passion for the work that we do and a demonstrable commitment to the communities we serve across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
About us
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CFT)is a community and mental health provider supporting the health and wellbeing of over 570,000 people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our services are delivered at home, in the community, and in hospital settings, with clinical teams operating from 100 sites across four service lines. We are proud of our 4,500-strong workforce, all committed to our vision ofOutstanding Care for All, and a culture that places people at the heart of everything we do.
While we are proud of our progress, we recognise the challenges ahead. We are currently ratedRequires Improvementby the Care Quality Commission, and we are actively addressing the findings from their 2022 inspections. However, we are pleased that the CQC rated usOutstanding for Caring, reflecting the dedication of our teams. Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality care and ensuring our staff have fulfilling work lives. We continue to strengthen partnerships across the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System to achieve the best outcomes for our population.
Job responsibilities
For more information about us, the role and to apply, please follow the link below
Recruitment timetable
Closing date for applications: 5 August 2025.
* Preliminary interviews (Microsoft Teams with Gatenby Sanderson): weeks commencing 18 and 25 August 2025.
* Stakeholder sessions and final panel interviews (face-to-face): 24 and 25 September 2025.
Person Specification
Experience and achievements
* Proven board-level leadership: A distinguished record of strategic leadership at the highest levels within large, people-centric organisations, demonstrating the ability to navigate complexity with vision and integrity
* Change catalyst: A history of driving transformational change, including major capital developments, while delivering measurable improvements in performance, quality, and outcomes
* Governance expertise: Prior experience in non-executive leadership, ideally as Chair, with a deep understanding of governance and the ability to inspire confidence, engage with stakeholders and draw out the best in others
* Visionary strategist: Skilled in crafting and championing a compelling organisational vision, setting ambitious objectives, and steering long-term strategic direction
* Diversity and inclusion champion: A passionate advocate for equity, with a strong track record of embedding inclusive values into the heart of strategic and operational decision-making
Knowledge, skills and passion
* Health and wellbeing advocate: Deep commitment to enhancing the integration of mental and physical health, promoting a truly holistic approach to care across communities
* Politically-savvy leader: A nuanced understanding of the political and policy landscape shaping the NHS and broader health and social care systems
* Financial acumen: Strong grasp of financial stewardship, adept at balancing quality, performance, and fiscal responsibility in complex environments
* Governance and accountability: Clear understanding of the legal responsibilities of Board Directors, with a strong personal ethos of accountability and high standards
* Inspirational communicator: Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of uniting diverse voices around a shared mission and fostering a high-performing, collaborative Board culture
* Politically astute and insightful: Sharp analytical mind with the political awareness to navigate sensitive issues and influence at the highest levels
Personal qualities, values and behaviours
* Aligned to the core values of the Trust and demonstrates a strong commitment to NHS values and the Nolan principles
* A demonstrably collaborative and collective approach to leadership and behaviours which engender high levels of respect from others
* Transparent, robust, and independent approach to decision-making
* o Sufficient time, energy and commitment to fulfil the role and maintain an effective degree of independence and objectivity throughout the tenure
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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