Go back Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Non-Executive Director & Chair of Finance and Performance Committee
The closing date is 02 November 2025
As members of a unitary board, Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) have a duty to act with a view to promoting the success of the organisation, maximising the benefits for its patients and the public.The Board is collectively responsible for the performance of the NHS Foundation Trust. NEDs constructively challenge and scrutinise the Trust's performance against agreed goals and objectives. They should satisfy themselves as to the integrity of financial, clinical and other information, and ensure that systems of governance and risk management are robust.
NEDs play a crucial role within the Board as, in addition to any specific knowledge and skills that they may have, they provide an independent perspective.
Furthermore, it is the duty of a NED to uphold the highest standards of probity and integrity as per the Trust's values, as well as encouraging good relations within the Boardroom.
The post holder will be expected to chair the Finance and Performance Committee (FPC) and participate fully as a member of any other assigned Committees. The post holder will be a member of the Integrated Care Board FPC.
* Please note that we have tentatively scheduled interviews for the first week of December *
Main duties of the job
As a Non-Executive Director, you will:
To assist the Board of Directors in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, whilst considering the views of the Council of Governors.
Together with the Board of Directors, hold the Executive Team to account for the delivery of the agreed strategic objectives and Trust's annual plan.
To provide constructive, considered and appropriate challenge to the Board of Directors on areas where improvements are needed or assurance is lacking.
To ensure that the Trust places patient safety at the heart of its work and that mechanisms are in place to ensure staff are able to speak up.
To ensure that the Trust manages risk effectively.
To provide advice and guidance to the Trust on issues relevant to the NED's own skills, expertise and experience.
Together with the Board of Directors, work with local communities and collaborate with partner organisations to address health inequalities and ensure that the Trust provides the best possible care for local communities.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of duties.
About us
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust
Job responsibilities
As Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee, you will:
Chair the Finance and Performance Committee meetings, ensuring the agenda runs to time, all attendees are given the opportunity to participate, and the behaviours displayed are in line with Trust values.
Work with the Corporate Governance Team and Committees Executive Lead to plan meeting agendas, ensuring the cycle of business is followed and any arising actions are addressed.
Bring independent financial acumen to the work of the Committee across its governance, risk management, assurance and financial control functions.
Escalate any areas to the Trust Board within the Committees responsibilities that have inadequate assurance or require further mitigation in accordance with the protocols determined by the Trust Board.
The purpose of the Committee is to provide scrutiny of financial, estates, digital, operational performance, procurement and environmental sustainability in order to provide assurance and make recommendations, as appropriate, to the Board of Directors.
This Committee is responsible for: Financial Performance and Recovery. Annual Planning and Delivery Financial Governance Financial Sustainability Operational Performance Strategy Development (those strategies that are within the Committees remit) Review of Risks on the Board Assurance Framework (those relevant to the Committee)
For further details on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description and person specification.
We look forward to your application!
Person Specification
Key Skills
* Ability to read and critically appraise complex board papers.
* Able to be independent in judgement and character and to challenge appropriately.
* Understanding of the components of a complex organisation and the processes of planning, financial control, performance management and assurance that deliver its objectives.
* Excellent diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide-ranging audience and network effectively with a variety of organisations/individuals within and outside the NHS.
* Flexibility regarding time commitment and the ability to travel.
* Strong business and financial acumen.
* Awareness and understanding of the requirements of the NHS system
* A strong personal commitment to public service values (Nolan Principles) of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity.
* Clear understanding of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non-executive Directors.
* Evidence of continuing Professional/personal development.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience of working at Board level or equivalent in a complex, changing organisation.
* Experience of change management / improvement methodology.
* Recognised financial or accounting qualification (Audit Chair only)
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
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
£15,000 a yearPer Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
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