Independent Clinical Trustee - Board Governance Leader in Waldron

Shape the future of patient care. Influence at Board level. Make a lasting difference. Horder Healthcare is seeking an experienced Clinical Trustee to join its Board at an exciting point in our development. We are particularly interested in hearing from an experienced medical Consultant who can demonstrate independence from material conflicts of interest. You will bring significant experience in clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and research ideally within an orthopaedic or MSK related field, together with the desire to contribute to the strategic leadership of a respected healthcare charity. This role may suit individuals who are no longer in full-time clinical practice. This is a unique opportunity for a senior medical professional to use their expertise, independent judgement and clinical insight to support Horder Healthcare in delivering safe, effective and compassionate care to every patient.

The Role

As a Clinical Trustee, you will hold collective responsibility with fellow Trustees for the effective governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Horder Healthcare. You will provide an independent clinical voice at Board level, offering support and constructive challenge to the Executive Team, ensuring the highest standards of clinical quality, governance, patient safety and patient experience are maintained. Your contribution will help shape the future of our services, strengthen clinical assurance processes and support a positive, high-performing culture across our organisation.

• Provide independent clinical leadership and judgement on Board matters relating to quality, safety, strategy, risk and organisational performance.
• Bring a specialist orthopaedic and musculoskeletal perspective to inform service development, clinical pathways and workforce considerations.
• Support robust clinical governance arrangements, including oversight of quality assurance, patient safety, clinical outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to the Clinical Governance Committee and wider Board assurance processes.
• Ensure the organisation meets its responsibilities under charity and company law, Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards and all relevant healthcare legislation.
• Act as an ambassador for Horder Healthcare, promoting its values, reputation and charitable mission.

About You

You will be a highly credible medical leader with the confidence, integrity and independence to contribute effectively at Board level. You will bring:

• Substantial experience as a medical Consultant, preferably in an orthopaedic or MSK related field.
• Preferably retired from active clinical practice, or able to demonstrate independence through having no material conflicts of interest.
• Significant experience of clinical governance, patient safety, quality assurance and regulatory standards.
• A strong understanding of the healthcare regulatory environment, including CQC requirements, duty of candour, consent and surgical safety standards.
• Experience of Board, committee or senior leadership governance responsibilities, including risk management, assurance and organisational oversight.
• Experience in clinical research, research governance, clinical trials, publications, academic appointments or leadership of evidence-based improvement.
• Experience of multidisciplinary working across surgical, nursing, physiotherapy, diagnostics and rehabilitation pathways.
• The ability to provide independent challenge while maintaining a collaborative and supportive approach.

Desirable experience includes:

• Previous Non-Executive Director, Trustee or Board Committee experience.
• Academic, teaching or training leadership.
• Experience within the independent healthcare sector, charity governance or social enterprise.
• Knowledge of service redesign, pathway optimisation, digital innovation and outcomes measurement.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a Trustee appointment; it is an opportunity to:

• Help shape the strategic direction of a respected independent healthcare charity.
• Influence how high-quality orthopaedic, hospital and community services are delivered.
• Make a meaningful contribution to patient safety, experience and clinical outcomes.
• Work alongside a committed, collaborative and experienced Board.
• Continue to apply your clinical expertise and governance experience in a role that delivers lasting impact.

Above all, you will share Horder Healthcare’s values: Caring, Friendly, Quality, Integrity and Pride.

Commitment

The role requires attendance at:

• Six in-person Board meetings per year: Four 5-hour meetings, including a formal Board meeting followed by dinner. Two all-day meetings incorporating a strategic away day and a formal Board meeting.
• Four in-person Clinical Governance Committee meetings per year, each lasting approximately two hours.

At Horder Healthcare, we are proud to champion and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all areas of our business. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to protected characteristics by applicable law. In order to streamline our recruitment process, we reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. Due to the nature of work here at Horder Healthcare, and to ensure that we remain committed to our Safeguarding policy, any applicant upon an initial offer of employment will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check). References and Occupational Health checks will also be taken up before appointment.