Associate Non Executive Director (HR) in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing healthcare at its best, with people at our heart. We have over 2 million patient contacts each year in our main hospitals, making us one of the biggest providers of specialist care in the UK, and we serve people from across the whole of the North East, North Cumbria and beyond. We are continuing our journey to improve pathways and deliver high-quality care through the Great North Healthcare Alliance, working collaboratively with partner trusts across Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumbria and North Cumbria.

Our Trust is continuing its improvement journey in response to the findings of our CQC inspection reports, and we now have an opportunity to appoint a new Non-Executive Director (NED) with People expertise to join our Board from October 2026, on the retirement of the current People NED. To aid effective succession planning, the successful individual will initially commence as an Associate Non-Executive Director and will then move into the substantive post from 1 October 2026, subject to a satisfactory performance review and recommendation from the Chair.

Main duties of the role

• The role of a Trust NED is to support the Board of Directors in providing an independent view on the Trust’s strategy, to oversee implementation of national strategies and regulatory compliance, and to work collaboratively with our Council of Governors.
• As a NED with people expertise you will become the Chair of the Trust People Committee from October 2026.
• Participation in the work of the Board of Directors and to contribute to the development of the Trust’s strategy.
• Constructively challenge the performance of the Trust, with a specific focus on HR/people matters such as analysis of the Trust staff survey results.
• Engage regularly with the Council of Governors and ensure the Trust is accountable to its membership via the Council of Governors.
• Prepare for, attend, and contribute to Board of Directors' meetings, Committees of the Board as agreed with the Chair, Council of Governors' meetings, and Board.

Person Specification

As a NED, you are required to provide independence of thought and constructive challenge as well as support executives and demonstrate commitment to the enduring values of NHS. Essential criteria for the role includes:

• Board or senior level people/HR leadership experience gained in a large and complex organisation with experience as a member of a Board Committee.
• A qualified HR professional with current professional registration or substantial senior HR leadership experience.
• An understanding of and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are interested not just in your professional qualifications; we are interested in the difference and insights your knowledge, expertise from your background, experience, training or career progression will bring to Board discussions and how they will contribute to the effective governance and diversity of the Trust Board.

Outline Terms

The initial remuneration as an Associate NED is £13,000 per annum, before moving to £15,000 per annum as a substantive NED. There is a time commitment of around 4-5 days per month on-site in Newcastle.

How to apply

Applications should be emailed to Scot McHarg, our appointed recruitment consultant at NRG Executive, at scotmcharg@nrgplc.com. If 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 for referees that cover a period of 6 years from the date of your application. Your referees should be individuals in a line management capacity.
• Details of any dates when you will not be available for interview.

Closing date 7th April 2026

Interview date 29th April 2026

Remuneration £13,000

Informal Discussions

For an initial informal discussion about the role, please contact Scot McHarg at NRG Executive, via scotmcharg@nrgplc.com. NRG Executive are supporting the Trust with these appointments and can provide further information about the opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion Policy

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our existing Board, and positively improving the balance of people from ethnic minority backgrounds. To support this, we encourage applications from people in minoritised communities whose background, experience and identity will broaden and enhance a balance of perspectives in navigating the challenges we face going forward.

Eligibility

Please 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. Disclosure and Barring Service Check: Given 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. A Disclosure and Barring Services check will be sought. Applications will be assessed on merit as part of a fair and open process, from the widest possible pool of candidates.