Non-Executive Director

We 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 role

• Work alongside the Chair, other Independent Non-Executive Members and Executive Directors as a full member of the Board.
• Be individually and collectively accountable with other Board Members for the success of the organisation.
• Constructively challenge the decisions of the Board and help develop proposals on priorities, risk mitigation, values, standards and strategies.
• Serve 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.

About us

The 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 responsibilities

• 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 ICB.
• Promoting open and transparent decision-making that facilitates consensus aimed at delivering exceptional outcomes for the population.
• Work alongside other non-executives and executive colleagues as an equal member of the Board.
• Hold the executive to account by providing purposeful, constructive scrutiny and challenge.
• Shape and actively support a healthy culture for the ICB.
• Chair meetings in an inclusive way in line with the ICB's values.

Person Specification

Knowledge, Experience and Skills required within the following competency areas:

• Setting strategy and delivering long-term transformation.
• Strong knowledge of the health, care, local government and/or voluntary sector landscape.
• Ability to operate confidently in complex, politically sensitive environments.
• Proven experience leading strategic change at senior level, bringing together diverse stakeholder interests.
• Building trusted relationships with partners and communities.
• Understanding of diverse sectors, networks and population needs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across varied audiences.
• Highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across organisational and professional boundaries.
• Leading for social justice and health equality.
• Awareness of social justice principles and their application within an Integrated Care System.
• Track record of promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in leadership roles.
• Personal insight and lived experience that strengthens Board-level discussion and decision-making.
• Driving high-quality, sustainable outcomes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to identify risks and issues early and guide stakeholders towards effective resolution.
• Providing robust governance and assurance.
• Sound understanding of corporate governance principles.
• Ability to act independently and with integrity.
• Experience contributing effectively at very senior-level meetings within complex organisations.
• Creating a compassionate and inclusive culture.
• Demonstrates respectful, inclusive and compassionate leadership.
• Champions openness, transparency and the principles of public life.
• Actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion for Boards, patients and staff.

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 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 2026

Interview date: To be confirmed

Remuneration: Between £13,000 - £16,000 per annum

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