Trust Non-Executive Director in Manchester

We are seeking an exceptional Non-Executive Director who will bring independent thinking, constructive challenge, sound judgement and strategic insight to our Board. This is an exciting time to join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust as we deliver our strategy, Where Excellence Meets Compassion, strengthen our Operating Model and continue driving sustainable improvement. As one of England’s largest NHS Trusts, we are improving health outcomes through outstanding care, innovation, research, digital transformation and strong partnerships across Greater Manchester.

We are looking for an accomplished Board-level leader with a strong financial background gained within a large, complex organisation. As a fully qualified accountant, you will Chair the Trust’s Audit & Risk Committee, providing independent assurance on financial governance, corporate governance, internal control and risk management, while supporting the Board to deliver high-quality, sustainable services. Whether you are an experienced or first‑time Non-Executive Director, you will bring strategic insight, integrity and a commitment to public service. Above all, you will share our values and help ensure compassionate, high-quality care remains at the heart of every decision.

Main duties of the job:

• You will share our passion for improving the health and wellbeing of our diverse communities, ensuring outstanding, compassionate care remains at the heart of every decision.
• You will bring the vision and enthusiasm to support our ambitious strategy within a complex NHS landscape, helping shape the future of healthcare across Greater Manchester.
• An accomplished Board-level leader, you will provide independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic insight to support sustainable improvement and transformation.
• You will build trusted relationships with Governors, partners and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration across the system.
• You will champion equality, diversity and inclusion, while supporting effective accountability and good governance.
• You will have the commitment and capacity to fulfil the demands of the role.

At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing, and shaping the future of our organisation together.

Working for our organisation:

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe. We are an ambitious organisation, serving over 1 million patients and users annually through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are a driving force for innovation, clinical excellence, and system leadership across Greater Manchester.

As a senior leader at MFT, you will shape strategy and transformation at scale, working alongside a diverse, high‑performing executive team. Our £3bn plus turnover and leading‑edge digital infrastructure, including the Hive EPR, enable us to deliver integrated, patient‑centred care and drive continuous improvement. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, values‑led culture where your expertise, vision, and leadership will directly influence organisational direction and population health outcomes. You will have the opportunity to lead complex change, champion research and innovation, and develop future talent in a supportive, collaborative environment. Join us to make a lasting impact—on our Trust, our communities, and the future of healthcare.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

Diversity Matters: MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at restoring@mft.nhs.uk.

Background and Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior or Board level, with proven experience in large, complex organisations.
• Must have a strong financial background and be a fully qualified accountant, with the credibility and expertise to undertake the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Senior level governance experience demonstrates strong strategic planning, finance, risk, and performance management.
• Experience of leading quality improvement, performance management, and cultural change within a complex organisational setting.
• Demonstrable commercial and/or political astuteness which will translate into an ability to think and act strategically for the benefit of the Trust.
• Experience of holding high levels of accountability.

Skills, Knowledge and Personal Attributes:

• Knowledge of Manchester, Trafford, and Greater Manchester, and an understanding of local demographics and the challenges in improving population health and addressing inequalities.
• Exceptional leadership skills, engendering respect from others at all levels.
• An enthusiastic, enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively when appropriate and to hold to account.
• Commitment to working as a team member.
• An effective listener, able to weigh up arguments and summarise for others.
• Highly developed interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
• Analytical and creative, with the ability to be independent in judgement.
• Politically astute, effective negotiator, able to grasp relevant issues and understand the relationships between interested parties.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance.
• Clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities, and responsibilities of Group Non‑Executive Directors.
• Understanding of equality and diversity issues.
• Understanding of Foundation Trusts and Governor responsibilities.
• Empathy with and commitment to public service values of accountability, openness, probity, and equality of opportunity.
• Committed to improving healthcare, and supportive of collaboration across the healthcare system in Greater Manchester, in line with the principles and values of MFT.
• Ability to effectively represent the Trust to its constituents, patients, partner organisations, and regulators.