Non-Executive Director Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) is one of the UK’s leading integrated healthcare providers, delivering mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability services across Cheshire, Wirral and beyond. Working alongside local communities, service users, carers and partners, we support people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life through compassionate, person-centred care.

We are seeking outstanding individuals to join our Board as Non-Executive Directors at an exciting time for both the Trust and the wider NHS. As health and care systems continue to evolve, Non-Executive Directors play a vital role in supporting and constructively challenging the Executive team, ensuring strong governance and helping the Trust remain focused on delivering safe, effective and sustainable services.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places service users, carers, staff and local communities at the centre of decision-making. You will join a Board renowned for its openness, collaboration and authenticity, where diverse perspectives are welcomed and where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to Board discussions.

Who we are

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was established in 2002 and became one of the first mental health foundation trusts in the North of England in 2007. Today, CWP provides a wide range of services including:

• Mental health services
• Learning disability services
• Community physical health services
• Autism and neurodevelopmental services
• Primary care and GP services
• Specialist regional services

The Trust employs more than 5000 staff across over 70 sites and provides services for more than one million people, alongside specialist services reaching a population of around two million across the North West.

Our Vision
Working in partnership to improve health and wellbeing through high-quality, person-centred care.

Our Values
Everything we do is underpinned by our Six Cs:

• Care
• Compassion
• Competence
• Communication
• Courage
• Commitment

These values shape how we work with patients, carers, communities and one another.

About the role

This is not a typical NHS Non-Executive Director role.

CWP’s Board culture is recognised for being collaborative, authentic and inclusive. The Board values people who are curious, thoughtful and willing to contribute their own experiences and perspectives.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who may not have previously considered a Non-Executive Director role, including strategic leaders from complex organisations who have cross-sector, board and/or leadership level experience within:

• Voluntary and community organisations
• Social enterprises
• Education
• Public services
• Community leadership roles
• Organisations focused on inclusion and social impact

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage interest from groups currently underrepresented at Board level.

Who we are looking for

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who bring:

• Strategic leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• The ability to provide constructive challenge while building effective relationships.
• Experience working within complex organisations and partnerships.
• A commitment to public service and improving outcomes for communities.
• A passion for reducing inequalities and championing inclusion.
• Curiosity, emotional intelligence and the confidence to ask questions from a different perspective.

Applications are welcomed from first-time Non-Executive Directors as well as those with existing Board experience. Experience may have been gained within healthcare, local government, education, charities, social enterprises, the voluntary sector or commercial organisations. What matters most is your values, perspective and commitment to making a positive difference.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

Experience

• Experience operating at Board or senior strategic leadership level.
• Experience within a complex organisation or system environment.
• Ability to contribute to governance, oversight and organisational improvement.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of governance, assurance, risk and performance management.
• Appreciation of the challenges facing health and care services.
• Experience building productive partnerships and collaborative relationships.
• Ability to provide supportive challenge and independent judgement.

Personal Attributes

• Strong alignment with public service values.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Genuine interest in improving outcomes for people and communities.
• Emotional intelligence, self-awareness and curiosity.
• Ability to listen, engage and build trust with diverse groups of people.

Above all, we are seeking people who can champion the voices of service users, carers and communities while helping shape the future direction of the Trust.

Time commitment

Time commitment: approximately 4 to 5 days per month, with a strong expectation of attending meetings, service visits and engagement activities in person across the Trust’s geographical footprint.

Remuneration is £15,000 per annum.