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Job overview

The Chair’s main role is to provide clear leadership of the unitary Board, and create the development conditions for the Board to work effectively to deliver its unitary functions, demonstrate an ability to set the Board Agenda and lead the other Non-Executive Directors in supporting and holding the Executive to account for the satisfactory operation and management of the Foundation Trust whilst at the same time ensuring the Board plays a full role in the determination and development of the organisation’s strategy. The Chair will lead both the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors and is the Trust’s representative within the local community. The Chair will demonstrate and ensure high standards of probity and governance prevail and that the Trust remains within the terms of its Provider Licence.

The Board of Directors collectively are responsible for the success of the Trust, by directing and supervising its affairs. This includes responsibility to maintain financial viability, using resources effectively within appropriate financial controls, ensuring high levels of probity and value for money and to deliver high standards of clinical governance, ensuring that all relevant health standards are met.

Main duties of the job

The Chair of Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust must devote sufficient time to ensure satisfactory discharge of their duties. This will be on average 3 days per week. This will comprise a mixture of set commitments (such as a board meetings and committee meetings) and more flexible arrangements for ad hoc events, reading and preparation. Most of the time commitment will be during the working day. However, some evening work will be required.

You should also note that this post is a public appointment or statutory office rather than a job and is therefore not subject to the provisions of employment law. To ensure that public service values are maintained at the heart of the National Health Service, Chairs are required to subscribe to the Code of Conduct and Standing Orders and Standing Financial instructions for the Foundation Trust.

As Chair you must demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct. You will be required to declare any conflict of interest that arises in the course of Board business and also declare any relevant business interests, positions of authority or with other connections with commercial, public or voluntary bodies. These will be published in the annual report with details of all Board members’ remuneration from NHS sources.

Working for our organisation

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has a rich history of providing healthcare to the people of Reading, West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, touching the lives of more than half a million of our residents every year. We are committed to innovation, always looking ahead to the challenges of the future, the health and wellbeing of the people we serve and developing and investing in our amazing staff.

This is a challenging time to be working in the NHS, but it is also one rich in opportunity and we know that we are in a strong position to deliver on our vision of working together to provide outstanding care for our community.