Job Description

This is a role for a joint Non-Executive Director with a finance background to sit on the Boards of both Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) and Wirral Community Health and Care (WCHC).



It is expected that the Finance focused Non-Executive Director will chair the Finance Committees for both Trusts and will support the organisations in external financial meetings and discussions, where appropriate. The Finance focused Non-Executive Director will have significant experience of NHS Finance and be able to communicate clearly and effectively on finance related issues, and both Trusts' financial positions, risks, opportunities, and challenges.



To support the Trusts by contributing to and supporting the Boards of both organisations.



Collectively, the Board of Directors is responsible for the performance of the organisation and Non-Executive Directors play a vital and independent role in developing strategy and setting the direction of the Trust as well as overseeing the performance of the Executive Directors to meet the agreed goals and objectives of the Trust.



Each Board of Directors of WCHC and WUTH are collectively responsible for the success by directing and supervising its affairs. This includes responsibility to maintain delivery of high standards of patient care and financial viability, using resources effectively within appropriate financial controls, ensuring high levels of probity and value for money, delivering high standards of clinical governance, and ensuring that all health standards are met.



Responsibility for the exercise of the powers and for the performance of the organisation therefore rests with the Board of Directors which must provide active leadership to ensure that each Trust exercises its functions effectively, efficiently, and economically.



Play a pivotal role in determining and delivering each of the Trust's vision and strategy in a healthcare environment of increasing complexity and regulatory pressure.



They chair key committees of the Board of Directors and act as advocates to position the organisation within the local health and social care economy.



All new colleagues can expect to receive a warm and friendly Wirral welcome from the very first time they make contact with us. We are described as "competent and caring staff" by our patients.



Situated on The Wirral peninsula which has a stunning coastline and beautiful countryside surroundings, with great activities for its residents.



Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest and busiest acute Trusts in the Northwest of England, comprising of the Wirral's only Emergency Department. We provide a high-quality range of acute care services and employ over 6,000 staff, who serve a population of approximately 400,000 people across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, North Wales, and the wider Northwest footprint.



WUTH has approximately 855 beds trust-wide, and our financial turnover is in excess of 337m.



Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has been rated as Good by CQC (Dec 2023) with some outstanding areas.



As an aspiring outstanding Trust, we have numerous policies and procedures in place which provide standard organisational ways of working, in line with organisational objectives, relevant legislation and requirements. Policies allow for continuity and consistency within the Trust.



The Wirral is easily accessible with excellent transport links including motorway, train, bus, or ferry and within easy reach to the major cities of Liverpool, Chester, and Manchester as well as neighbouring North Wales.



People / Leadership



Ensure the proper governance of each Trust, that it complies with the right laws and regulations, that its strategies are robust, its business plans achieved, and stakeholder and patient interests are protected

Be independent minded, have integrity and gain the respect of other Board members.

Have the ability to analyse Board papers and other statistics and elicit the knowledge needed to perform

the role effectively while respecting executive operational responsibility and authority

Establish and maintain structured contact with fellow Non-Executive Directors to share best practice between meetings

Model each Trust values, ensure these are widely communicated and that the behaviour of the Board is entirely consistent with those values

Ensure high standards of corporate governance and personal integrity

Work effectively with stakeholders, including each Council of Governors and public membership through a programme of engagement events and activities

Provide independent scrutiny ensuring excellence in management

Attend and contribute to each Board of Directors' meetings and assigned meetings of key governance committees and Board development activities

Attend the annual members' meeting for each Trust and meetings with the Council of Governors and its subgroups, as appropriate

Provide advice and guidance on issues relevant to specific skills, expertise, and experience

Act as an ambassador for each Trust Strategy

As a member of the Board of Directors contribute to the setting of each Trust's strategic vision, aims and objectives ensuring the necessary resources are in place

Monitor delivery of the Annual Plan

Assist each Board in undertaking a wide-ranging review of commercial development in order to respond to

the requirements of our various commissioners.



Strategy



As a member of the Board of Directors contribute to the setting of each Trust's strategic vision, aims and objectives ensuring the necessary resources are in place



Monitor delivery of the Annual Plan

Assist each Board in undertaking a wide-ranging review of commercial development in order to respond to the requirements of our various commissioners.



Performance



Ensure each Trust operates effectively, efficiently, and economically

Ensure continuing financial viability and long-term sustainability

Ensure each Trust achieves financial, and quality targets and meets the requirements of stakeholders within available resources

Undertake such training as is necessary to fulfil the role, including any mandatory training requirements

Participate in an annual review and appraisal with the Chair



Governance



Ensure that there is a comprehensive framework of governance and system of internal control and that risks are effectively managed

Ensure compliance with regulatory standards

Ensure that there is a systematic delivery of excellent, safe, compassionate care that is patient and family centred

Ensure each Board of Directors works in conjunction with the Council of Governors to promote the interests of Foundation Trust members

Determine the appropriate level of remuneration for Executive Directors (through membership of the Remuneration & Terms of Service committee)

As Chair and members of committees of the Board of Directors ensure information flows are timely and appropriate and the necessary assurances are sought and reported effectively

Effectively engage with key stakeholders



Key relationships

Non-Executive Directors' key relationships are with:

Trust Chair

Non-Executive Directors

Executive Directors including the Directors of Corporate Affairs

Governors

Chief Executive