Job Description

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn



Join an award-winning, values-driven NHS Foundation Trust that is shaping the future of mental health, community, learning disability and social care services across our region and beyond.



MPFT's 10,000 colleagues deliver a diverse portfolio of local, regional and national services - from physical health and mental health care, to specialist perinatal services, eating disorders, forensics, sexual health, and healthcare in justice settings. We are proud to be recognised nationally for innovation, partnership working and high-quality, compassionate care.



At MPFT, we are United in our Uniqueness. We are committed to building an inclusive Board that brings a wide range of perspectives, experiences and challenge. Every voice strengthens our decisions and the impact we make for the people and communities we serve.



We are now seeking a new Non-Executive Director to join our established and high-performing Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are financially qualified or have substantial financial leadership experience gained in complex, highly regulated, customer-focused environments.

Non-Executive Directors have a responsibility to:

Support the Trust Chair, Chief Executive and Executive Directors in promoting the Foundation Trust's values;



Support a positive culture throughout the Foundation Trust and adopt behaviours in the boardroom and elsewhere that exemplify the corporate culture;



Contribute to the development of strategy



Constructively challenge the decisions of the Board and ensure that appropriate challenge is made;



Scrutinise the performance of the executive management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and ensuring that any required action is taken;



Satisfy themselves as to the integrity of clinical, financial, and other information;



Satisfy themselves that clinical quality controls, financial and systems of risk management and governance are sound and that they are used;



Commission and use external advice as necessary;



Ensure that they receive adequate information in the form that they specify and to monitor the reporting of performance.



Determining appropriate levels of remuneration of Executive Directors;



Participating in the appraisal of Executive Directors, their fellow Non-Executive Directors and the Chair;



Appointing the Chief Executive (subject to approval by the Council of Governors);



Appointing other Executive Directors



Where necessary, removing Executive Directors; and



Succession planning for key executive posts.



Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.



We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.



We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.



We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.



Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications



Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.



The Role of a NED at MPFT



As an NHS Foundation Trust, our Non-Executive Directors play a vital role in ensuring:



Strong and effective governance

Robust scrutiny of quality, finance and performance

Accountability to our members and communities through the Council of Governors

Sound stewardship of public money



NED's bring independence, constructive challenge and assurance, helping us balance quality, operational delivery and financial sustainability while remaining focused on our purpose: making life better for the people we serve .



Who we're looking for



We invite applications from experienced NEDs and those seeking their first board role as a NED. We are seeking to recruit and individual who:



Bring strong financial acumen or financial qualification

Understand the dynamics and pressures of large, complex organisations

Have experience in partnership-rich sectors such as social care, local government, education, voluntary and community services, or primary care

Are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and improving outcomes

Share a passion for the communities MPFT serves and the difference our services make



If you share our values and want to contribute to a Trust that is ambitious, compassionate and continually improving, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Closing date:

12 January 2026

Stakeholder panels :

3 February 2026

Final interviews :

4 February 2026

To find out more:

contact our Chair Jackie Small at Jacqueline.Small@mpft.nhs.uk , or alternatively our Director or Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary at Richard.Morris@mpft.nhs.uk .