Job summary We are seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Chair to Cumbria Health, playing a key role in helping us to shape and deliver our organisational strategy (Road Map). The right candidate for this role will not only have the experience, skills and aptitudes to add real value to our Board of Directors, they will also hold personal values closely aligned to those of the organisation. They will also be rooted in the communities we serve, with demonstrable understanding of and connection to the unique challenges our Cumbrian population, rurality and health economy presents. Cumbria Health places the patient, their family and their community at the heart of everything we do. We are values-driven and place great emphasis on inclusivity and the wellbeing and development of our staff, while striving to provide a consistently high-quality service. In application for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter demonstrating your suitability and motivation for applying for this role. Applications will close at midnight on 3rd November 2024, with interviews scheduled week commencing 2nd December 2024. Main duties of the job The role of the Chair includes setting the strategy and values of Cumbria Health whilst maintaining regulatory compliance, ensuring high levels of accountability, probity and value for money, whilst delivering high standards of clinical and corporate governance. One of the key responsibilities of the Chair is strategic leadership in setting the strategic direction and priorities of Cumbria Health in conjunction with the Board, and ensuring they operate effectively and in accordance with the highest standards of governance. The Chair will also ensure that Cumbria Health is run in a transparent, equitable and fair manner, ensuring enabling Directors to fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance. The Chair will be responsible for chairing Board meetings, ensuring that they are productive, well organised and focused on strategic direction. The Chair will also oversee the implementation of Board decisions and ensure the organisation's activities align with its strategic goals. The Chair will, as a member of a unitary Board of Directors share responsibility with, and have the same liability as, the Executive and Non-Executive Directors for the risk and performance of Cumbria Health, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and ethical standards. The Chair will also lead Board development, ensuring the recruitment and induction of new members, whilst facilitating ongoing Board development and training, to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. About us We are an award-winning Social Enterprise organisation; the first out-of-hours organisation in the country to be rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We provide primary health care services, both in and out of hours, across Cumbria. Our service is designed to improve health and wellbeing. We support people to keep physically and mentally well, to get better when they are ill, and when they cannot fully recover, we provide compassionate end-of-life care. Date posted 09 October 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary Depending on experience Contract Fixed term Duration 4 years Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number B0554-24-0143 Job locations Cumbria Health 4 Wavell Drive, Rosehill Industrial Estate Carlisle CA1 2SE Job description Job responsibilities Leadership Guide and direct the governance process of the Board, focusing the work of the Board on the organisation's Values, with a focus on being Clinically Focused, Being Responsive, One Team, Growth & Sustainability, Communities, and High Standards. Provide visible strategic leadership in developing a positive culture for Cumbria Health, ensuring that this is reflected and modelled in the Board of Directors behaviour and decision-making. Pro-actively direct and manage major decisions of the Board of Directors, facilitating the effective contribution of individual Directors. Ensure that due process and constructive challenge has been applied at all stages of decision making and full and complete consideration has been given to all options during the process. Communication and Relationships Provide support and guidance to the CEO ensuring they have the resources and support needed to manage the organisation effectively. Determine when an issue needs to be brought to the attention of the full Board. Ensure that the Board of Directors promote equality and diversity for all patients, staff and other stakeholders. Be an ambassador for Cumbria Health, promoting the interests of the organisation and representing its views to national, regional and local bodies or individuals. Develop a positive, collaborative relationship with all of the Cumbria Health Team through positive communication channels. Performance Appraisal Lead the process of the Organisation's and Chief Executive's goal-setting and performance evaluation, consistent with Board policy. Maintain an overview of the appraisal of the Chief Executive. Be responsible, in conjunction with the Board, for their own personal development and ensure that this remains a priority Human Resources Where necessary, assist in the appointment or removal of executive and non- executive directors and contribute to the determination of appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors. Governance Oversee the investigation of grievances or complaints involving the Executive Team and report accordingly to the Board as necessary. Work with the CEO/FD to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organisation. Oversee the appointment of, where appropriate, any sub-committee chairs and members, subject to Board approval. Establish agendas for Board meetings in collaboration with the Chief Executive. Chair Board of Directors meetings in a manner that encourages participation and information sharing, while moving the Board towards a timely closure and prudent decision-making, that are focused on strategic issues. Ensure the provision of accurate, timely and clear financial and clinical quality information to directors. Be aware of and understand relevant, regulatory and central government policies and local issues. Where so appointed, chair or as a member, take an active part in committees (including the remuneration committee) established by the Board of Directors to exercise delegated responsibility. Have oversight of the Freedom to Speak up Guardian (FTSUG) ensuring that the processes is in place for openness and transparency within this framework, and ensuring it is managed through an effective system of internal control with accountable arrangements in place for the Associate Director of Workforce to feed directly to the Chair. Board Development Lead the process of recruiting and inducting new Board members. Facilitate ongoing Board development and training to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Conduct regular evaluations of Board performance and address any areas for improvement. Stakeholder Engagement and Influence To act as a spokesperson and ambassador for Cumbria Health representing the organisation at key events, conferences, meetings and in the media. To foster strong relationships with members, partners, government bodies and other stakeholders. To promote the interests of Social Enterprise diverse Primary Care providers, both locally and nationally. Job description Job responsibilities Leadership Guide and direct the governance process of the Board, focusing the work of the Board on the organisation's Values, with a focus on being Clinically Focused, Being Responsive, One Team, Growth & Sustainability, Communities, and High Standards. Provide visible strategic leadership in developing a positive culture for Cumbria Health, ensuring that this is reflected and modelled in the Board of Directors behaviour and decision-making. Pro-actively direct and manage major decisions of the Board of Directors, facilitating the effective contribution of individual Directors. Ensure that due process and constructive challenge has been applied at all stages of decision making and full and complete consideration has been given to all options during the process. Communication and Relationships Provide support and guidance to the CEO ensuring they have the resources and support needed to manage the organisation effectively. Determine when an issue needs to be brought to the attention of the full Board. Ensure that the Board of Directors promote equality and diversity for all patients, staff and other stakeholders. Be an ambassador for Cumbria Health, promoting the interests of the organisation and representing its views to national, regional and local bodies or individuals. Develop a positive, collaborative relationship with all of the Cumbria Health Team through positive communication channels. Performance Appraisal Lead the process of the Organisation's and Chief Executive's goal-setting and performance evaluation, consistent with Board policy. Maintain an overview of the appraisal of the Chief Executive. Be responsible, in conjunction with the Board, for their own personal development and ensure that this remains a priority Human Resources Where necessary, assist in the appointment or removal of executive and non- executive directors and contribute to the determination of appropriate levels of remuneration of executive directors. Governance Oversee the investigation of grievances or complaints involving the Executive Team and report accordingly to the Board as necessary. Work with the CEO/FD to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organisation. Oversee the appointment of, where appropriate, any sub-committee chairs and members, subject to Board approval. Establish agendas for Board meetings in collaboration with the Chief Executive. Chair Board of Directors meetings in a manner that encourages participation and information sharing, while moving the Board towards a timely closure and prudent decision-making, that are focused on strategic issues. Ensure the provision of accurate, timely and clear financial and clinical quality information to directors. Be aware of and understand relevant, regulatory and central government policies and local issues. Where so appointed, chair or as a member, take an active part in committees (including the remuneration committee) established by the Board of Directors to exercise delegated responsibility. Have oversight of the Freedom to Speak up Guardian (FTSUG) ensuring that the processes is in place for openness and transparency within this framework, and ensuring it is managed through an effective system of internal control with accountable arrangements in place for the Associate Director of Workforce to feed directly to the Chair. Board Development Lead the process of recruiting and inducting new Board members. Facilitate ongoing Board development and training to enhance the effectiveness of the Board. Conduct regular evaluations of Board performance and address any areas for improvement. Stakeholder Engagement and Influence To act as a spokesperson and ambassador for Cumbria Health representing the organisation at key events, conferences, meetings and in the media. To foster strong relationships with members, partners, government bodies and other stakeholders. To promote the interests of Social Enterprise diverse Primary Care providers, both locally and nationally. Person Specification Qualifications Essential No specific qualifications are required for this position. Desirable Degree level or higher management/leadership qualification or equivalent. Corporate Contribution Essential Proven leadership skills and the ability to work as a team member. Ability to formulate strategy and understand priorities. Knowledge of the operation of a Not-for-Profit organisation. Ability to make constructive contribution to an organisations key objectives and strategies. Ability to build constructive relationships with other Directors, Commissioners, colleagues and members of the public. Desirable Knowledge of the operation of Social Enterprises. Equal Opportunities Essential Commitment to incorporating Equal Opportunities and diversity and inclusion principles in all aspects of work. Skills and Aptitudes Essential Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills. Excellent organisational and decision-making skills. Ability to chair meetings. Ability to think strategically. Able to observe and respect confidentiality. Ability to provide constructive challenge and support. Ability to represent Cumbria Health to outside bodies. Experience Essential Significant leadership and management experience. Experience of the operations of a public, service-based organisation. Experience of working with or within a senior management team. Experience of corporate governance and Board responsibility. Experience of writing and presenting reports. Experience of reviewing, developing and implementing business strategies and policies. Person Specification Qualifications Essential No specific qualifications are required for this position. Desirable Degree level or higher management/leadership qualification or equivalent. Corporate Contribution Essential Proven leadership skills and the ability to work as a team member. Ability to formulate strategy and understand priorities. Knowledge of the operation of a Not-for-Profit organisation. Ability to make constructive contribution to an organisations key objectives and strategies. Ability to build constructive relationships with other Directors, Commissioners, colleagues and members of the public. Desirable Knowledge of the operation of Social Enterprises. Equal Opportunities Essential Commitment to incorporating Equal Opportunities and diversity and inclusion principles in all aspects of work. Skills and Aptitudes Essential Excellent communication, interpersonal and networking skills. Excellent organisational and decision-making skills. Ability to chair meetings. Ability to think strategically. Able to observe and respect confidentiality. Ability to provide constructive challenge and support. Ability to represent Cumbria Health to outside bodies. Experience Essential Significant leadership and management experience. Experience of the operations of a public, service-based organisation. Experience of working with or within a senior management team. Experience of corporate governance and Board responsibility. Experience of writing and presenting reports. Experience of reviewing, developing and implementing business strategies and policies. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Cumbria Health Address Cumbria Health 4 Wavell Drive, Rosehill Industrial Estate Carlisle CA1 2SE Employer's website https://www.chocltd.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)