New Aspirant Chair Programme

Aspirant Chair programme  

There is emphatic evidence that diverse boards make the best decisions. We want to increase the diversity of our boards and particularly encourage interest from women, people from the local Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBT communities, younger people and those with lived experience of disability, who we know are all under-represented in chair roles.

Cathy Elliot, Designate Chair of West Yorkshire and Harrogate Integrated Care System and former Chair of Bradford District Care Trust, benefited from the programme – read her case study

“I was honoured to be offered the Chair role with Bradford District Care. Be prepared to be busy and little overwhelmed when you’re initially offered the role. There is much to take in and to do whilst it all being very exciting! Thanks to NHS England and my mentor for their support in reaching this point.”

Are you an NHS provider board non-executive director planning to apply for a Chair role in the next 12 to 18 months?

NHS England recognises the vital role of chairs in leading NHS boards to deliver high quality healthcare and great patient experience. We also know that becoming an NHS provider chair requires a dynamic and strategic skill set coupled with public service values, and a commitment to the core mission of the NHS and its Constitution.

At a strategic level, as we move to systems working, the leadership role of chairs in NHS providers is key to the delivery of the Long Term Plan and the supporting People Plan, particularly Improving Leadership Culture.

NHS England has developed the Aspirant Chair Programme to support the development of a pipeline of strong and diverse candidates for future chair roles on NHS provider boards. Several non-executive directors have stepped up to their first chair role following completion of this development programme. It builds the skills, experience and knowledge needed to become a chair, leading a high performing successful NHS organisation.

The programme requires commitment and drive and you should be prepared to attend a series of five day events  over the course of the year plus time with your assigned mentor, time observing other relevant boards and meetings, and reflecting and writing up your learning to inform your development plan.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Aspirant Chair programme please contact Keely Howard, Senior Programme Manager, Non-executive Development [email protected]