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Job overview
We are seeking an exceptional Non-Executive Director who will bring independent thinking, constructive challenge, sound judgement and strategic insight to our Board.
This is an exciting time to join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust as we deliver our strategy, Where Excellence Meets Compassion, strengthen our Operating Model and continue driving sustainable improvement. As one of England's largest NHS Trusts, we are improving health outcomes through outstanding care, innovation, research, digital transformation and strong partnerships across Greater Manchester.
We are looking for an accomplished Board-level leader with a strong financial background gained within a large, complex organisation. As a fully qualified accountant, you will Chair the Trust's Audit & Risk Committee, providing independent assurance on financial governance, corporate governance, internal control and risk management, while supporting the Board to deliver high-quality, sustainable services.
Whether you are an experienced or first-time Non-Executive Director, you will bring strategic insight, integrity and a commitment to public service. Above all, you will share our values and help ensure compassionate, high-quality care remains at the heart of every decision.
Main duties of the job
- You will share our passion for improving the health and wellbeing of our diverse communities, ensuring outstanding, compassionate care remains at the heart of every decision.
- You will bring the vision and enthusiasm to support our ambitious strategy within a complex NHS landscape, helping shape the future of healthcare across Greater Manchester.
- An accomplished Board-level leader, you will provide independent judgement, constructive challenge and strategic insight to support sustainable improvement and transformation.
- As a fully qualified accountant, you will bring expertise in financial leadership, corporate governance, risk management and assurance, with the credibility to Chair the Trust's Audit & Risk Committee.
- You will build trusted relationships with Governors, partners and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration across the system.
- You will champion equality, diversity and inclusion, while supporting effective accountability and good governance.
- You will have the commitment and capacity to fulfil the demands of the role.
At MFT, we create and foster a culture of inclusion and belonging, provide equal opportunities for career development that are fair, open and transparent, protecting your health and wellbeing, and shaping the future of our organisation together.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To support this vacancy, we have developed a bespoke 'Candidate Information Pack' which provides specific information about the role and the Assessment and Selection Process. To request a copy of this pack, to arrange a confidential conversation or to find out more and to apply, please contact our Executive Search Partner; Hunter Healthcare; James McLeod via telephone on 07842424530 or via email at jmcleod@hunter-healthcare.com.
Diversity Matters
MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, email our team at resourcing@mft.nhs.uk.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Person specification
Background and Experience
Essential
- Experience of operating at a senior or Board level, with proven experience in large, complex organisations. Must have a strong financial background and be a fully qualified accountant, with the credibility and expertise to undertake the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Senior level governance experience demonstrates strong strategic planning, finance, risk, and performance management.
- Experience of leading quality improvement, performance management, and cultural change within a complex organisational setting.
- Demonstrable commercial and/or political astuteness which will translate into an ability to think and act strategically for the benefit of the Trust.
- Experience of holding high levels of accountability.
Skills, Knowledge and Persoanl Attributes
Essential
- Exceptional leadership skills, engendering respect from others at all levels.
- An enthusiastic, enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively when appropriate and to hold to account.
- Commitment to working as a team member.
- An effective listener, able to weigh up arguments and summarise for others.
- Highly developed interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
- Analytical and creative, with the ability to be independent in judgement.
- Politically astute, effective negotiator, able to grasp relevant issues and understand the relationships between interested parties.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance.
- Clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities, and responsibilities of Group Non-Executive Directors.
- Understanding of equality and diversity issues.
- Understanding of Foundation Trusts and Governor responsibilities.
- Empathy with and commitment to public service values of accountability, openness, probity, and equality of opportunity.
- Committed to improving healthcare, and supportive of collaboration across the healthcare system in Greater Manchester, in line with the principles and values of MFT.
- Ability to effectively represent the Trust to its constituents, patients, partner organisations, and regulators.
- Knowledge of Manchester, Trafford, and Greater Manchester, and an understanding of local demographics and the challenges in improving population health and addressing inequalities.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Trust Non-Executive Director with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, North West, England. It is listed as a Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is Negotiable. The contract type is Fixed term: 3 years (.). The application deadline is 02 Sep 2026.
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