Job summary
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is seeking a new Chair to guide our Board of Directors and Council of Governors through a critical and exciting next chapter.
This is a rewarding opportunity for a seasoned, strategic leader to steer one of Greater Manchester's most collaborative and high-performing NHS Foundation Trusts - at a time when both national and local health systems are undergoing profound change.
Please be advised we are looking for applications via CV and covering letter to support your application to jp@seymourjohn.com using thesubject "WWL Chair application". Applications will not be progressed on TRAC.
We are proud to serve our communities not just as a healthcare provider but as an anchor institution, with over 70% of our workforce living within five miles of our sites. We work hand-in-hand with our local authority, voluntary sector and education partners to improve outcomes across health, employment, education and wellbeing.
Our Strategy 2030 sets a bold vision for the future of care at WWL - centred on improvement, integration and innovation. As Chair, you will ensure the Board remains focused on our goals to deliver excellent patient care, strengthen community-based services, and lead on transformation - all while navigating increasing system demands, financial pressures and workforce challenges.
At the same time, as the NHS enters a new era with the publishing of the national 10-year plan our new Chair must be prepared to lead in this context: confident at regional and system level, and committed to securing WWL's voice and autonomy within the wider Greater Manchester Integrated Care System.
Closing date for applications ismidnight Monday 11th August 2025 with final interviews expected to take place W/C 6th October 2025.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for someone who can:
- Provide visible, compassionate and values-based leadership
- Navigate complex internal and external relationships with clarity and tact
- Support and challenge the Executive team through a period of change
- Uphold our governance, transparency and focus on outcomes
- Represent WWL credibly with national regulators, local partners and communities
You will be joining a committed and cohesive Board with a high-performing executive team and an ambitious CEO. The groundwork is in place - what we need now is a Chair who can help us deliver.
You do not need to be from the NHS, but public sector experience, knowledge of regulated industries or a deep understanding of place-based partnership working would be beneficial. We especially welcome applications from candidates bringing diverse perspectives, life experience, and a reflective, people-first leadership style.
Further information about the role and how to apply is available in the attached Candidate Information Pack.
If you believe in the power of public service and want to leave a legacy of health, inclusion and improvement - we'd love to hear from you.
Visit www.wwlopportunities.co.uk for the full candidate pack.
For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained recruitment partner Jonathan Phillips at Seymour John on 07817 988490 or email jp@seymourjohn.com.
About us
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
On-Call
Please note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chair leads the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors, ensuring the highest standards of governance, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement. This includes maintaining financial viability, patient safety, and organisational integrity. The Chair is a key representative of the Trust, setting a tone of openness, compassion and accountability.
Leadership and Strategy Provide visible, dynamic, and aspirational leadership to the Board, aligning culture and behaviours with the Trusts values. Ensure long-term strategic direction, transformation, and financial sustainability, working closely with the Chief Executive. Guide the Board in overseeing the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centred care, including strategic plans like Better Lives and the People and Culture Strategy. Establish clear objectives and lead the Board in monitoring performance and managing risks. Represent WWL within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System, influencing system strategy and collaboration.Governance and Compliance Promote and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics, and NHS values. Promoting equality of opportunity and human rights in the treatment of all staff and patients by ensuring that the Trusts internal governance arrangements conform with best practice and statutory requirements Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, including the Provider Licence, NHS Constitution, CQC standards, and the Trusts Constitution. Ensure financial control and value for money through prudent oversight and compliance with NHS England frameworks. Support the Director of Corporate Governance to ensure the effectiveness of the Boards systems, committees, and assurance processes.
Board Performance and Relationships Foster an environment of effective teamwork, challenge, and collective decision- making. Chair Board and committee meetings, ensuring productive and inclusive discussion and proper scrutiny of executive decisions. Lead on the annual evaluation and development of the Board, its committees, and individual members. Support and appraise the Chief Executive and ensure regular evaluation of Non- Executive Directors performance. Facilitate appropriate succession planning and skills development across the Board.
Council of Governors Establish an effective and constructive working relationship with the Council of Governors, ensuring they are well-informed and able to fulfil their statutory duties. Lead the Council in holding Non-Executive Directors to account and in its role in key appointments, planning, and oversight. Ensure clear, timely, and transparent communication with Governors on Trust strategy, performance, and quality matters. Support the training and development of Governors to strengthen engagement and effectiveness.Stakeholder Engagement and Representation Act as an ambassador for the Trust, its patients and staff; developing and maintaining relationships with local, regional, and national stakeholders. Work with partners across health, care, local authority, education, and voluntary sectors to support system-wide improvement. Support public, member and patient engagement strategies that enhance WWLs role as an anchor institution in the borough. Ensure that the Trust contributes to integrated care developments and community health priorities.
Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974: The post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide an acceptable Fit and Proper Person declaration in order to progress to the later stages of the recruitment process.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Chair leads the Board of Directors and the Council of Governors, ensuring the highest standards of governance, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement. This includes maintaining financial viability, patient safety, and organisational integrity. The Chair is a key representative of the Trust, setting a tone of openness, compassion and accountability.
Leadership and Strategy Provide visible, dynamic, and aspirational leadership to the Board, aligning culture and behaviours with the Trusts values. Ensure long-term strategic direction, transformation, and financial sustainability, working closely with the Chief Executive. Guide the Board in overseeing the delivery of high-quality, safe, and patient-centred care, including strategic plans like Better Lives and the People and Culture Strategy. Establish clear objectives and lead the Board in monitoring performance and managing risks. Represent WWL within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System, influencing system strategy and collaboration.Governance and Compliance Promote and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics, and NHS values. Promoting equality of opportunity and human rights in the treatment of all staff and patients by ensuring that the Trusts internal governance arrangements conform with best practice and statutory requirements Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, including the Provider Licence, NHS Constitution, CQC standards, and the Trusts Constitution. Ensure financial control and value for money through prudent oversight and compliance with NHS England frameworks. Support the Director of Corporate Governance to ensure the effectiveness of the Boards systems, committees, and assurance processes.
Board Performance and Relationships Foster an environment of effective teamwork, challenge, and collective decision- making. Chair Board and committee meetings, ensuring productive and inclusive discussion and proper scrutiny of executive decisions. Lead on the annual evaluation and development of the Board, its committees, and individual members. Support and appraise the Chief Executive and ensure regular evaluation of Non- Executive Directors performance. Facilitate appropriate succession planning and skills development across the Board.
Council of Governors Establish an effective and constructive working relationship with the Council of Governors, ensuring they are well-informed and able to fulfil their statutory duties. Lead the Council in holding Non-Executive Directors to account and in its role in key appointments, planning, and oversight. Ensure clear, timely, and transparent communication with Governors on Trust strategy, performance, and quality matters. Support the training and development of Governors to strengthen engagement and effectiveness.Stakeholder Engagement and Representation Act as an ambassador for the Trust, its patients and staff; developing and maintaining relationships with local, regional, and national stakeholders. Work with partners across health, care, local authority, education, and voluntary sectors to support system-wide improvement. Support public, member and patient engagement strategies that enhance WWLs role as an anchor institution in the borough. Ensure that the Trust contributes to integrated care developments and community health priorities.
Responsibility for Health & Safety Compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974: The post holder is required to fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, the taking of appropriate actions and reporting of all incidents, near misses and hazards, and a statutory duty of care for their own personal safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide an acceptable Fit and Proper Person declaration in order to progress to the later stages of the recruitment process.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstratable experience at Board level in a large, complex and changing organisation
- Track record of strategic oversight, governance, and working with diverse stakeholder groups
- Understanding of public accountability, system working, and NHS regulatory landscape (or transferable experience)
Desirable
- Previous experience working with NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, or similar healthcare governance bodies
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of public accountability, system working, and NHS regulatory landscape (or transferable experience)
- Strong values-based leadership approach with a commitment to equity, inclusion, transparency, and patient-centred care
- Ability to chair complex meetings, ensure inclusive debate, and lead change while maintaining stability
Desirable
- Understanding of Foundation Trust governance arrangements
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance
- Clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors
- Sound knowledge of understanding clinical governance in the NHS.
- Knowledge and understanding of the developing health economy of the region and of this Trust's position within it
Desirable
- Understanding of Foundation Trust status and Governor responsibilities.
additional
Essential
- Must not be disqualified from being a Chair by virtue of any of the criteria in paragraph 12.15 of the Foundation Trust's constitution
- Ability to effectively represent the Trust to its constituents, patients, partner organisations and regulators
- Ability to travel
- Holds general computing skills, is familiar with Microsoft Office and video conference systems, or is willing to undergo training in these areas.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstratable experience at Board level in a large, complex and changing organisation
- Track record of strategic oversight, governance, and working with diverse stakeholder groups
- Understanding of public accountability, system working, and NHS regulatory landscape (or transferable experience)
Desirable
- Previous experience working with NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, or similar healthcare governance bodies
Skills
Essential
- Understanding of public accountability, system working, and NHS regulatory landscape (or transferable experience)
- Strong values-based leadership approach with a commitment to equity, inclusion, transparency, and patient-centred care
- Ability to chair complex meetings, ensure inclusive debate, and lead change while maintaining stability
Desirable
- Understanding of Foundation Trust governance arrangements
Knowledge
Essential
- Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance
- Clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors
- Sound knowledge of understanding clinical governance in the NHS.
- Knowledge and understanding of the developing health economy of the region and of this Trust's position within it
Desirable
- Understanding of Foundation Trust status and Governor responsibilities.
additional
Essential
- Must not be disqualified from being a Chair by virtue of any of the criteria in paragraph 12.15 of the Foundation Trust's constitution
- Ability to effectively represent the Trust to its constituents, patients, partner organisations and regulators
- Ability to travel
- Holds general computing skills, is familiar with Microsoft Office and video conference systems, or is willing to undergo training in these areas.
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
Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan
WN1 2NN
Employer's website
http://www.wwl.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
