Chair of Healthwatch Nottinghamshire Role Description and Person Specification

CHAIR OF HEALTHWATCH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE ROLE DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

For this innovative role in a ground breaking social enterprise, the successful candidate will bring a range of board level skills and experience including facilitation, business acumen, performance management, relationship building and change management. Beyond these skills the successful candidate will bring an interest in the community and in the improvement of health and social care services.

The Chair will play a leading role in setting the strategic direction of Healthwatch Nottinghamshire. In addition to preparing, attending and leading formal monthly Board meetings, the Chair will: provide regular challenge, support and advice to the Chief Executive through monthly meetings between the two; ensure robust communications amongst board members; be involved in board and staff evaluations and attend strategically important forums in health and social care across the County.

The Chair with the support the other Non-Executives who will also have a significant probity role to play ensuring that, as an independent corporate body operating as a social enterprise that HWN adheres to its principles and purpose and operates in a moral and ethical way in the service of the local community.

The following skills and experience are required of the successful candidate:

Experience developing and/or leading a community based organisation to the highest quality
A commitment to championing the public’s interests in health and social care
Evidence of a high level of business acumen with a track record of achievement in challenging, competitive social and/or market driven business environments
Budget management expertise and experience of securing and overseeing development of external funding streams and new business opportunities
Experience of building and developing successful partnerships, alliances and working relationships with a range of organisations, stakeholders and communities
Open minded and inclusive as Healthwatch Nottinghamshire will be tasked with engaging with all sections of the community
In addition, an understanding of health and social care service delivery would be an advantage
To be willing and able to work with T.V and newspaper media, including giving interviews

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone who is over the age of 18 and lives or uses health or social care services within the county of Nottinghamshire is eligible to apply. However, the following exceptions may apply and any other potential conflicts of interest may be taken into account:

Current health and social care providers (managers, trustees, employers and current employees) whose main function is to provide services in/to Nottinghamshire
People whose work directly involves them in commissioning health or social care services in/for Nottinghamshire, or in commissioning or making strategic policy for other Nottinghamshire County Council services whilst serving as Chair.

Applicants are expected to provide honest, full and accurate information and any failure to declare relevant information or the provision of false information could result in an application being rejected or a place on the Board being withdrawn.

CONDUCT AND PRACTICE

The Principles of Public Life are a template for conduct in the public domain. HWN Board Members will follow these principles and be expected to sign up to a code of practice.

Selflessness
Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefit for themselves, their families or their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Core competencies

Clear analytical strategic thinking, and the ability to analyse complex information;
Effective and clear communication skills with the ability to liaise with a range of organisations, individuals and communities
Commitment to continuously improving outcomes, challenging health inequalities and delivering best value for money;
To be committed to promoting better outcomes in health and social care for all;
To be strongly committed to equality and diversity.
To exhibit effective leadership.

Knowledge and experience

Understanding and experience of using effective involvement and engagement techniques;
A general understanding of health and social care services and an appreciation of the broad social, political and economic trends influencing them;
Experience of working with customer focussed organisations and a commitment to high standards of customer care;
Experience of working with a range of partners, networks and partnerships.

Skills

Ability to plan strategically and with vision;
Ability to prepare strategic reports to health and social care commissioners and providers and to implement subsequent recommendations;
Understanding of financial statements and budgets;
IT competent.