Classification: Official
Publication reference: PRN01450

To:

• NHS trusts and foundation trusts:
  • chairs
  • chief executive officers
  • chief people officers
• Integrated care boards:
  • chairs
  • chief executive officers
  • chief people officers

cc.

• NHS England regional directors
• NHS trusts and foundation trusts:
  • company/board secretaries
• Integrated care boards:
  • company/board secretaries

Dear colleagues,

New board member appraisal framework with submission dates

Today we are launching the new board member appraisal framework for all chairs, chief executives, executive directors and non-executive directors. Thank you for your support in its development.

The framework has been produced in response to Messenger Review recommendations and stakeholder feedback, including that regarding the existing chair appraisal framework, which it replaces.

It is important for all colleagues across the NHS to take part in the appraisal process. And as leaders, for you to model behaviours and set the standard that everyone has a regular appraisal.

We know the benefits: this year’s national staff survey results show a year-on-year increase since 2021 in the ‘Appraisals’ sub-score.

Also increasing across the same period is the percentage of staff reporting benefits from having that personal development conversation with their manager.

Key updates

The framework incorporates the 6 domains of the leadership competency framework into a single approach for all executive and non-executive roles and aligns with the fit and proper person test (FPPT) framework.

It will establish clear expectations and enhance consistency in standards for board-level appraisals across the NHS, with the flexibility to adapt the process depending on whether the appraisee is an executive or non-executive director, and enabling integration into local policies.

Organisations can either incorporate the framework principles into their own local processes or use the processes and editable forms we provide.

Those which have already started their appraisals are not expected to redo them, but should use the framework for future appraisals.

Submission of appraisals

• Appraisals for chairs of NHS trusts and integrated care boards must be shared with NHS England by Monday 30 June 2025 via england.chairsappraisal@nhs.net to facilitate regional director sign-off.
• Appraisals for non-executive directors of NHS trusts must be shared with NHS England by Tuesday 30 September 2025 via england.chairsappraisal@nhs.net.
• Chairs of NHS foundation trusts are encouraged to share the outcomes of their appraisals to provide NHS England with an understanding of the wider support and development needed.
• Appraisals for chief executives, executive directors and non-executive directors of integrated care boards and foundation trusts, and those for chief executives and executive directors of NHS trusts should be retained in line with organisational policies and do not need to be shared with NHS England.
• Appraisal forms a key part of the fit and proper persons annual As per the prior year, integrated care boards, NHS trusts and foundation trusts should submit the FPPT submission reporting template to regional directors by Monday 30 June 2025.

On receipt of integrated care board and NHS trust chair appraisals, the Senior Appointments and Assessment team will forward these to the relevant regional director for review and endorsement. Appraisals reviewed by your regional director will then be endorsed by an NHS England executive director.

The board member appraisal framework is available on the NHS England website. For further queries, please email england.chairsappraisal@nhs.net.

Thank you, as always, for your work on behalf of the NHS.

With best wishes

Dr Navina Evans CBE, Chief Workforce, Training and Education Officer