NHS England’s Maternity and Neonatal Programme, formerly the Maternity Transformation Programme, was established in 2016 following publication of the Better Births review. Since then, we have published our Three-Year Delivery Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Services, which the Programme is now focused on implementing. The Delivery Plan sets out how the NHS will make maternity and neonatal care safer, more personalised, and more equitable for women, babies, and families in response to the challenges facing the sector, including as set out in the Ockenden and Kirkup reports. NHS England engaged a wide range of stakeholders throughout the development of this plan. This included women and families who have used or are using maternity and neonatal services, members of the maternity and neonatal workforce, leaders and commissioners of services, NHS systems and regional teams, and representatives from Royal Colleges and the Programme’s Stakeholder Council.
The Stakeholder Council provides a forum for external stakeholders to influence and contribute to the Programme by scrutinising its work and providing advice to the Board. It is responsible for providing scrutiny and challenges of Programme plans and progress with implementing them; making recommendations to the Board on the development and delivery of the Programme. Its members are responsible for sharing relevant intelligence, helping organisations they represent to better understand the aims and progress of the Programme, listen to other members, and provide advice and constructive challenge.
Role overview
We are seeking an accomplished individual to take on the pivotal role of Chair for the Stakeholder Council. This is a unique opportunity to drive positive change and enhance outcomes within the vital fields of maternity and neonatal services.
As the Chair of the Stakeholder Council, you will lead a dynamic and influential group of external stakeholders, supporting the delivery of the Maternity and Neonatal Programme as it implements the Three-Year Delivery Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Services.
Your role will be instrumental in ensuring that the perspectives of a diverse range of stakeholders are effectively communicated and integrated into the strategic decisions of the programme and its Board. As Chair, you will sit on the Maternity and Neonatal Programme Board, holding responsibilities for ensuring that all members have an opportunity to articulate their views and communicating the breadth of these views to the Board and Programme team.
We welcome applications from candidates from across the public, private and voluntary sectors with experience and interest in maternity or neonatal services, particularly in representing the service user. We are looking for extensive experience at the most senior level in healthcare with senior forum chairing experience including providing constructive challenge to improve service user outcomes and experience, and reduce inequalities. We are committed to promoting diversity and encourage applications from individuals with backgrounds that reflect the communities we serve.
This role requires a commitment of 0.1 FTE (two days per month). It involves attending quarterly Board meetings, quarterly Stakeholder Council meetings and ad-hoc meetings with senior leaders within NHS England, including the Chief Midwifery Officer and National Clinical Directors.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of maternity and neonatal services. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for improving maternity and neonatal outcomes and experiences, we strongly encourage your application.
To express your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest form by 27 October 2023.