News

Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chair

There has never been a more interesting time to join the Countess as we implement our Transforming Care Together Strategy, launched in 2024, with the aim to achieve outstanding care for our patients and families.   There is much to be done as the NHS strives to improve day-to-day performance and continues to tackle waiting list backlogs.  Part of the solution to these challenges lies in our partnerships locally and in the wider Cheshire and Merseyside region, and the Chair will play a crucial role in developing the relationships that underpin this work.

We are a learning organisation and we are committed to achieving continuous improvement in the safety and quality of all our patient services. We are also seeing improvements in staff experience as demonstrated in our 2024 NHS staff survey results, recognising there is still more to do. We have seen investments in our infrastructure and our new Women and Children’s Building will open this summer, marking a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to advancing care for patients.

This role comes at a time of transformation in an evolving healthcare landscape, and we are looking for someone who will provide our Board with strong leadership, vision, and strategic oversight.  You will therefore need exemplary leadership skills gained at board level in or close to the NHS, supported by experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships.  Your political acumen and your strategic skills will give you the personal credibility needed internally with staff and patients, and externally with partners.  Of primary importance, though, will be your personal values aligned to our values of Safe, Kind and Effective, and your commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our patients and staff.

Your support and understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) will be vital in fostering inclusive leadership and actively promoting an inclusive culture that enhances decision making, ensuring that services are accessible and fair for all and helping to create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

To learn more about us and this exceptional role, please visit our dedicated microsite coch-appointments.com or for a confidential discussion, and details of how to apply, please contact our search partners Helen Barkham or Emily Smith or Robin Staveley at GatenbySanderson helen.barkham@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing date for applications: 9am 2nd June 2025

Final interviews: 17th and 18th June