The Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group (NWUHG) is seeking a Group Chair to lead one of the most significant NHS transformations underway in England. The role will provide a unique opportunity to transform the future of healthcare provision, shape the future of acute and specialist services across a diverse and growing region, and set new benchmarks for excellence and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to lead large-scale change at pace and to improve lives across generations.

Bringing together three NHS Foundation Trusts, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH), Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn (QEH), and James Paget University Hospitals (JPUH), the NWUHG will formally launch its integrated operating model in October 2025.

Collectively, NWUHG has an annual turnover of £1.8bn, a workforce of more than 21,000 staff and volunteers, and serves a population characterised by geographic and social diversity, from the Norfolk Broads and coastal communities to urban Norwich and the Cambridge fringe. The NNUH also provides several tertiary services across the wider region, and QEH’s reach extends into Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. We are proud of our strong academic partnerships, including with the University of East Anglia, and see great potential in further aligning education, research, and clinical innovation.

This is a transformative moment to lead, as we spearhead the development of two once-in-a-generation hospital redevelopment programmes at QEH and JPUH. These projects are part of a wider £3 billion capital investment that provides opportunity to revolutionise healthcare infrastructure and services, aligned to the evolving needs of local people. Our ambition is not only to meet both today’s challenges but to set in motion a future direction of care delivery for our region.

Alongside these ambitious infrastructure programmes, we are advancing the implementation of a single Electronic Patient Record system for all sites. This essential step toward integrated care will enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and support the seamless provision of services.

The establishment of the Group model, led by a single Board and Executive team, with a Council of Governors at each Trust and strong local leadership through site-based Managing Directors, offers a platform for collaboration, scale, and consistency. It enables us to reduce variation, improve outcomes, and support staff in providing high quality care in a more resilient and joined-up system. We recognise that bringing 21,000 people with us on this journey while creating a shared, unifying sense of purpose is vital to our success and we require a Chair who can lead this agenda.

You will work closely with the Group Chief Executive and her team, Non-executive Directors, Governors, and associated collaborators to ensure the aims and objectives are achieved and that the Group remains accountable to patients and the wider public for the care services we provide.

This work will address immediate challenges including operational performance, financial pressures, and service sustainability whilst presenting opportunities for lasting change. Current government policy recognises the need for transformational change in acute care, including a shift to more proactive and preventative models, stronger integration with primary and community services, and smarter use of technology and data. We believe the timely development of our Group positions us to meet these ‘three shifts.’

We are looking for a visionary, inclusive, and effective leader who brings board experience in complex organisations and a strong record of leading major organisational change, integration, or transformation in complex environments. You will have strategic insight, a mindset for innovation, and a track record of leading step changes in service quality, culture, or outcomes, sound organisational stewardship skills, and the ability to work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Your role will include being visible across the Group and accessible to our communities, including engaging with staff, patients, and local partners, and ensuring diverse and harder-to-reach voices are heard and valued. Your ability to inspire followership, earn trust and communicate a compelling shared vision will be essential. We particularly encourage interest from candidates who bring perspectives currently under-represented in NHS leadership.

While NHS experience not essential, what matters is your passion for making a difference. We are looking for candidates who share our unwavering commitment to public service, champion equity, and are driven by the desire to improve lives.

This could be your chance to lead one of the most ambitious transformations in the NHS, shaping the future of healthcare and facilitating lasting change to positively impact lives for generations to come.

If you’re ready to offer your unique perspective, experience and dedication, please contact our advisors at Alumni Global, Thomas Patterson or Frank McKenna on 07970 339 151 or thomas.patterson@alumniglobal.com.

Time commitment: up to three days per week.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 1 August 2025

For more information and to apply, please visit Group Chair, Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group – Alumni Global