Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is a leading provider of mental health, community, and learning disability services, serving diverse populations across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, and Bath & North East Somerset. We are proud of our strong research partnership with the University of Oxford, our commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, and our ambition to innovate and collaborate across the health and care system.

We are now seeking a new Chair to lead our Board at a time of strategic renewal and transformation. This is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a high-performing organisation as we move towards developing a new strategy, strengthening our system leadership role, and progress plans for a new Health & Innovation Campus at our historic Waneford site.

The Chair will work closely with the Chief Executive, Board members, and Council of Governors to ensure the Trust continues to deliver high-quality, safe, and equitable care. You will provide strategic leadership, ensure effective governance, and foster a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement. You will also play a key role in strengthening relationships across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care System.

We are looking for a strategic and inclusive leader with a proven track record at Board level, ideally within complex, regulated environments. You will bring a deep commitment to public service values, a strong understanding of governance, and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Experience in health and care is welcome but not essential; we are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, including those seeking their first Chair role.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a strong connection to our local communities and those who reflect the diversity of the populations we serve. Strengthening our relationship with the University of Oxford and championing equity, diversity and inclusion will be key priorities for our new Chair.

If you believe in the power of compassionate leadership and share our ambition to deliver outstanding care, we would be delighted to hear from you.

For more information, please visit https://join-oxfordhealth.co.uk/job/chair.21876/ .

To apply or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact our advising consultants at GatenbySanderson:

• Melanie Shearer melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548
• Helen Barkham, Principal Researcher, E: helen.barkham@gatenbysanderson.com  T: +44 (0) 7921 308 766
• Melanie West, Senior Consultant, E: melanie.west@gatenbysanderson.com  T: +44 (0) 7384 464 187

Closing Date: Monday 29th September 2025

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust – Chair – Candidate Brief