East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust is a leading healthcare provider in East Anglia, and we are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to become our new Chair. As a major integrated acute and community healthcare provider, and one of the largest employers in the region, our almost 13,000 staff are responsible for delivering high quality services to a population of around one million people living in Ipswich, east Suffolk, and north Essex, as well as providing some specialist services to a wider population.

As our new Chair, you will lead our unitary Board at a critical time for the Trust and wider health system as the local, regional and national structures undergo considerable change. Bringing your broad skillset and experience to ESNEFT, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future strategic direction of the organisation and providing inclusive, values driven leadership that ensures robust governance and continuous improvement in patient outcomes and experience.

You will work alongside Executive and Non-Executive Directors as members of a unitary board delivering for the populations the Trust serves. Together, you will share responsibility for the leadership, governance, and overall success of the Trust in delivering safe, effective healthcare and improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

In joining us, you will provide visible and compassionate leadership to the Board and the Council of Governors, fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and continuous improvement. You will ensure that the Board operates effectively, holding the Executive to account for delivery of the Trust’s strategic objectives, performance, and the highest standards of probity, integrity, and governance. Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will ensure clarity on individual and collective roles and responsibilities, supporting an environment where challenge is constructive and focused on improving outcomes for patients, staff, and communities.

We are seeking an outstanding individual who brings relevant board level leadership experience with a track record of success in a large and complex organisation. You will demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders across organisations and communities, and be known for your ambassadorial, diplomatic, and inclusive approach. You may already have knowledge of the NHS and health and care sector or demonstrate a willingness to develop a deep understanding of the sector. Your leadership will reflect a deep commitment to EDI, and you will have a personal passion for delivering compassionate care through our integrated services and in collaboration with system partners.

We are well placed to deliver on the ambitions of the 10 Year Plan through our integrated care and neighbourhood approach, and through leading us as Chair, you will be in a position to make a tangible difference to the lives of our patients and communities. This must be achieved by working with our people, supported by dynamic leadership and robust governance. As Chair, you will be instrumental in fostering a culture that supports staff to achieve our shared priorities and empowers them to deliver outstanding services for our communities. This is an opportunity to influence transformation across ESNEFT and the wider health system.

This is a high profile and influential role that requires an average commitment of three days per week, with flexibility to be available as needed, with remuneration set at £63,000 per annum. In joining ESNEFT, you will work alongside a capable and ambitious Board of Directors and have the opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of the people we serve across Suffolk and north Essex.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board to reflect the communities we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at Board level.

If you are interested in this critical appointment, please contact Alumni Global, who are supporting the Trust on this appointment process, for a confidential discussion. Please get in touch with Thomas Patterson, Managing Director, on 07970 339 151 or thomas.patterson@alumniglobal.com or Beth Stickney, Principal Researcher on +44 7703 821 996  or beth.stickney@alumniglobal.com

Closing date for receipt of applications: 3 October 2025

Microsite link: https://alumniglobal.com/job/chair-esneft