Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the region’s most ambitious and forward-looking healthcare providers, serving a population of over 700,000 through Bedford Hospital, Luton & Dunstable University Hospital, and a network of local sites. With nearly 9,000 dedicated staff, 500 volunteers, and a turnover of £877m, backed by 25 consecutive years of financial surplus, we are building from a position of real strength. Since our successful merger in 2020, we have become more resilient, innovative, and better equipped to deliver outstanding care, supported by significant investment in modern facilities, including the £168m Acute Services Block at Luton, which is one of the largest capital projects in the NHS.

Looking ahead, our ambition is bold and clear. Through our Trust Strategy and our active role in the Integrated Care System, we are driving transformation to improve health outcomes, reduce inequalities, and shift care closer to communities. We are committed to reshaping services in line with the NHS Long Term Plan: embracing digital innovation, strengthening prevention, and building strong partnerships across health and care. While challenges remain, we see enormous opportunities to shape the future of healthcare locally, and to ensure our hospitals and community services remain at the forefront of delivering excellent, sustainable care.

We are now seeking to appoint a dynamic and forward-thinking Chair, who can provide effective leadership to the Trust Board and the Council of Governors. The successful candidate will bring experience of leading and delivering a long-term vision and strategy, alongside transformational change in large, complex organisations. With prior board experience, and excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, you will be able to shape an open, inclusive and compassionate culture at Board-level, and role-model that for the Trust as a whole. You will be values-driven, committed to equity and inclusion, and motivated by the opportunity to improve health and wellbeing across Bedfordshire and beyond.

This is an exciting opportunity to provide leadership of a high-performing, ambitious NHS Trust at a pivotal moment in its development. We are keen to attract candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, and welcome applications from the widest possible range of backgrounds.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on this appointments. For further information, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference ABZHA. Applications should be received by midday on Monday 17 November 2025.