NHS Essex ICB is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chair of one of the largest and most consequential health systems in England. This is a pivotal opportunity to impact the health and care for 1.8 million people across Essex during a period of significant transformation in the NHS.

The establishment of a single Essex ICB will bring together different components from the three current ICBs covering our county, creating one strategic commissioning body. By April 2026, this unified ICB will formally replace the existing structures, simplifying how services are planned and delivered whilst enabling a sharper focus on prevention, early intervention and tackling health inequalities.

As one of the largest health systems in the NHS, we face both substantial challenges and exciting opportunities. Waiting times are high, demand is growing, and we must restore financial stability. Parts of our system are in a challenged position, indicating the improvement journey we collectively have to travel. However, we also have strong foundations, including committed staff, innovative local partnerships and areas of excellent performance. Working together as an ICB and with our partners, we are confident we can turn these challenges into lasting improvements.

The 10 Year Plan calls for three fundamental shifts, and ICBs are at the heart of delivering these. We have begun empowering local systems to design more integrated services and invest in prevention and care closer to home. The NHS is adopting a new operating model that provides earned autonomy for high performing systems, whilst all ICBs must streamline costs significantly. The creation of the single Essex ICB allows us to harness economies of scale, reduce duplication and speak with one voice.

As Chair, you will play a central role in turning our ambitions into reality. Working closely with our Chief Executive, executive team and partner boards, you will provide strategic leadership, robust governance and an independent voice that holds our system to account. Your key priorities will include setting strategic direction, strengthening our system, driving performance improvement, and delivering our integrated care strategy. This means guiding Essex ICB to become an effective strategic commissioner, ensuring strong governance and financial grip, overseeing efforts to stabilise and enhance services, and championing implementation of our Joint Forward Plan whilst addressing health inequalities.

This is an extremely high profile and impactful role that calls for a compassionate, dynamic and courageous leader who can navigate complexity and inspire confidence through a clear vision and an inclusive approach. We are looking for a Chair who brings substantial board level experience as a NED or Chair, and a demonstrable passion for improving outcomes for patients and communities. You will be a proven relationship builder, adept at building consensus across organisational boundaries and uniting diverse stakeholders behind common goals. Your excellent communication and influencing skills will be essential in leading system transformation.

You will bring a strong commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, coupled with the integrity and courage to ask difficult questions in the public interest. As a strategic thinker, you will be able to see beyond immediate pressures to chart a clear course for the future, whilst remaining grounded in the operational realities of delivering care. Your leadership style will be inclusive and collaborative, creating the conditions for others to thrive and innovate.

We are looking for a visible and accessible leader who can inspire confidence across our diverse communities and stakeholder groups. You will champion equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our leadership reflects the communities we serve and that our services address unacceptable health inequalities. Whether you come from a health and care background or another sector, what matters most is that you share our dedication to reducing health inequalities and delivering excellent, compassionate care for all.

This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact as our new ICB is created. If the prospect of leading transformational change across such a complex health system appeals to you, we encourage you to speak with our partner Thomas Patterson at Alumni Global on +44 7970 339 151 and thomas.patterson@alumniglobal.com.

For further details and to apply please visit Chair, Proposed NHS Essex Integrated Care Board – Alumni Global

Closing date: 19th December 2025

Stakeholder session: TBC

Final interviews: w/c 19th January 2026 – TBC