The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Chair
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is at a pivotal moment in its development, and we are seeking an exceptional, values-driven leader to join us as Chair of the Board, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive and Board colleagues to lead the next phase of transformation.
PAHT provides a full range of general acute, outpatient and diagnostic services across three sites: The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping. The Trust employs around 4,000 staff and serves a core population of approximately 350,000 people across West Essex and East Hertfordshire, with an extended catchment of up to 500,000 people. We are an integral part of the evolving integrated care landscape, working closely with partners across the Hertfordshire and West Essex and Essex systems.
This is a significant opportunity to lead a Trust that is committed to improving outcomes for patients and communities while delivering sustainable services for the future. Our current strategy, PAHT 2030, is being refreshed to align with the NHS’s long-term priorities and focuses on three key shifts: moving care closer to home, accelerating digital innovation, and strengthening prevention. These ambitions are captured in our emerging ‘RISE’ approach, rising hope for our workforce, rising communities through integrated neighbourhood care, and rising standards in quality and performance.
The Trust is undergoing a period of important change and improvement. We are addressing operational and performance challenges, strengthening clinical leadership through a new divisional structure, and working with partners to lead transformational neighbourhood-based models of care. At the same time, we are progressing plans for a new hospital to replace our ageing estate while also exploring redevelopment options for our current site. The Chair will play a critical role in providing steady, inclusive leadership during this period of transformation.
As Chair, you will lead the Board in setting strategic direction, ensuring robust governance and accountability, and fostering a culture of openness, learning and continuous improvement. You will ensure the organisation remains focused on quality, patient safety, financial sustainability and reducing health inequalities, while building confidence among patients, staff, partners and the wider public.
Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will set the tone for the organisation and represent the Trust across the health and care system. You will build trusted relationships with NHS partners, local authorities, universities, community organisations and local stakeholders, supporting collaborative approaches to improving population health and delivering integrated care.
We are looking for an individual who brings substantial board-level experience and a proven track record of leading complex organisations through challenge, change and transformation. You will demonstrate strong commitment to NHS values, public service and the Nolan Principles of public life. You will have the credibility to provide both support and constructive challenge, the judgement to balance quality, performance and financial priorities, and the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and partners.
Experience in the NHS is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from candidates with senior leadership experience across the public, private or voluntary sectors who can bring fresh perspectives, strategic insight and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for local people.
We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from under-represented groups, including women, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and people living with disabilities.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare for our communities and make a lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of local people. For a confidential discussion, please contact our search partners at Alumni Global: Thomas Patterson, UK Managing Director, on +44 7970 339151 or thomas.patterson@alumniglobal.com
For more information and to apply, please visit Chair, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust – Alumni Global
- Closing date: 20th March 2026 at 12 noon
- Final Interviews: 9th April 2026