Make a visible difference at an Outstanding specialist NHS Trust

The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the UK’s only specialist hospital dedicated to neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services. Rated Outstanding by the CQC, we serve a population of 3.5 million across Cheshire and Merseyside, North Wales, the Isle of Man and beyond, delivering world‑class care, research and innovation in neurosciences.

Following a strategic decision to remain an independent Foundation Trust, they are entering a new phase focused on clarity, confidence and delivery. To support this next chapter, they are seeking to appoint two exceptional Non‑Executive Directors to further strengthen our Board.

These are high‑impact roles offering the opportunity to shape strategy, provide effective challenge and help ensure the long‑term sustainability and success of a nationally recognised centre of excellence.

The opportunities

The Trust are recruiting two Non‑Executive Directors, each bringing one of the following skill sets:

1. Audit Committee Chair
   You will bring recent, senior financial experience, supported by a recognised professional qualification. You will have the credibility and confidence to chair the Audit Committee, providing assurance on financial stewardship, risk management, internal control and governance, and constructively holding Executive Directors to account in a complex and highly regulated environment.
2. Community, Inequalities and Population Impact Leader
   You will bring strong evidence from senior leadership or governance roles of making a tangible difference to people’s lives, particularly through work in organisations focussed on reducing inequalities, strengthening outcomes for communities, or improving access and inclusion. You will offer insight, challenge and advocacy around population health, fairness and inclusion, helping the Trust respond effectively to the diverse communities it serves.

About the roles

As a Non‑Executive Director, you will:

• Contribute to setting the Trust’s strategic direction and values
• Provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge on quality, safety, performance and delivery
• Ensure robust governance, financial probity and risk management
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust with patients, partners and stakeholders

You will join a committed, cohesive Board where your contribution will be visible, valued and influential.

Who we are looking for

The Trust are seeking people with:

• Board‑level, governing body or trustee experience in complex organisations
• Strong judgement, integrity and the confidence to challenge constructively
• A commitment to public service values and to improving outcomes for patients and communities

NHS experience is not required. Applications from candidates with experience in a wide range of sectors and backgrounds are welcomed

The Trust are particularly keen to hear from individuals from groups currently under‑represented at Board level, including people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, those with lived experience of disability, and candidates from a wide range of professional and socio‑economic backgrounds.

Why join The Walton Centre?

• An Outstanding‑rated, specialist Trust with national and international reputation
• The opportunity to shape the future of an independent NHS organisation
• A Board culture that values openness, collaboration and continuous improvement
• A role where your contribution will make a genuine difference

How to apply

Please submit:

• A CV
• A covering letter (setting out which role you wish to be considered for and how you meet the criteria)

Send applications to: jp@seymourjohn.com: Subject line: “Walton Centre NED Appointments application”

For an informal discussion, please contact: Jonathan Phillips on 07817 988490 jp@seymourjohn.com

The closing date for the receipt of applications is Monday 18th May 2026

Candidate Pack: The Walton Centre NED Candidate Pack