NExT Director scheme – supporting tomorrow’s non-executives

The opportunity

There is emphatic evidence that diverse boards make the best decisions. We want to take positive action to increase the diversity of our talent pool of people who want be NHS non-executives so that they can learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities associated with being a non-executive director in the NHS today.

The NExT Director Scheme is a development programme created and designed to help find and support the next generation of talented people from groups who are currently under-represented on our NHS boards into these important non-executive roles. It focuses particularly on supporting people from local BAME communities and disabled people with senior level experience into board level roles in the NHS. People with other protected characteristics will also be considered for placements.

Placements

The 12-month programme gives successful candidates a unique insight into the role and responsibilities of being an NHS non-executive director by supporting senior people in bridging knowledge gaps, for example by helping them with:

  • Operating at board level
  • Transitioning from executive to non-executive roles
  • Board level exposure in an organisation of huge size and complexity
  • Understanding NHS structures and accountability, how the money flows, who the key partners are, where all the regulators fit and the board’s role in quality and safety

Individual NExT Directors will be offered a placement with a provider trust in their area for up to 12 months, depending on each individual’s rate of progression. This will provide the opportunity to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities associated with being a non-executive director in the NHS today.

Suggest a candidate

We’re now working to identify potentially suitable candidates for the scheme. Do you know someone who you think has what it takes to be a non-executive director in the NHS and has the motivation to commit to a placement as a NExT Director?

If you would like to suggest a candidate please email Keely Howard, Senior Programme Manager, Non-executive Development keely.howard1@nhs.net

Host a placement

NHS provider chairs are really supportive of the NExT Director Scheme, and many trusts have already signed up and are offering support to placements.

Please see below further details about the placement that West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board are hosting, offering Haris Sultan a fantastic development opportunity.

Haris Sultan :: West Yorkshire Health & Care Partnership (icb.nhs.uk)

Could you and your trust take part in the scheme by hosting one or two NExT Director placements?

Participating trusts will be asked to offer a range of development support including:

  • Access to board and committee meetings and papers as appropriate, including an opportunity to review and analyse meetings to learn with board members
  • The assignment of an experienced non-executive director mentor for the period to help shape the individual’s personal programme and provide regular feedback and advice
  • Opportunities to shadow key senior staff and meet staff and patient groups
  • A comprehensive local induction programme based on your offer to new substantive non-executives and access to the same training and networking opportunities available to them
  • The opportunity to learn and contribute to the full range of your trust’s organisational challenges, leadership styles and governance structures

If you would like to host a placement please email Keely Howard, Senior Programme Manager, Non-executive Development keely.howard1@nhs.net

Current chair and non-executive vacancies

View all current vacancies

We’re always on the lookout for talented people for our chair and non-executive director (NED) roles. If you or someone you know has the skills and experience necessary to be an effective chair or NED, please contact us at england.chairsandneds@nhs.net