About this role
Job summary
UHB is on a journey to build healthier lives for the people of Birmingham and Solihull. Our 24--29 strategy is ambitious but grounded, with a clear commitment to improve health and wellbeing, reduce inequalities, use our resources well and create a better experience for patients and staff.
We are doing this from a stronger position, building on existing strengths while recognising that we are working within real financial constraints. The CQC has rated us as Good for how well-led we are, recognising improvements since the previous inadequate rating, including progress on culture, staff wellbeing and governance. We know there is still more to do.
We are seeking high-calibre applicants with Board-level or equivalent experience, ideally gained within the NHS or another large, complex public-facing organisation, who can bring independent judgement, constructive challenge, collaboration and a strong commitment to public service.
You will help ensure risks are managed, public funds are used appropriately, and patient safety remains central, while engaging with staff and patients to shape strategy and keep the Board connected to the reality of care.
Successful candidates will also act as lead NED for either Good Hope or QE. We would particularly welcome experience in operational transformation and improvement, culture change, staff engagement and development, estates management, or the responsible use of digital and AI opportunities.
Main duties of the job
Our NEDs also play a leadership role on our hospital sites, including making regular visits, being visible to staff and patients, and listening carefully to their experiences so that the Board remains closely connected to services and communities.
As a member of the Board, you will help agree and oversee the Trust's strategic plans, ensuring that the needs of the populations we serve are reflected in our priorities. You will support in setting direction, monitoring performance and acting where improvement is needed.
Rooted in stewardship, accountability and listening well, you will contribute to committees and sub-groups, bringing insight to issues of governance, risk, quality, finance, people and culture. This includes helping to ensure that effective financial controls are in place, public money is used well, and the Trust maintains high standards of probity, transparency and accountability.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. We are seeking people who can bring different perspectives and lived experience, while demonstrating our values through the way they lead, contribute and challenge.
UHB's corporate meetings are usually held on Thursdays with Board and Committees held bi-monthly. The successful candidate will be required to attend meetings at all the hospital sites.
Our NEDs typically support us on 3--5 days per month.
Interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 7th October 2026
About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.
Job description Job responsibilities *Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
We are looking for expertise in the following areas: *Performance, Productivity and Finance ideally with some experience of the NHS *Digital and technological solutions to improve service delivery. *The management of estate and infrastructure
Experience Essential
To make an effective contribution, a Non- Executive on the Board should have a good understanding of: *The NHS, its purpose, structure, and ethos *The Foundation Trust, its purpose, structure, and aims. *The local health and care system, its structure, role, and key players *The national context for the NHS *The health needs of the population served by the Trust.
Additional Criteria Essential
Following the recent audit of the skills and experience of current Board Members, the Council of Governors will be seeking individuals who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas: *Performance, Productivity and Finance ideally with some experience of the NHS *Digital and technological solutions to improve service delivery. *The management of estate and infrastructure In addition, applicants should also be able to demonstrate the following: *Team working; the ability to work as an effective member of the unitary Board and its Committees *Business understanding; an understanding of the various components of the complex organisation with its site-based operating model, planning, budgeting, quality assurance, financial control, performance management, and stakeholder development *Communications; to relate to and understand a range of healthcare professionals, representatives of local governmentandvoluntary organisations, and members of the public amongst others
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)