About this role
Job summary
East Lancashire Alliance is seeking an experienced Non-Executive Director (Quality, Governance & HR) to join its Board. The role provides independent oversight, assurance, and constructive challenge, with a particular focus on quality assurance, corporate and clinical governance, workforce governance, and organisational culture.
This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to improving services and outcomes for local populations by shaping quality, governance, and workforce strategy at Board level. You will join a values-led GP Federation committed to transparency, integrity, and continuous improvement, working alongside an engaged and supportive Board and experienced executive and clinical leaders. The position offers a flexible and manageable time commitment, supported by a comprehensive induction, ongoing development, and annual appraisal, making it well suited to individuals seeking a high-impact non-executive role alongside other professional commitments.
Main duties of the job
Act in accordance with the Nolan Principles of Public Life. Provide independent oversight and challenge on quality, safety, patient experience, and continuous improvement. Support assurance on corporate and clinical governance arrangements, including policies, standing orders, schemes of delegation, and Board assurance frameworks. Provide Board-level oversight of quality and safety performance across all Federation services. Support assurance against CQC fundamental standards and statutory and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, duty of candour, and incident reporting. Contribute to CQC inspection readiness, action plans, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Provide strategic oversight and challenge on workforce strategy, HR policies, organisational culture, and people-related risks.
About us
East Lancashire Alliance (ELA) is a GP Federation delivering at-scale primary care and community-based services across East Lancashire. We work collaboratively with GP practices and system partners to improve population health, reduce health inequalities, and deliver high-quality, sustainable services. We are committed to strong governance, high standards of quality and safety, and fostering a positive, inclusive organisational culture that supports both patients and staff.
Job description Job responsibilities
Act in accordance with the Nolan Principles of Public Life. Provide independent oversight and challenge on quality, safety, patient experience, and continuous improvement. Support assurance on corporate and clinical governance arrangements, including policies, standing orders, schemes of delegation, and Board assurance frameworks. Provide Board-level oversight of quality and safety performance across all Federation services. Support assurance against CQC fundamental standards and statutory and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, duty of candour, and incident reporting. Contribute to CQC inspection readiness, action plans, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Provide strategic oversight and challenge on workforce strategy, HR policies, organisational culture, and people-related risks. Support equality, diversity, and inclusion and promote a culture of openness, learning, and continuous improvement. Support the Chair in maintaining an effective and high-performing Board. Act as a constructive sounding board to the Chief Executive Officer while maintaining appropriate non-executive independence. Attend and actively contribute to Board meetings and strategy sessions, preparing thoroughly for meetings.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Senior-level experience in quality, governance, HR, organisational development, or a related healthcare or public sector discipline. Strong understanding of quality assurance, clinical governance, and risk management. Demonstrable experience of workforce governance and HR practice, including employment law and organisational culture. Experience of operating at Board or senior leadership level with the ability to provide independent challenge. Ability to interpret and scrutinise complex quality, workforce, and performance information. Clear commitment to ethical leadership and the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
Desirable
Previous Non-Executive Director, Trustee, or Board-level experience. Experience within the NHS, primary care, or the wider public sector. Knowledge of GP federations, at-scale primary care, or commissioned service delivery. Experience of working with regulators such as the CQC, NHS England, or Integrated Care Boards.
Additional Essential
The appointment is for a three-year term, renewable subject to satisfactory appraisal. The successful candidate will be required to comply with the Federations policies on confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and Fit and Proper Persons requirements. A comprehensive induction and ongoing development will be provided. East Lancashire Alliance is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented at Board level.
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 East Lancashire Alliance
Address Burnley Business Centre
Empire Way
Burnley
BB12 6HH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://eastlancashirealliance.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)