Vice-Chair for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
- Body
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
- Appointing Department
- Welsh Government
- Sector
- Health and Social Care
- Location
- The Trust is a national service, with meetings held across Wales and virtually by Teams. As we return to face to face Board and Board development sessions, these are likely to be primarily in Cardiff however regular regional meetings will also be held to engage with staff, the public and our stakeholders.
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- £21,408 per annum plus travel and other reasonable expenses within reasonable limits.
- Time Requirements
- 8 days per month
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
05/09/2022
-
Closed for Applications
07/10/2022 at 16:00
-
Panel Sift
17/09/2022
-
Final Interview Date
24/11/2022
-
Announcement
TBC
Vacancy Description
The WAST Board plays a key role in shaping strategy, vision, purpose and culture. Led by an independent Chair and comprised of a mixture of both Executive and Non-Executive Members, the Board has a collective responsibility for the performance of the Trust.
The Vice-chair will actively support the Chair in developing the performance and effective governance of the Board, upholding the values of the NHS in Wales, and promoting the confidence of the public and partners. The Vice-chair will further strengthen the independent membership capability and act as a sounding board for the Chair.
The Vice-chair will:
Strategy Contribute to constructive debate regarding strategic development and other material and significant issues facing the Trust; Provide independent judgement and advice on issues of quality, strategy, vision, performance, resources, and standards of conduct; Constructively challenge, influence and support the Executive Directors in developing proposals on such strategies; Together with other Board members provide leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls to ensure the long term sustainability of the Trust.
Planning Scrutinise the Trust’s three year medium term plan, ensuring that it establishes clear objectives to deliver the strategy; encompasses the necessary quality, workforce, operational and financial resources for the Trust to meet its objectives; and regularly reviews performance against the plan.
Performance Receive, review and apply appropriate scrutiny to quality, performance, workforce and financial data and information to compare achievements against targets and, where necessary, support the implementation of remedial action; Seek out challenging objectives for improving performance; Ensure effective control arrangements are in place to secure the financial viability of the Trust.
Governance Deputise for the Chair and lead the Board in their absence and perform additional functions as agreed with the Chair; Scrutinise the Trust’s commitment to the highest standards of governance, such that it acts in the interests of the population and partners it serves and is seen to be accountable for the services provided and the resources used; Ensure that internal controls and systems of risk management are robust and well governed; Analyse and interpret information provided to the Board, seeking clarification, further assurances, and triangulation of information wherever possible; Ensure the Trust complies with its Standing Orders, policies, and relevant legislation and regulations.
Culture and Behaviour Demonstrate the Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership; Provide strong, effective, and visible leadership internally through Board and Committees, and externally through connections with a wider range of stakeholders; Support a culture that encourages staff, patients, families and the public to raise concerns that are then appropriately addressed; Ensure the Trust embraces and promotes equality, diversity and inclusion for all its population, patients, staff, and stakeholders; Demonstrate and encourage the highest standards of probity, integrity and governance, ensuring that the Trust’s governance arrangements comply with best practice and statutory requirements; Provide visible compassionate leadership in supporting and promoting a healthy culture for the health body and reflect this, and the values of the Trust, in their own behaviour; Ensure the Trust shows an appreciation of bilingualism and culture, and a commitment to promoting, embracing and mainstreaming the Welsh language; Bring past experience, knowledge and influence to the work of the Board to promote innovation, curiosity, and to challenge norms.
Engagement Be expected, with support, to understand the business of the Trust through active involvement; Build and maintain close relations between the Trust’s partners and stakeholder groups to promote the effective operation of the Trust’s activities; Participate as a member of the All Wales Vice-chairs Network.
Board Activities Participate fully in the work of the Board and Committees, including pre and post-meeting engagement and annual evaluations to support good governance; Attend, and where relevant, chair Board Committees and other ad hoc meetings of the Board; Attend Board development sessions and other internal and external training and development opportunities; In conjunction with the other Board Members, discharge their duties in relation to the Charitable Fund, of which the Board acts as the corporate trustee; Assume and promote the role of a champion in areas of focus which are either set by the Welsh Government or assigned by the health body; Undergo an annual personal performance appraisal, participating in any additional training and development highlighted as a result of the evaluation process to ensure personal objectives are delivered.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Which the candidate must be able to demonstrate includes:
A track record of strategic, board level leadership in a public sector, private or third sector organisation Commitment to engaging with people who use our services, our staff and stakeholders An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team to meet common goals Ability to apply strategic insight and lived experience for the benefit of the people who use our services, our staff and stakeholders Experience in providing independent challenge and scrutiny whilst maintaining constructive relationships Excellent communication and/or public speaking skills
Desirable Criteria
Which may include any of the following:
Experience in chairing at Board or Board Committee level An understanding of risk management and systems of internal control and assurance Demonstrable leadership and strategic change management experience including culture change Well respected reputation for partnership and collaboration expertise in the public sector, private or third sector organisation Experience of working in regulated environments Specific experience of strategy or general management An understanding of the challenges facing WAST in delivering high quality, safe services to patients that are clinically and financially sustainable
Standards in public life You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and personal conduct. All successful candidates will be asked to subscribe to the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies.