We’re looking for an exceptional individual to join our Board of Directors at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) as a Non-Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to help lead a Trust that puts patients, colleagues and communities at the heart of everything we do.
The role at a glance:
- Job title: Non-Executive Director (£15,500 per annum).
- Site: Multi-site working will be required.
- Responsible and accountable to: Chair of the Board and Council of Governors.
As a Non-Executive Director, you will bring insight, independence and strategic leadership – helping to shape our direction, ensure robust governance, and support continuous improvement. You’ll challenge constructively, support executive colleagues, and help us deliver our vision.
We are looking for someone who can:
- Operate confidently in a senior board environment.
- Challenge and support executive leadership.
- Contribute to the delivery of our strategy.
- Champion high-quality, person-centred care.
- Represent the Trust with integrity and influence.
On this page, you’ll find all the information you need to understand the role, learn more about our Trust, and submit your application. Whether you’re exploring the opportunity or ready to apply, everything you need is right here. You can also skip to the application process here.
Quick links:
- Our Trust
- Our vision, values and strategy
- Important context
- Job overview
- Candidate information and profile
- Eligibility
- Terms of appointment
- Person specification
- How to apply
Our Trust
We are one of Yorkshire’s leading acute trusts, serving a population of over 440,000 people across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas. With over 7,300 colleagues, we operate three main hospital sites – Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Bassetlaw Hospital and Montagu Hospital – delivering a full range of healthcare services, including emergency, inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic and specialist care.
We also provide outpatient and diagnostic services at Retford Hospital, including medical imaging and clinical therapies. Our Audiology service is based at Sandringham Road Centre, while Mammography and Children’s Speech and Language Therapy are delivered from Devonshire House—both located within two miles of Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
As a teaching hospital, we play a key role in training future health professionals, supported by strong partnerships with local universities and a growing research and innovation profile. We are proud to be values-driven, patient-focused, and committed to continuous improvement, working together to provide outstanding care for our communities.
You can read more about our Trust, and our achievements, within our Annual Reports, as well as our activity in 2024/25 here. You can also meet our Board of Directors here.
Our vision, values and strategy
Our Strategy is shaped by our vision, underpinned by our values, and delivered through clear priorities and bold ambitions.
Our refreshed strategy – Healthier Together – is currently undergoing ratification, however, you can learn more about it, and our Enabling Plans, here.
Important context
The NHS is undergoing a period of major transition. A new government has brought with it a stronger focus on community-based care, digital-first delivery, and prevention. At the same time, long-standing structures are being reformed, with NHS England being abolished, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) facing a 50% reduction in costs, and new national frameworks introducing tiered performance ratings and published league tables against 72 key standards.
A new 10-Year NHS Plan is expected in June 2025. It will set out a clearer, more accountable approach to delivery – with performance, productivity and technology at its core. Greater system-wide working, better use of data, and sharper financial discipline will all be central to how the NHS operates going forward.
For our Trust, this changing context presents both challenge and opportunity. Strong local leadership will be vital to navigate reform, deliver transformation, and ensure high-quality care in a more integrated, digital and outcomes-focused environment. This is why the role of Non-Executive Director has never been more important.
If you’re new to the NHS or unfamiliar with these reforms, we’ve created a short guide to help explain the current landscape and how it connects to our work at DBTH, please click here.
Job overview
We are seeking an outstanding individual to join our Board of Directors at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) as a Non-Executive Director.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of one of the region’s most ambitious and values-driven NHS foundation trusts.
As an organisation we’re entering a pivotal period as we prepare to launch our refreshed strategy, shaped by extensive engagement with our patients, partners and colleagues. At its heart is a clear and ambitious vision: Healthier Together – Delivering Exceptional Care for All.
To deliver on this vision, we are focused on four enduring Strategic Priorities: Patients, People, Partnerships and Pounds.
These priorities define how we operate as a Trust. It means we deliver safe, exceptional, person-centred care. We foster a supportive, positive and welcoming environment for our colleagues. We work in partnership to improve services and meet the needs of our communities. And we make the most of every resource, spending public money wisely to ensure long-term sustainability.
Supporting these priorities are a series of bold Strategic Ambitions: Modernising our care environments, tackling health inequalities, becoming a leading centre for research and education, and growing into a digitally enabled and mature organisation.
These priorities are further underpinned by a series of Enabling Plans across areas such as People, Estates, Digital, Health Inequalities, Maternity, Quality, Speaking Up and Research – all of which, together, gives us the framework and structure to deliver meaningful, sustainable improvements that align with local priorities, regional ambitions and national expectations.
This confidence is grounded in the progress we’ve already made. Over the past year, our teams have delivered record levels of patient care, expanded our workforce and advanced major developments across all sites – from the opening of the Bassetlaw Emergency Village and further expansion of the Montagu Community Diagnostic Centre, to the ongoing success of the Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence.
While we have much to celebrate, we also recognise the challenges ahead.
The NHS is entering a period of transition, shaped by financial pressures, national reform and a shared need for transformation. There is also a growing public appetite for services to become more efficient, effective and responsive. As such we are embarking on a significant Cost Improvement Plan and recognise that success will depend on fresh thinking, strong partnerships and bold leadership.
For those ready to step forward, this is a real opportunity to help shape meaningful, lasting change.
Within this context, the role of Non-Executive Director is more important than ever. You will bring insight, independence and strategic leadership – helping to shape our direction, ensure robust governance and support continuous improvement. Just as importantly, you will champion collaboration across the Trust and wider system.
We are seeking candidates with senior or Board-level experience in large or complex organisations. NHS experience is welcome but not essential. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, challenge constructively and work with integrity and purpose. We particularly welcome individuals with expertise in areas such as digital transformation, community or primary care, the voluntary sector, organisational development or service redesign, as well as an understanding of the local health and care landscape in South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
You will be joining a committed and capable Board and Council of Governors, with a shared focus on improvement. The time commitment is four to five days per month, with a blend of virtual and in-person meetings, development days and site visits.
We strongly believe diverse Boards make better decisions. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage those currently underrepresented in senior leadership, including women, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of disability.
If you are ready to make a difference and help us achieve our vision, we would be delighted to hear from you.
To arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact rebecca.allen75@nhs.net.
Suzy Brain England OBE
Chair of the Board
Candidate information and profile
The Board is collectively responsible for the success of DBTH, ensuring the Trust promotes high-quality care and demonstrates a genuine commitment to patients, the local community, colleagues, and the wider health and care system. This includes the effective delivery of our vision: Healthier Together – Delivering Exceptional Care for All, supported by a clear focus on excellent education, high quality research, and a positive, inclusive environment for both patients and colleagues.
Non-Executive Directors make a vital contribution to the effective running of the organisation. They help shape strategy, scrutinise performance, exercise independent judgement, and assure themselves of the integrity of the clinical, financial and operational information presented to the Board. In doing so, they uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
As ambassadors for the Trust, Non-Executive Directors provide visible leadership both internally and externally. They play a key role in helping the organisation understand and respond to the needs of its stakeholders, while championing the values, priorities and long-term success of DBTH.
Responsibilities
As a Non-Executive Director (NED) you will be required to:
- Take both corporate and personal responsibility as a member of the Unitary Board.
- Contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of DBTH’s strategy, ensuring the organisation has the resources needed to achieve its objectives.
- Provide constructive challenge to executive colleagues, while respecting their responsibility for performance and the delivery of strategy.
- Scrutinise performance rigorously and regularly, reviewing progress against agreed standards and objectives.
- Ensure that strategies and actions approved by the Board are implemented effectively by the executive team.
- Build and maintain a constructive relationship with the Council of Governors, giving due consideration to their views where appropriate.
- Champion high-quality, safe patient care, demonstrating genuine interest in patients, the local community, and the wider health and care system.
- Support the Chair, Chief Executive and executive directors in leading the Trust, including actively promoting the Trust’s values and the DBTH Way.
- Develop a strong understanding of the external environment in which the Trust operates, and support DBTH in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities. This includes working with local and system partners to maximise opportunities and shared benefits.
- Promote equality of opportunity and actively value diversity in all interactions with patients, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Strengthen and sustain engagement with the community, patients and partners, representing DBTH effectively in external settings.
- Share collective responsibility for communicating Board decisions clearly and consistently.
- Participate in determining the remuneration of executive directors and contribute to the appointment of the Chief Executive and other senior leaders.
- Commit to continuous development, maintaining and refreshing the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role effectively.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the qualities, skills and experience required to undertake this role to a high standard, as set out in the essential criteria below. They should be confident operating in a senior Board environment, with the ability to constructively challenge and probe commercial strategies, complex business cases, and financial and performance data—both at a strategic level and in granular detail.
We are seeking a proven leader with a strong track record of achievement, able to evidence success in the following areas:
Essential Criteria – Background and Experience
- Proven experience in developing strategic partnerships and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, building effective networks that add value and support organisational delivery.
- A strong track record of operating at senior or Board level, with substantial business or commercial experience in a large, complex organisation (e.g. PLC or equivalent).
- Educated to Master’s degree or postgraduate level, or able to demonstrate equivalent senior-level experience.
- Ability to understand, assess and navigate complex issues within large organisations.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, with resilience in the face of challenge and the ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm.
- Experience of senior-level governance and risk management, with strong skills in strategic planning, financial oversight and performance management.
Essential Criteria – Skills knowledge and personal attributes
- Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to earn the respect of colleagues at all levels.
- An enthusiastic and enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively, hold colleagues to account where appropriate, and work effectively as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, coupled with the ability to listen actively, weigh complex arguments, and provide clear, balanced summaries.
- A skilled negotiator who works collaboratively, demonstrates political awareness, and quickly grasps key issues and the dynamics between stakeholders.
- A sound understanding of corporate governance, including the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of non-executive directors as part of a unitary Board.
- Awareness of the role and responsibilities of NHS foundation trusts and the Council of Governors.
- A clear commitment to the values of public service, including accountability, openness, integrity, and equality of opportunity.
- The ability to represent DBTH confidently and positively to patients, partner organisations, regulators, and the wider public.
- Knowledge of the population served by DBTH, including an understanding of local demographics and the challenges involved in improving population health and tackling health inequalities.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of working within an organisation that has undergone significant transformation while maintaining high-quality service delivery to meet customer needs.
- Strong strategic decision-making skills, with a clear understanding of how to add value within a complex organisation such as DBTH.
- Knowledge or experience of accounting principles and financial oversight.
- A solid understanding of decision-making processes within the public sector.
Personal Characteristics
Your supporting statement should demonstrate how you will draw on your experience to:
- Work effectively with partners across the local health and care system to support transformation and improvement.
- Contribute as an active and effective member of a unitary Board, where all members share collective responsibility for decisions.
- Understand and navigate the challenges of a large, complex organisation.
- Communicate clearly and constructively, listen sensitively to different views, and build trust, confidence and respect with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Bring independent judgement, external insight, and constructive challenge to the development and delivery of strategy.
- Show a clear understanding of, and commitment to, the needs of patients and the local community.
DBTH is committed to attracting diverse, talented and high-performing individuals and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Please note that this person specification is not exhaustive. Additional responsibilities would be expected of a Non-Executive Director as part of the wider contribution to the Trust.
Eligibility
To be eligible for appointment as a Non-Executive Director, candidates must be registered members of the Trust’s public constituency. Employees of the Trust are not eligible to apply. If you are not currently a member, you may submit a membership application alongside your expression of interest. Please note, however, that you must be added to the register of members before any appointment can be confirmed. Registration is free and can be completed online at: www.dbth.nhs.uk/about-us/become-a-member.
All NHS organisations are required to ensure that Board directors meet the requirements of the Fit and Proper Persons Regulation. Full guidance is available from the Care Quality Commission:
https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/regulations-enforcement/regulation-5-fit-proper-persons-directors
This regulation requires that you:
-
- Are of good character.
- Possess the qualifications, competence, skills and experience necessary for the role.
- Are able, with reasonable adjustments if required, to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
- Have not been responsible for, contributed to, or facilitated serious misconduct or mismanagement (whether unlawful or not) during the course of carrying out any regulated activity, or while providing a service that would be considered regulated if delivered in England.
Ineligibility
The circumstances that may disqualify an individual from holding a directorship are set out in the DBTH Constitution and in NHS England’s Fit and Proper Person requirements. Examples include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Being an undischarged bankrupt or having an undischarged sequestration order.
- Having made a composition or arrangement with creditors, or granted a trust deed, and not yet been discharged.
- Having been convicted within the past five years of an offence in the British Islands where a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) of three months or more (without the option of a fine) was imposed.
- Failing to meet the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria outlined in Regulation 5(3) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
In addition, an individual may not be appointed to, or continue to serve on, the Board of Directors as a Non-Executive if any of the following apply:
- They no longer satisfy the relevant eligibility requirements for appointment.
- They have previously been removed from office as a chair or director of a health service body on the grounds that their continued appointment was not in the interests of public service, or for non-disclosure of a pecuniary interest.
- They have been dismissed (other than through redundancy, ill health, or the conclusion of a fixed-term contract) from paid employment with a health service body within the preceding two years.
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check reveals information that would reasonably be considered damaging to public confidence in the Trust or likely to bring the Trust into disrepute.
- They have had their name removed by a Direction under Section 154 of the 2006 Act from any list prepared under Part 4 of that Act, and have not subsequently had it restored.
- They are currently serving as a member of a local authority’s overview and scrutiny committee.
- They are the subject of a disqualification order made under the Company Directors’ Disqualification Act 1986.
- They have failed or refused to undertake mandatory training required by the Board of Directors.
- They have failed to sign and submit confirmation that they accept the Trust’s Standards of Business Conduct Policy in the form required by the Board.
- They are the spouse or partner of an existing Director.
Remuneration
£15,500 per annum
Location: The majority of meetings are held at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, other sites include Bassetlaw Hospital, Montagu Hospital and other locations as required from time to time for site visits.
Terms of appointment
The appointment is made by the Council of Governors.
The position is a public appointment and is therefore not subject to the provisions of employment law.
Contract Requirements
To qualify for the appointment as DBTH non-executive director you must be a member of the Trust.
DBTH has an obligation to ensure that an individual who has director-level responsibilities is a fit and proper person (F&PP) to be a director. To determine this, DBTH will review the proposed appointment and complete a criminal records, bankruptcy, disqualified director and social media check.
Under the F&PP regulations, DBTH must provide evidence that it has processes in place to ensure that new directors are, and existing directors continue to be, fit for purpose and that no appointments meet any of the “unfitness” criteria set out in the regulations.
Non-executive directors are also required to complete a health declaration and declare any business or personal interest (including close relatives’ interests) that might be relevant to the work of DBTH.
Tenure of Office and Time Commitment
Non-executive directors hold office under the Constitution of DBTH. You will normally be appointed for an initial period of three years by the Council, subject to satisfactory contract checks. Re-appointment may be made for a second term by the Council, subject to continuing satisfactory performance and the agreed needs of DBTH at that time.
You may resign by giving three months’ notice to the Chair or Company Secretary or agree a mutually acceptable departure date.
This is a part time role with flexibility as to how time is spent delivering the role. However, there is an expectation that you will be available to attend Board meetings, Board Development Sessions, Board committees and Council of Governor meetings, which may be face-to-face and held at a location within the region. The estimated time you will be expected to devote to the role is approximately four – five days per month.
Performance Review / Appraisal
The Chair will undertake an annual performance review and the outcome of this will be reported to the Council of Governors.
Remuneration
In addition to your remuneration, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Trust policy in respect of expenses necessarily incurred on Trust business.
Remuneration is taxable under “chargeable as employment income” and subject to Class 1 National Insurance contributions. It is not pensionable.
Conflicts of Interest
You are required to declare any conflicts of interest in respect of relevant business or personal interests or other appointments or connections with commercial, local authority, voluntary or NHS bodies. The declaration is required on application, annually and at any time during the execution of NHS business where a conflict arises that is relevant or material or could be perceived to be so. The register of interests is publicly available on the DBTH website. New conflicts of interest should be declared within 28 days of them arising.
Governance Matters
You are required to subscribe to the Code of Governance for NHS Provider Trusts, NHS Constitution and to comply with the DBTH Constitution, as approved by the Council of Governors.
You are also required to declare immediately to the Company Secretary if you are ever arrested or cautioned and required to declare if you have any pending prosecutions or convictions (excluding speeding or parking fines) and any cautions, or if you have ever been arrested. Failure to disclose any of these facts may result in termination of your contract.
All confidential information you acquire during your appointment must remain confidential to DBTH and must not be released, either during your appointment or following termination (by whatever means) to any unauthorised person or persons.
Role and Responsibilities
The requirements of the role are set out in the role specification. Non-executive directors have the same general legal responsibilities as any other director. In addition, a non-executive director may be invited to chair a committee of the Board and will be asked to chair consultant appointment panels. A non-executive director will be expected to attend Board committees they are appointed to and note there is a minimum attendance requirement for all Board and committees meetings.
The Trust will provide a tailored induction which will include site visits and meetings with senior management and external stakeholders. DBTH Trust Headquarters is at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Armthorpe Road, Doncaster. Non-executive directors will be required to undertake mandatory training and maintain compliance throughout their term of office.
The Trust will indemnify you against personal liabilities which may occur in certain circumstances whilst carrying out your duties, save where you have acted recklessly.
Disclosure of Information/Data Protection
You consent to the disclosure of your annual remuneration and other benefits in the Annual Report and Accounts of DBTH and agree that the Trust may process personal data relating to your personnel files for management purposes.
Termination of Contract
The DBTH Constitution sets out the circumstances that disqualify an individual from holding a directorship. Should any of these circumstances become applicable to you, you must notify the Trust Chair and Company Secretary as soon as practically possible and within 2 working days and your appointment will be terminated.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications (Essential):
- Educated to Master’s degree or post-graduate qualification or equivalent level of experience
- Experience in developing strategic partnerships and extensive stakeholder collaboration, building value adding networks that support organisational delivery
- Operating at a senior/board level with proven experience in a substantial business or commercial background in an organisation of scale and complexity (e.g. PLC)
- Ability to assimilate and assess significant and complex issues in a large organisation
- Evidence of leadership, resilience in the face of challenge and ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm
- Experience of senior level governance and risk management, strong strategic planning, financial and performance management
Experience/Qualifications (Desirable):
- Experience of an organisation that has undergone significant transformation, and maintained delivery of its services to meet the customers’ needs
- Experience/knowledge of accounting issues
- Understanding of public sector decision-making
Skills, Knowledge and Personal Attributes (Essential):
- Exceptional leadership skills, engendering respect from others at all levels
- An enthusiastic, enquiring mind, with the confidence to challenge constructively when appropriate and to hold colleagues to account and a commitment to work as a team member
- Highly developed interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, as well as an effective listener that is able to weigh up arguments and summarise for others
- Highly skilled negotiator who works collaboratively, is politically astute and able to grasp the relevant issues and understand the dynamics of relationships between interested parties
- Sound knowledge and understanding of corporate governance, including the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities placed on nonexecutive directors both individually and collectively as a unitary board
- Understanding of foundation trusts and council of governor responsibilities
- Empathy with and commitment to public service values of accountability, openness, probity and equality of opportunity
- Ability to effectively and proudly represent DBTH to its constituents, patients, partner organisations and regulators
- Knowledge of the areas served by DBTH, including an understanding of local demographics and challenges in improving population health and addressing health inequalities
Skills, Knowledge and Personal Attributes (Desirable):
-
Strategic decision-making skills and a demonstrable understanding of how these would add value to DBTH
Demonstrate Our We Care Values and the DBTH Way (Essential):
Kind, Inclusive, Person-centred, Empowering, Accountable, Collaborative, Attentive Listening, Integrity and Honesty, Courage and Positivity
How to apply
Closing date for applications can be found on the job advert, which is viewable at XXXXXXX.
The final interview process with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be in person and likely take place the week commencing: XXXXXX, at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
In order to apply, please follow the process outlined on the job advert.
The preferred method of application is online and can be found on: www.dbth.nhs.uk
Content out of date? Information wrong or not clear enough? Report this page.