Non Executive Director

Role overview

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors who will contribute to the organisation’s success and support delivery of its strategic priorities. The board values these roles for the independent experience, judgement and perspective they bring to help guide the executive team.

The trust is looking for individuals who can both support and appropriately challenge a high-performing leadership group. The role involves helping the organisation stay focused on short-term operational demands while keeping sight of its long-term ambition to remain a leading NHS provider.

Non-Executive Directors at the trust are expected to be actively engaged with the organisation, with a commitment to the NHS and to the patients and staff of Royal Free London. As part of the role, you will take part in the trust’s ‘go see’ programme, spending time with staff and patients to deepen understanding of day-to-day service delivery.

Board and committee involvement

The position requires membership of one of the board committees covering finance, digital services, workforce, or patient safety and experience.

Successful applicants will need to bring senior leadership and board-level experience. Applications from both public and private sector backgrounds are welcome.

What the trust is looking for

• Experience at board level in a senior leadership position, either in the public or private sector.
• A track record of leading and reshaping a large organisation with a significant budget.
• The ability to manage immediate priorities without losing focus on long-term strategy.
• Experience in the NHS or wider healthcare sector is helpful, though not mandatory.
• Evidence of delivering savings and improving cost efficiency.
• Strong financial understanding.
• Experience leading major digital change programmes.

Key responsibilities

The role includes contributing to strategic leadership, governance and external relationship-building across the trust and the wider health system.

• Work with fellow board members to shape the strategic direction of the trust, help set standards and embed the organisation’s shared commitments.
• Take part in robust decision-making and constructive board discussion, while building a frank and open relationship with executive directors through regular contact and meetings.
• Support the executive team in the trust’s best interests while respecting executive accountability and responsibility.
• Help ensure compliance with the provider licence, trust constitution, and all relevant legislation and regulations.
• Maintain strong corporate and clinical governance standards in line with the Foundation Trust Code of Governance, the UK Corporate Governance Code, and FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness.
• Act as an ambassador for the trust and help strengthen relationships with partners across the local health system and the wider health, research and education sectors nationally.
• Support ongoing communication with members, governors and staff.
• Help maintain constructive working relationships with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission.
• Lead by example in promoting the trust’s shared commitments and ensuring equality and diversity for patients, staff and other stakeholders.

About Royal Free London

Royal Free London has entered a new phase following the integration of North Middlesex University Hospital and its community services into the group. It is now one of the largest trusts in the NHS, with an ambition that reflects its scale.

The trust operates four hospitals and more than 70 satellite sites, providing specialist and acute services to a population of over 1.6 million across north London, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Its patients come from across the UK and beyond for specialist care. The trust’s clinical priorities are cancer, cardiovascular disease, and organ failure and transplantation. Each hospital site also sets local priorities based on the needs of the communities it serves.

The board shares collective responsibility for setting strategic direction and overseeing the delivery of high-quality NHS care and patient experience through world-class expertise and local service delivery.

The trust is proud of its clinical outcomes and its role serving London’s diverse population, while remaining ambitious about what it can achieve in the future.

Selection process note

In addition to the panel interview, a stakeholder panel will be held on 23 July 2026 before the interview date.

Further contact

For informal enquiries, contact Sue Little, Senior Executive Support Manager, at sue.little2@nhs.net.