Job summary
We have assessed the skills and capabilities around our Board table and are seeking to recruit the following Non-Executive Directors (NED):

• A non-executive director with a clinical background and an in-depth understanding and experience of clinical governance and healthcare regulation.
• A non-executive director with a finance background, coupled with an in-depth understanding and experience of corporate governance and assurance gained in either the NHS, commercial or other public sector organisations.
• A third non-executive director who brings additional skills and expertise to the Board, potentially in areas such as service transformation, data and digital, partnership working, R&D, innovation, commerce or commissioning. A clinical background would be advantageous, but not essential.

This is a really exciting time to join East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). The Trust has a new Chair and Chief Executive and are embarking on the delivery of a new strategy in the context of the NHS 10 year Health Plan.

Our level of ambition is high. We are seeking to develop and strengthen our Board to lead the organisation into the future. We aspire to be one of the highest performing Boards in the NHS.

The standard Trac process does not apply, Please send your full and updated CV and covering letter (no more that two sides of A4) to: Harpreet.Brar@esneft.nhs.uk

Interviews are anticipated to take place w/c 2nd November - exact dates tbc.

Main duties of the job
As a NED, you will work closely with Executive and Non-Executive Directors, sharing responsibility for the leadership, governance, and overall success of the Trust. You will provide strategic insight, challenge, and support, ensuring that ESNEFT continues to improve our delivery of safe, effective, and high-quality care to the communities we serve.

We are seeking values driven leaders with the ability to bring fresh perspectives and contribute to diverse and constructive Board discussions.

This is an opportunity to influence transformation across ESNEFT and the wider health system. We are well placed to deliver on the ambitions of the 10 Year Plan through our integrated care and neighbourhood approach, and through joining us as a NED you will be in a position to make a tangible difference to the lives of our patients and communities.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board to reflect the communities we serve. We therefore particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented at Board level.

About us
We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients' own homes. ESNEFT is a leading healthcare provider in East Anglia, delivering high-quality integrated acute and community healthcare services. With a workforce of almost 13,000 dedicated staff, we serve a population of approximately one million people across Ipswich, east Suffolk, and north Essex, providing a range of specialised services and pioneering innovations such as robotic surgery. We now have the opportunity for three talented Non-Executive Directors (NED) to join our Board. We may also appoint Associate non-executive directors as part of this recruitment process.

As a progressive and ambitious organisation, ESNEFT is committed to delivering the best care and experience for our patients while working to reduce health inequalities. We have a strong track record of performance. As an anchor institution, we take pride in our deep-rooted connection to our communities and our partnerships with local authorities, universities, and the voluntary sector to drive meaningful change in population health.

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

Job responsibilities
For further information and a full job description for the role please view the attached NED Applicant pack

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Genuine commitment to patients and the promotion of excellent health care services
• Substantial senior or board level experience
• Track record of executive leadership gained in a complex organisation, whether private, public or voluntary sector.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Colchester / Ipswich, Colchester / Ipswich, CO4 5JL, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.esneft.nhs.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Board Secretary and EA to Chair, Tina Terry, Tina.Terry@esneft.nhs.uk

Details
Date posted: 29 September 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £13,000 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 2 years
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 432-HR887-26
Job locations: Colchester / Ipswich, Colchester / Ipswich, CO4 5JL, United Kingdom

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.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).