The Royal Free London is looking to appoint two non-executive directors to play a key role in its success and delivery of its strategic objectives.
Our NEDs bring their experience, values and perspectives to support and challenge our high-performing executive team. They balance day-to-day operational pressures with our long-term ambition to remain a leading NHS organisation.
Our NEDs are an engaged and diverse group, committed to the NHS and the patients and staff of the Royal Free London.
They are fully involved in the organisation and, through our ‘go see’ programme, spend time meeting staff and patients. The role requires membership of a group committee covering finance, digital services, workforce, or patient safety and experience.
Applications are welcomed from both the public and private sectors, although senior leadership and board-level experience is essential.
Board-level experience in a senior leadership role within the public or private sector
Experience leading and transforming a large organisation with a substantial budget
Ability to balance short-term priorities with long-term strategy
NHS or healthcare experience (desirable but not essential)
Experience delivering financial savings and cost-efficiency programmes
Strong financial acumen
Experience delivering large-scale digital transformation
Please note that, in addition to the panel interview, a stakeholder panel will be held on 23 July 2026 before the interview date.
Work with board colleagues in setting the strategic direction of the trust, contributing to setting standards and embedding our new trust ‘shared commitments’.
Contribute to effective decision-making and constructive debate within the board. Develop a constructive, frank and open relationship with the executive directors through regular communication and meetings in support of the RFL’s best interests, and to provide support and advice while respecting executive responsibility.
Ensure the trust complies with the provider licence, its constitution and any other applicable legislation and regulations
Ensure high standards of corporate and clinical governance are maintained in accordance with the relevant sections of the Foundation Trust Code of Governance, the UK Corporate Governance Code and the FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness
As a key ambassador for the trust, assist in building strong relationships externally with our partners within the immediate health system, as well as those across the wider health, research and education sectors nationally.
Encourage the continuation of effective communication with the members, governors and staff.
Support constructive working relationships with NHS England and the Care Quality Commission.
Uphold the new shared commitments of the RFL, by example, and to ensure that the trust promotes equality and diversity for all its patients, staff and other stakeholders.
The Royal Free London (RFL) has entered an exciting new chapter. Following the integration of North Middlesex University Hospital, and its community services, into our group, we have become one of the largest trusts in the NHS – with an ambition to match our size.
Our four hospitals, and 70 plus satellite sites, deliver world-class care to a population of over 1.6 million, reaching communities across north London, Hertfordshire, and beyond.
Our trust attracts patients from across the UK and beyond to a range of specialist services, as well as providing acute medical services. Our three clinical priorities are: cancer (for which we are one of the biggest providers of care in the NHS); cardiovascular disease; and organ failure and transplantation. In addition, our hospital sites have set their own local priorities, according to the needs of the unique population they serve.
Our board takes collective responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the trust, overseeing our commitment to providing the best NHS services and patient experience through world class expertise and local care.
We are proud to have some of the best clinical outcomes in the country, serving much of London’s diverse population, and ambitious for what more we can achieve in the future.
The attached role summary outlines the main roles and duties for the non executive director vacancy.
