To Apply: Please email CV and Covering Letter to
[email protected]
Interviews to be held: September 2026
The Non-Executive Director (Clinical) is a key member of the Trust Board at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, providing strategic leadership, independent oversight, and objective challenge to support the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective care.
As a voting member of the Board, the post holder shares corporate responsibility for ensuring the Trust operates efficiently, economically, and in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Bringing senior clinical expertise and an understanding of patient and community needs, the role focuses on shaping long-term strategy and strengthening governance, while offering an external, impartial perspective that is removed from the day-to-day operational management of the organisation.
The post holder will work collaboratively with fellow Board members to provide leadership and ensure the Trust’s strategic direction is ambitious, patient-centred, and aligned to organisational priorities.
Core responsibilities include:
Maintaining Board-level focus on quality
Patient safety, and experience
Contributing to the development and delivery of strategy
Monitoring organisational and Executive performance to ensure robust accountability and high standards of reporting.
The role involves supporting the development of a transparent, inclusive, and values-led Board culture, participating in Board committees (and chairing the Trust’s Quality Committee), and ensuring effective clinical governance, quality improvement, and risk management processes are in place.
The Clinical NED will also champion continuous improvement, equality, and inclusion, while upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life and the Trust’s values.
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
The Non-Executive Director will engage with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including the Trust Chair, Executive Directors, Governors, system partners, and community organisations, often addressing complex, sensitive, and confidential matters.
The role requires the ability to analyse complex information, provide constructive challenge, and contribute to balanced decision-making at Board level. The post holder will attend and actively contribute to Board and committee meetings, support governance assurance, and may participate in additional activities such as consultant appointment panels or strategic working groups.
A strong understanding of NHS systems, quality governance, and improvement methodologies is essential, alongside the ability to influence at senior level and promote patient and public involvement.
The role carries a commitment of approximately four days per month and is offered on a three-year term, with a focus on ongoing development, adherence to information governance standards, and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
