Job summary
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is one of the largest, most complex and high-profile NHS organisations in England, employing over 30,000 staff with a turnover exceeding £3bn. Serving a local population of almost 1 million people and many more through specialist and tertiary services, MFT operates ten hospitals, two Local Care Organisations and an extensive range of community services across Manchester and Trafford.
As an anchor organisation within the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System, the Trust plays a central leadership role across one of the most mature health and care systems in the country, working in partnership to improve population health and reduce inequalities. MFT also hosts one of the largest NIHR research portfolios in England and sits at the heart of one of the largest health academic campuses in Europe, with deep and influential relationships spanning academia, industry and the wider NHS.
We are seeking an exceptional Trust Chair to provide strategic, values-led leadership of the Trust Board and Council of Governors, ensuring strong governance, effective oversight and constructive challenge. This is a rare opportunity for a credible and influential Chair to operate at local, regional and national level, shaping the future of health, care, research and innovation across Greater Manchester.
Main duties of the job
As Trust Chair, you will provide strategic and values led leadership of the Trust Board and Council of Governors, ensuring the organisation is well governed, accountable and sustainable. You will lead the Board in setting clear strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of corporate and clinical governance, and ensure robust systems of assurance across quality, safety, performance, workforce and finance. You will support and constructively challenge the Trust Chief Executive and Executive Directors, ensuring effective delivery of organisational priorities and stewardship of public resources.
The role requires an experienced board leader with sound judgement, integrity and independence of thought, able to operate effectively in complex and highly regulated environments. You will foster an inclusive and open Board culture, promote collaboration and collective responsibility, and ensure effective Board and committee performance, appraisal and succession planning. You will build strong, constructive relationships with Non Executive Directors and Governors, and represent the Trust externally, contributing to system leadership, partnership working and wider influence at local, regional and national level.
Closing date for applications - Sunday 17th May 2026
About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe. We are an ambitious organisation, serving over 1 million patients and users annually through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are a driving force for innovation, clinical excellence, and system leadership across Greater Manchester.
As a senior leader at MFT, you will shape strategy and transformation at scale, working alongside a diverse, high-performing executive team. Our £3bn plus turnover and leading-edge digital infrastructure, including the Hive EPR, enable us to deliver integrated, patient-centred care and drive continuous improvement.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, values-led culture where your expertise, vision, and leadership will directly influence organisational direction and population health outcomes. You will have the opportunity to lead complex change, champion research and innovation, and develop future talent in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Join us to make a lasting impact--on our Trust, our communities, and the future of healthcare.
Job description
Job responsibilities
On this page you will find a Role Profile which provides information about MFT and full details of the role. We recommend that you review this and refer to it as you complete your application. In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. For more information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/95812 .
Job description
Job responsibilities
On this page you will find a Role Profile which provides information about MFT and full details of the role. We recommend that you review this and refer to it as you complete your application. In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. For more information, including details of how to apply, please visit www.odgers.com/95812 .
Person Specification
Background & Experience
Essential
- Experience chairing Boards at scale in complex public, private or voluntary sectors.
- Senior-level NHS or regulated sector experience.
- Demonstrated ability to shape organisational strategy and lead long-term transformation.
- Track record of high performance and leadership in complex, changing environments.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, regulators, communities and partner organisations.
Skills, Knowledge & Personal Attributes
Essential
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to build trust and respect at all levels.
- Skilled Chair with excellent facilitation, influencing and decision-making abilities.
- Highly developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong public presence with credibility when representing the Trust.
- Analytical, intellectually curious and independent in judgement.
- Deep knowledge of corporate governance and the NHS landscape.
- Commitment to EDI and compassionate leadership.
- Financial literacy and commercial insight.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to NHS values and the Nolan Principles.
- Understanding of the political and regulatory environment of the NHS.
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the Trust.
- Must be or become a member of the Trust.
- Ability to travel and commit the required time to fulfil the duties of the role.
Person Specification
Background & Experience
Essential
- Experience chairing Boards at scale in complex public, private or voluntary sectors.
- Senior-level NHS or regulated sector experience.
- Demonstrated ability to shape organisational strategy and lead long-term transformation.
- Track record of high performance and leadership in complex, changing environments.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders, regulators, communities and partner organisations.
Skills, Knowledge & Personal Attributes
Essential
- Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to build trust and respect at all levels.
- Skilled Chair with excellent facilitation, influencing and decision-making abilities.
- Highly developed interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong public presence with credibility when representing the Trust.
- Analytical, intellectually curious and independent in judgement.
- Deep knowledge of corporate governance and the NHS landscape.
- Commitment to EDI and compassionate leadership.
- Financial literacy and commercial insight.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to NHS values and the Nolan Principles.
- Understanding of the political and regulatory environment of the NHS.
- Ability to act as an ambassador for the Trust.
- Must be or become a member of the Trust.
- Ability to travel and commit the required time to fulfil the duties of the role.
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
