Vacancy -- Independent Members - Board of Community Health Councils in Wales

The Board of Community Health Councils in Wales is responsible for:

• advising and assisting individual CHCs on their performance

• representing the collective views and interest of CHCs to the Welsh Ministers

• setting standards for CHCs as deemed appropriate by the Board.  For example in; complaints advocacy, scrutiny of the operation of the health service, the process of engagement.

• monitoring the performance of CHCs to ensure consistent standards across all CHCs

• monitoring the conduct of CHC members and officers

• operating a complaints procedure

• ensuring a cohesive and national approach to CHC delivery across Wales by enabling CHCs work in a planned and co-ordinated way.

The role of independent members as described in a factsheet from the Institute of Directors, is to provide “a creative contribution to the Board by providing objective criticism”. They should bring “independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance and resources including … standards of conduct.”  They will focus on Board matters and not stray into matters of day to day running.

Independent members will:

• Be required to play a full and active role  in the governance of the Board and are expected to bring an independent judgement on issues of performance, forward planning and accountability; 

• Contribute to the work of the Board based upon their independence, their past experience and knowledge, and their ability to stand back from the day to day operational management; 

• Contribute and accept corporate decisions to ensure a joined up, robust and transparent decision making process by the Board;

• Be expected, in time, to understand the work of the CHCs to enable the effective performance of the Board;

• Work closely with other public and voluntary organisations and make sure that the views of patients, carers and families are fully involved in helping to shape, develop and improve services.

• Be available to prepare for and attend meetings.

• Be expected to abide by a Code of Conduct for CHC members.  The Code covers issues such as the values of CHCs, personal conduct, confidentiality and equal opportunities.  It applies to the Independent Members of the Board of CHCs.  A copy is at Annex 2.

Independent Members will demonstrate the following qualities:

Knowledge & Experience

• Ability to provide objective criticism to the Board whilst maintaining independent judgement on issues of performance, forward planning and accountability;

• Ability to assimilate, assess and analyse complex information and contribute to sound decision making;

• Ability to work with the CHC Chief Executive, Chair and other board members to ensure the Board leads the CHCs effectively. Where necessary you will demonstrate skills that will enable you to hold the Chief Executives to account for performance whilst maintaining a constructive relationship;

• Ability to contribute to the ‘Governance’ of the Board, ensuring it is open and honest in its work by contributing fully in the decision making process.

Personal Attributes & Skills

• Leadership and self-awareness, ability to gain respect and attention.

• Integrity, high ethical standards, sound judgement and a willingness to challenge.

• To demonstrate a citizen focus approach, to champion the Board, through working closely with other public and voluntary organisations.

• To make sure the views of the patients, carers and families are fully involved in helping to shape, develop and improve services.

• Good interpersonal, listening and communication skills and the ability to engage with members and employees within the Board;

• Skills and ability to work as part of a team and in partnership with other key organisations;

• An understanding of how conflict occurs and how to deal with it effectively and sensitively;

• Ability to identify potential problems and deal with risk;

• Willingness to embrace change and innovation and a keenness to gain new knowledge and skills.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• A clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and challenging discriminatory practices.

• A clear understanding and commitment to Nolan’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ at Annex 3.

Welsh language skills are desirable.  However all candidates will be expected to display an empathy towards the language and demonstrate leadership to strengthen bilingual service provision within the NHS in Wales.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to expand on how they meet the criteria above using examples and evidence.