Healthwatch Richmond. Chair. Recruitment Pack

Transcription

1 Healthwatch Richmond Chair Recruitment Pack

2 Foreword Thank you for expressing an interest in joining Healthwatch Richmond as the Independent Chair. The government set out its vision for the future of NHS in the White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS (2010). It outlines the future direction of patient and public involvement through the creation of a new voice for patients and public - Healthwatch. Healthwatch will be the new consumer champion for both health and social care and for the first time covers both adult and children s social care. The aim of our local Healthwatch Richmond will be to give residents and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within the borough. Healthwatch Richmond will have a seat on the Richmond Health and Wellbeing Board, ensuring that the views and experiences of patients, carers and others are taken into account when preparing local needs assessments and commissioning strategies, including the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA). We want to build on the great work Richmond Local Involvement Network (LINk) has been doing since 2008 and are working with members of the LINk steering committee to establish a charitable company, which will then deliver the functions of Healthwatch Richmond from April If you have a passion about health and social care and have the energy, drive and commitment to make Healthwatch Richmond a success, then we would be delighted to hear from you. This is a genuine opportunity to build on the legacy of Richmond LINk and its highly regarded work programme to create a lasting organisation. Yours sincerely Councillor Nicola Urquhart Cabinet Member for Adult services, Health and Housing On behalf of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

3 Background The Government s vision for health and social care reform is based on the principle that service users and the public must be at the heart of health and social care services. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 sets out that local Healthwatch (LHW) will replace current Local Involvement Networks (LINks) in April Local Healthwatch will be the new consumer champion for both health and social care including children s social care. The aim of local Healthwatch will be to give residents and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality. Local Healthwatch will carry forward the functions of the LINk but will have additional functions and powers. It will incorporate the good practice of LINks, establishing relationships with local authorities, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), patient representative groups, the local voluntary and community sector and service providers to ensure it is inclusive and truly representative of the community it serves. Local authorities are required to commission a local Healthwatch organization from 1 April Vision for Healthwatch in Richmond Healthwatch Richmond will be at the heart of the local community and play a key part in enabling people to become active residents. As the independent local consumer champion for health and social care in the borough, it will effectively engage and involve individuals, organisations, professionals and the wider public to facilitate genuine improvements in health and social care services in Richmond. Healthwatch Richmond, will ensure people are aware of the health and social care services available to them and how they can get the best out of these services. It will also have a seat on the Richmond Health and Wellbeing Board, ensuring that the views and experiences of patients, carers and others are taken into account when preparing local needs assessments and commissioning strategies, including the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).

4 Making the transition from LINk to Healthwatch Richmond LINk has successfully provided a voice for the local community on issues concerning the development and delivery of adult health and social care. It is important that Healthwatch does not lose the expertise and commitment that has been developed by the volunteer network of individuals and organisations created by the introduction of the LINk. LINk s roles and responsibilities will continue until 31st March 2013 and it will continue until that time to listen to the local population and ask the commissioners of health and social care to address any issues raised. Richmond Council, which has the legal duty to commission its local Healthwatch, is committed to building on the LINk s legacy and is working with the current LINk to manage the transition to Healthwatch. Richmond LINk representatives have registered a new company limited by guarantee with Companies House under the name Richmond Health Voices, which will be awarded the contract to deliver Healthwatch Richmond from April In the meantime, an application for charitable status has been made to the Charities Commission. The role of the Chair of the Board The chair will act as a Trustee of Richmond Health Voices and in effect become non-executive directors under the Companies Act. The Chair will play a leading role in setting the strategic direction of Healthwatch Richmond. The Chair, with the support of the other Trustees, will also have a significant role to play ensuring that of Richmond Health Voices adheres to its charitable principles, purpose and vision and operates in a moral and ethical way in the service of the local community. In addition to preparing, attending and leading formal board meetings, the chairperson will provide regular challenge, support and advice to employees through monthly meetings and will be involved in board and staff evaluations, and attend the Richmond Health and Wellbeing Board. We anticipate the time commitment to be approximately 2 days per month with additional commitment during the first 6 to 12 months. Make up of the board The board will comprise up to 12 Trustees/ Board Members including the Chair. In order to complete the registration of the new organisation with Companies House, three temporary directors have been nominated by the Healthwatch Richmond Transition Project group made up of representatives from Richmond LINk, Richmond NHS Community Involvement Group and the local authority. Two additional trustees have been selected from the existing Richmond LINk Steering Group following an internal LINk selection process. This leaves up to seven seats on the board to be filled through an open application and selection process.

5 Application and Selection To apply, candidates are asked to provide a copy of their CV together with a personal statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 detailing how they meet the person specification criteria included in this document. All applications will be screened by comparing contents of the CV and personal statement against the role and experience requirements. Candidates will then be shortlisted for interview. The interview panel will be made up of the non-executive Director of Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group, current chair of Richmond LINk, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Housing and the Director of Adult and Community Services. Candidates shortlisted for interview will be asked to prepare a short presentation to the panel followed by a formal interview. Candidates will also attend lay panel made up of community, patient, service user and carer representatives. After identifying successful candidates through the recruitment process, trustee eligibility will be assessed, before formally offering board membership. Unsuccessful applicants for the board will be invited to become members and/or volunteers, to assist the board in developing Healthwatch in Richmond and taking part in working group programmes. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Pegden Smith, Vice Chair Richmond LINk on For any other questions, please contact Nadine.hassler@richmond.gov.uk or telephone

6 Job description Post Title: Healthwatch Richmond Chair Purpose of the role: To act in the capacity of Director under the Companies Act 2006 leading the Healthwatch Richmond board in setting the strategic plan and direction and to ensure effective governance and management of the organisation. Key roles and responsibilities: 1. To lead the board in developing a clear vision, strategy, behaviours and objectives to deliver on the purpose of the organisation and the Healthwatch contract in line with legal requirements 2. To provide visible leadership in developing a positive culture for the organisation and act as a role model for agreed behaviours 3. To ensure accountability of the board through properly constituted committees and effective performance management arrangements 4. To ensure robust financial systems and internal control mechanisms are in place 5. To enable contributions from all trustees through ensuring that the board is well briefed on all matters arising 6. To play a pivotal role in building strong partnerships with patients, public, organisation members, elected members, key health and social care staff and other key stakeholders 7. To oversee the development and publication of the annual report 8. To act as an ambassador for Healthwatch Richmond and its principles and represent Healthwatch Richmond and the community on a number of key decision making forums 9. To drive continuous improvement within the organisation

7 Person Specification Experience: Experience of leading an organisation as a member of a management board, committee or senior management team Experience of developing and/or leading an organisation that operates for the benefit of communities Experience of building and developing successful partnerships, alliances and working relationships with a range of organisations, stakeholders and communities Knowledge and Skills: Behaviours: Other: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to liaise effectively with a wide a range of stakeholders and audiences Strategic thinking and planning, able to analyse complex information, demonstrate clear analytical intellect and guide rational decision making Good understanding of health, social care and wellbeing policy, issues and current challenges Demonstrate good awareness and understanding of the current environment in Richmond and how local health, and social care and wellbeing services are delivered Demonstrate an understanding of good governance principles Lead and inspire staff and other board members to achieve the best outcomes for the community Be innovative and forward thinking in promoting better outcomes in health and social care Provide support and guidance to staff and other board members during periods of change and challenges Be a role model of the behaviours, values and ethics of Healthwatch Richmond Challenge and/ or hold other board members and stakeholders to account Must live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Adheres to the Nolan principles Specialist skill sets: We are looking for Trustees from a range of different backgrounds and knowledge, including but not limited to: Adult Social Care Children s Social Care Mental Health Clinical commissioning Community Health Services and Primary Care

8 Service users, patients and carers Community Involvement and Engagement Finance, Improvement and Quality Human Resources Governance, Compliance and Legal

9 Individual responsibilities of Trustee Directors Trustees manage and administer the charitable company. The trustee s role is to accept responsibility for directing the affairs of the charitable company and ensuring that it delivers its charitable objects. It includes the following areas of responsibility: Preparing annual reports and submitting annual return forms and accounts Compliance with the objectives of the charity as set out in the governing document Trustees must ensure the charitable company is run carefully, by making sure it: Uses its charitable funds and assets wisely to further its charitable aims Doesn t do anything to put its property, funds, assets or reputation at risk Takes appropriate care and advice when investing or borrowing money Liabilities of Trustees Trustees of charitable companies have additional statutory duties arising from their status as company directors under the Companies Act In the event of the charity being wound up in the normal course of business a trustee director s liability will be limited to 1. Richmond Health Voices will purchase indemnity insurance to indemnify any of the Trustees from liability in the course of fulfilling their duties except where a breach occurs resulting in a fine following criminal proceedings or penalty for non-compliance with regulatory requirement. Personal liability of this kind is rare and trustees who have followed the guidance of the Charities Commission and Companies Act will generally be protected. There are times though when limited liability does not apply and trustees may be liable for debts or losses that a charitable company may occur. For more information, please see: Collective responsibilities 1. Understanding the external challenges, opportunities and threats the organisation faces 2. Determining strategic direction and establishing longer-term goals for organisation performance 3. Representing interests of stakeholders 4. Prioritising shorter term objectives and ensuring access to sufficient human, technical and specialist resources to achieve them 5. Delegating operational responsibility and setting performance objectives for the Chief Officer and other senior staff 6. Evaluating and monitoring senior management performance and ensuring reinforcement and necessary corrective action is taken where and when

10 required 7. Safeguarding the integrity, reputation and intellectual capital of the organisation as well as its financial and other assets 8. Ensuring that all corporate activities and communications satisfy legal, regulatory and other requirements 9. Evaluating and monitoring Board collective performance and that of individual directors 10. Ensuring appropriate development and succession plans are in place for Board-level and senior management positions 11. Ensuring that the organisation s charitable mandate is fulfilled 12. Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2006 Requirements of Trustees We anticipate the time commitment to be approximately 1 day per month. In addition to the above duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve: Scrutinising board papers Leading discussions Attend all scheduled meetings of the board Focusing on key issues Providing guidance on new initiatives Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise Trustees will also be expected to attend other events associated meetings e.g. conferences, board away days, seminars and other Healthwatch related events, in order to increase their knowledge base and share good practice. Healthwatch Richmond Board positions are voluntary and therefore unpaid, but will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, which means refunds for payments, which the trustee has had to meet personally in order to carry out his trustee duties, for instance: Travel expenses to and from board meetings Overnight accommodation while attending board meetings Cost of childcare while at board meetings Cost of special support needed for trustee with a disability Cost of postage and telephone calls when on charity business Eligibility Applicants must be over the age of 18 and demonstrate a strong knowledge of Richmond and its local health and social care economy. It is important that applicants, or members of their immediate family, do not have a conflict of interest as a result of their existing roles in the local health and social care economy. Therefore applicants are likely to be preferred who are not:

11 Health or social care providers and their employees within Richmond or whom supply health and social care services to people in Richmond Providers affiliated with a private company providing goods and services to local healthcare and social care providers Commissioners of health and social care services in Richmond Elected members of Local or Central Government. In addition, under the companies Act 2006, anyone who fits one of the criteria below may not be a director: Have been disqualified from acting as a company director (unless the court has given them permission to act for a particular company) Be an undischarged bankrupt (unless they have been given permission by the court to act for a particular company)