North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust - Chair

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 9th February 2026

About the Organisation

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) is seeking an exceptional leader to join us as Chair of the Board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of health and care across one of England’s most diverse and geographically challenging regions. Their Trust provides hospital and community services to more than 320,000 people across 2,600 square miles – from Carlisle to Kendal, and the Cumbrian coast to the North Pennines. With over 6,500 staff delivering more than 70 services across 15 main locations, they are committed to providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care every time.  

This is an exciting and challenging time for the NHS. In the context of the NHS 10 Year plan, they move into a new era for healthcare provision to provide more joined up care for patients across community and hospital services and with their system partners. In North Cumbria, they have a unique opportunity to lead the way nationally with new models of care thanks to their extensive network of community hospitals and associated services.

As Chair, you will lead their Trust setting a clear strategic direction and ensuring robust governance. You’ll create the conditions for collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership, inspiring confidence across the organisation and beyond. Working closely with system partners, you will champion integrated care and lead efforts to improve health outcomes for their communities.

They are on a bold improvement journey. Their five-year strategy is focused on transformation, sustainability, and delivering joined-up care. They’ve already achieved significant milestones – from JAG-accredited endoscopy units and a new Community Diagnostic Centre to Cumbria’s first medical school – but there is much more to do. This is your opportunity to shape the next chapter and make a lasting impact.

About the role

They are looking for an individual with exceptional leadership skills, strong strategic insight, and the ability to build relationships with partners. You will bring independence of thought, sound judgment, and a commitment to the values of the NHS. Previous NHS experience is not essential, but a passion for public service and an understanding of the challenges facing health and care is vital.

To be eligible, you must reside in Cumbria, Lancashire, North East England, or Yorkshire and demonstrate a strong connection with Cumbria. They are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities they serve and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

To learn more about us and this exceptional role or for a confidential discussion, and details of how to apply, please contact their search partners Will McAlpine at will.mcalpine@gatenbysanderson.com  or Emily Smith at Emily.smith@gatenbysanderson.com or Robin Staveley robin.staveley@gatenbysanderson.com 

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 9^th February 2026

Remuneration £51,400 per annum for a time commitment of 3 days a week

APPLY LINK TO USE: https://www.gatenbysanderson.com/job/GSe127771/