Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Non-Executive Directors x 2

Closing Date: Monday 21 September 2026

About the Organisation

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) is looking for two exceptional leaders to join their unitary Board as Non-Executive Directors.

This is a significant moment for the NHS and for WWL. Their Strategy 2030 and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan call for care that is more integrated, more preventative and more digitally enabled. They want new Board colleagues who can help us turn that ambition into better outcomes for patients, staff and communities.

WWL is one of the largest acute and community NHS providers in the North West. They serve around 330,000 people across Wigan Borough and provide specialist services to patients from across the region and beyond.

About the roles

NED Role 1 - Primary Care Leader

They are seeking an experienced GP or senior primary care clinician who has led change across primary and community care. You will bring credibility across general practice and a strong understanding of Primary Care Networks, neighbourhood working, prevention, population health and integrated models of care.

Your insight will help the Board support the shift from hospital to community and strengthen the relationships needed to deliver more joined-up care across Wigan and Greater Manchester.

NED role 2 - Digital, Data and AI Leader

They are seeking a rounded Board-level leader with substantial experience of digital transformation, data and information management, artificial intelligence or technology-enabled service improvement.

You may have built your career inside or outside healthcare. What matters is your ability to translate specialist knowledge into strategic challenge and assurance: ensuring investment delivers benefits, data supports better decisions, and innovation is pursued responsibly, securely and inclusively.

You will be an experienced senior leader with the strategic range, sound judgement and personal credibility to contribute at Board level. You will understand the difference between governance and executive management, be comfortable with complexity, and combine thoughtful challenge with a collaborative style.

Previous NHS Non-Executive Director experience is not essential. They welcome people who can demonstrate Board-level impact in healthcare, another public service, the voluntary sector or a complex regulated organisation, and who have the capacity to learn the NHS provider context quickly.

Different perspectives make better Boards

WWL want their Board to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve and the workforce they lead. They warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those whose voices and experiences remain underrepresented at senior levels of the NHS.

If you share their commitment to public service but are unsure whether your route to leadership fits a traditional Board profile, they encourage you to consider the opportunity. The value of your perspective, judgement and lived experience may be exactly what their Board needs.

They are committed to an accessible recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments so every candidate can perform at their best.

Appointment details

Term: Initial appointment of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory appraisal.

Location: Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan, with regional and national travel as required.

Status: Contract for services; remuneration is taxable, non-pensionable and subject to National Insurance.

Checks: Appointment is subject to NHS England guidance on the Fit and Proper Persons Test.

Remuneration: £13,000 per annum 

Time Commitment: Minimum 3 days per month

How to apply

• Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining how your experience meets the requirements of the relevant role to jp@seymourjohn.com.

• Use the subject line “WWL NED Role 1 - Primary Care Leader” or “WWL NED Role 2 - Digital, Data and AI Leader”.

• For a confidential conversation, contact Jonathan Phillips at Seymour John on 07817 988490 or jp@seymourjohn.com.

• Please refer to the candidate information pack for the full role description, person specification and appointment terms.

Timetable

Closing date: Monday 21 September 2026

Final interviews: 2 or 3 November 2026