Job overview

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

Working for our organisation

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.