Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Dartford

  • Location Dartford
  • Sector Health, Board Practice
  • Client Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Remuneration £13,000 per annum
  • Reference GSe133242
  • Closing Date 9am Monday 8th June 2026

We are seeking two outstanding senior leaders to join the Boards of Dartford & Gravesham NHS Trust and Medway NHS Foundation Trust as Non‑Executive Director and Audit Chair.
There is one Audit Chair vacancy at each TrustThe Dartford & Gravesham NED will start in December 2026.

This is a rare opportunity to use your financial, governance and assurance expertise to influence patient care and organisational sustainability at scale, supporting NHS services that matter deeply to the communities they serve across Kent.

Both Trusts are ambitious and values‑driven, operating in a challenging system environment and delivering complex transformation programmes. Dartford & Gravesham is focused on strengthening performance and resilience across its acute services, while Medway is progressing an integrated improvement and cultural change programme alongside significant financial and operational challenges.

As Audit Chair/Audit and Risk Chair, you will play a critical role in providing independent oversight and assurance, chairing the Audit Committee and working closely with fellow Board members to ensure strong governance, effective risk management and transparent use of public funds. You will bring thoughtful challenge, sound judgement and a collaborative approach, helping Boards to navigate complexity while maintaining a clear focus on quality, safety and improvement.

We are looking for senior leaders with an accountancy qualification and substantial experience operating at Board or near‑Board level in large, complex organisations. You may come from the public, private or not‑for‑profit sectors. While NHS experience is not essential, a strong commitment to public service and to improving healthcare outcomes is.

You will be confident, curious and independent in thought, able to build constructive relationships and contribute effectively as part of a cohesive Board team.

We warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from groups currently under‑represented in NHS Board roles. Diversity of experience and perspective strengthens our governance and decision‑making.


For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained consultants at GatenbySanderson:

Melanie Shearer, Partner
E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548

Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant
E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7807 631 564


Joanna Riley, Principal Researcher
E: joanna.riley@gatenbysanderson.com
T: +44 (0) 7807 624 332

 

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