Chair

NHS Online is being established as the NHS's first national, digital-first Trust to address some of the most pressing challenges in elective care in England. Conceived by NHS England as a system-level intervention, it will deliver high-quality, clinically rigorous elective care unconstrained by geography, estate or traditional workforce models. Its ambition is transformational rather than incremental: to operate at national scale, set standards for virtual elective care, and directly contribute to elective recovery.

Formally established from 1 June 2026, with clinical services launching in 2027/28, NHS Online will operate as a regulated NHS Trust, accountable to the public and Parliament and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Accessed via the NHS App, it will align clinical capacity with patient demand across England and support more flexible workforce participation. It is expected to deliver the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years post launch, freeing physical capacity across local providers for patients who need or prefer in-person care and representing one of the most ambitious service innovations undertaken by the NHS in recent decades.

NHS England is seeking to appoint an exceptional Chair to lead NHS Online from its establishment and into full operation. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a national NHS Trust with the potential to transform elective care and improve health outcomes for populations across England. The Chair will bring experience of leading complex organisations at scale, ideally within digital-first or technology-enabled environments, and the credibility to guide a highly visible, system-critical innovation.

The successful candidate will bring significant board-level leadership experience gained in complex organisations, alongside a strong understanding of governance, financial stewardship and performance assurance. This person will have credibility to influence at the highest levels across public and private sectors, experience of leading change at scale, and a clear appreciation of the opportunities and risks associated with digital transformation. Above all, they will be values-driven, committed to equality and inclusion, and motivated by the opportunity to improve access and outcomes for patients nationwide.

The time commitment for the role will be two days per week and the remuneration will be £55,000 per annum, this will be reviewed in line with the outcomes of the ongoing pay review.

This is an exceptional leadership role at a pivotal moment for the NHS. NHS England particularly welcome applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities the NHS serves and who bring perspectives from a wide range of professional backgrounds.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to NHS England on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference ZBXXA. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on 13 February 2026.