Non-Executive Directors

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 now seeking to appoint six exceptional and mission-driven Non-Executive Directors who will join the Board of NHS Online from its establishment, helping to shape it into a fully operational provider of virtual elective care services. This is a rare opportunity to shape a new national institution from inception: building strong foundations of governance, culture and credibility, while championing safe, effective and inclusive technology-enabled care at scale.

Working closely with the Chair, Chief Executive and executive team, the Non-Executive Directors will help set strategic direction, uphold the highest standards of quality, safety and probity, and ensure the Trust delivers sustainable public value. The individuals will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and external insight, while promoting innovation and ensuring the organisation operates with excellence and compassion.

The successful candidates will bring significant board-level leadership experience gained in complex organisations, alongside expertise in one or more of the following areas: commercial experience within technology, digital services, or consumer-facing industries; experience delivering high-quality, customer-focused services; accounting and financial expertise; technology, clinical, HR, legal or organisational development experience; or lived experience as a patient or carer.

The individuals will have a demonstrable understanding of technology-enabled services, digital health or digital transformation, and the ability to assimilate complex issues while maintaining focus on patient outcomes and equity of access. 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 three to four days per month in the period up to launch (Q3 2027/28) and the remuneration will be £13,000 per annum with £2,000 supplement for chairing a committee.

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity at a pivotal moment for the NHS. NHS England particularly welcomes 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 ZBXXB. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on noon on Monday 2 March 2026.