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Removing or suspending chairs and non-executives from PCTs and NHS Trusts: consultation on introducing powers of suspension

This consultation sets out a single approach to considering whether and if so how, a chair or non-executive member of a Primary Care Trust (PCT), or a chair or non-executive director of an NHS trust, should be removed from office.  The process may involve either seeking resignation or the termination of appointment and also introduces the potential use of a suspension function.

There is currently no legal framework for the Secretary of State to direct the Appointments Commission to suspend chairs and non-executive members or directors from office. The consultation documentation sets out proposals on the amendments that need to be made to the relevant legislation in order to allow for suspension of chairs and non-executive members or directors of PCTs and NHS trusts, and for temporary non-executive member(s) or director(s) to be appointed during the period of suspension.  

It is intended that the introduction of a suspension function for SHA chairs and non-executives will be covered by a separate consultation at a later date.  

• Download Consultation document (PDF, 246K)
• Download Impact assessment (PDF, 27K)