Has your board got a vice-chair?
A number of boards have recently run into problems because they had not appointed a vice-chair. Although boards are not compelled to have a vice-chair, we would recommend it as good practice. A properly appointed vice-chair can avoid difficulties when the chair is not available.
Under the terms of the membership and procedure regulations for all boards, the powers of the chair are passed to the vice-chair, so that the vice-chair can "act as chair"
as required. If a vice-chair has not been appointed before a chair becomes incapacitated or resigns, it is then too late.
In a number of these stalemate situations the NHS Appointments Commission has had to appoint a chair because no-one has been able to "act as chair"
.
Appointing a vice-chair is very easy. At a meeting of the board, the chair and members appoint one of the non-executive members as vice-chair for a period up to the equivalent of the remainder of his/her term as a board member.
When a vice-chair is asked to "act as chair"
as a result of the long-term absence of a chair, the commission can in most instances also arrange for additional remuneration to be paid for taking on this additional responsibility. If you want more information or advice about appointing a vice-chair, payment of an acting chair or other board membership issues, e-mail:
Do all non-executives need to attend audit committee meetings?
No. This seems to be a misunderstanding that has arisen following one of the training days for audit committee chairs. The normal number of non-executives on the committee is three, one of whom will chair the committee.
Can I claim expenses for travelling from my home to my strategic health authority/NHS trust or primary care trust?
Yes, although these expenses are deemed to be taxable. However, a special arrangement has been made with the Inland Revenue under which the tax liability will be met by your NHS organisation.
You can get further details about this and your entitlement to other expenses by e-mailing:
