Website of the Department of Health

Welcome to another edition of the 'Non-Exec Bulletin'.

As you know, the previous edition was delayed until we had more clarity about the reform programme. Consequently, this one follows close behind. Like buses, you wait a long time then two arrive together!

Nevertheless, in the last few weeks we have taken the recruitment programme significantly further forward and, although I have written to you with the details, it may be useful to repeat the key points here.

First, the following campaigns are still active:

I do hope that many of you will consider applying for these posts. All the information packs can be downloaded from our website.

An important point to note is that the recruitment to the London PCTs has been deferred until the autumn, both to allow a period of stability and to assist us with a difficult workload over the summer period when we need to retain flexibility for candidates' holiday commitments.

I am very aware that we are asking a lot from those of you in time-limited posts to continue until the new organisation is established or until new people can be appointed. I know that, for many of you, it is not the statutory duty that is keeping you in post, but the wish to hand over a going concern to the new team, and your sense of responsibility to the organisation and its services. Rest assured that I will ensure that your commitment in these difficult circumstances is appreciated at the Department of Health. In my earlier letter I set out the anticipated end dates for some of the posts and I will keep you notified if these change.

You may have noticed that our website has been revamped. While you are browsing it, I would draw your attention to a new publication, 'The Intelligent Board', which is available on our website.

This edition is aimed to help NHS Trusts, and we will shortly be embarking on a similar project for PCTs. The publication is the result of a collaboration between Dr Foster Intelligence and an NHS team that I was privileged to chair. I believe that it will be of immense help to boards. I know from our induction courses that new non-executives are not sure how probing they should be, and the more experienced often learn that probing is not useful because the information doesn't exist!

Hopefully, 'The Intelligent Board' will set the standard for all boards so that executives and non-executives alike will have a clear and regular picture of their organisation's performance and how it compares with similar organisations elsewhere.

Finally in this short Voicepiece, I would like to offer some words of advice. You don't need me to point out that these are very challenging times for the NHS. We are in the midst of major reorganisation, a difficult financial position, and working on fundamental plans to change the way we commission and deliver services. It is bound to be difficult and, above all else, we have to hold our nerve.

I believe that the fitter and leaner NHS that will emerge from this period of change will be much better placed to deliver the services patients need, where they want and when they want them. It is up to all of us as chairs and non-executives to set aside any personal qualms and give real leadership to our organisations and hope and direction to staff.

I look forward to spring with the promise of new beginnings - not just in my garden but in the NHS which, although it frequently frustrates us, is nevertheless such an essential part of all our lives.