NHSProviders homepage
z

Non-executive director induction

19 - 20 March 2026

In-person

  • Leadership

  • Governance

Overview

Step into your role with clarity, confidence, and impact

This two-day induction course is tailored for new and aspiring non- executive directors (NEDs) in NHS trusts and foundation trusts. Delivered in partnership with NHS England, it offers a comprehensive introduction to the role, responsibilities, and expectations of NEDs operating in today’s NHS.

Through expert insights and peer discussion, this course equips participants with the context, confidence and practical knowledge they need to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Key takeaways
  1. Gain a clear understanding of the NED role within NHS trust boards, including duties, behaviours and core responsibilities.
  2. Learn how NHS providers operate within the wider health and care system.
  3. Explore the challenges and opportunities facing boards in the current NHS landscape.
  4. Engage in peer learning and build connections with other NEDs from across the country.
  5. Understand how to contribute to board-level decision-making, holding executives to account while supporting effective governance.

Why this matters

NEDs play a vital role in shaping trust strategy, providing scrutiny, and ensuring accountability. As the NHS faces continued pressures and transformation, the demands on boards are growing. This induction ensures that new NEDs are well prepared to step into their roles with clarity and confidence, supporting strong governance and high-quality care.

I attended this programme myself as a new NED just over two years ago and cannot commend it highly enough. Has formed a key part for me in how I conduct the role and I urge any new NEDs to take part.

Non-executive directorNorthamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust

What we'll cover

  • An up-to-date overview of the NHS policy landscape.
  • NHS governance and the responsibilities of NEDs.
  • The board's role in managing risk.
  • A policy overview of NHS finances and funding.
  • An introduction to oversight and support from NHS England. 
  • The role of Care Quality Commission in regulation. 
  • The board's role in race equality.
  • Developing your impact as a newly appointed non-executive director. 
  • The opportunity for you to meet and network with peers from other organisations.

This is a two-day event and delegates are expected to attend both days. Estimated timings are 9:15am to 4:30pm on day one and 9:15am to 4pm on day two (subject to change).

Trainers

Anita Day

Anita Day

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Anita is a chartered accountant with a background in biomedical science and was previously an international management consultant who specialised in culture transformation and organisational optimisation. Her UK board experience encompasses stints as both director and chair in the private, public and third sectors. Her NHS career includes time as a non-executive director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and as chair of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. She is currently chair of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, an extra-large trust employing 7,000 people, and is also a non-executive member of the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, where her particular areas of focus are workforce strategy, health inequalities and digital transformation.

Emily Newton

Emily Newton

Policy Advisor - Systems

NHS Providers

Sandy Cook

Sandy Cook

Policy Advisor - Finance

NHS Providers

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie

Peter Howie

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Peter Howie has 42 years of NHS experience, including 15 years as trust secretary. He is a former chair of NHS Providers' Company Secretaries Network and has provided governance support through secondments to other NHS trusts. A registered nurse with a master's degree in health policy and organisation, Peter now works as an associate with NHS Providers and as a governance consultant for NHS trusts. Peter has delivered training across the public and charitable sectors, in a wide range of leadership, clinical and governance subjects over the past 40 years, and contributes to local charitable work as a Rotarian.

Sir Julian Hartley

Sir Julian Hartley

Chief Executive

Care Quality Commission

Sir Julian Hartley

Sir Julian Hartley

Chief Executive

Care Quality Commission

Sir Julian Hartley joined the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as chief executive in December 2024, with a focus on serving people who use services and working with CQC staff and stakeholders to deliver high quality regulation and drive improvement across health and social care. Sir Julian was previously the chief executive of NHS Providers from February 2023 to November 2024. Prior to leading NHS Providers, he has had a distinguished career as chief executive of several organisations, including 10 years as chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where he led a major programme of culture change and staff engagement to deliver improved quality, operational and financial performance.

Asmina Islam Chowdhury

Asmina Islam Chowdhury

Programme Development Manager - Race Equality

NHS Providers

James Freed

James Freed

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Carl Smith

Carl Smith

Associate - Board Development Programme

NHS Providers

Pricing

Open to NHS Providers members, associate members and non-members.

Member (trusts and foundation trusts): £620 (ex VAT) | £744 (incl. VAT)
Associate members and integrated care boards: £775 (ex VAT) | £930 (incl. VAT)
Non member: £930 (ex VAT) | £1116 (incl. VAT)

You will need to provide a purchase order number at booking to confirm your place on this course. Card payments are also accepted.

Follow the 'Book now' link at the top of this page to book your place. You will need to create an account if you have not already done so.

I would highly recommend this induction programme to any colleague regardless of NHS or NED experience. Very informative and always something to learn.

Previous delegate

Who should attend

  • New NEDs who are less than six-nine months in post.
  • Aspiring NEDs.

Learn more about our programmes