Chair
The Patients Association
London, with a mix of in-person and hybrid
Voluntary basis, with reasonable expenses reimbursed
The health and care system is at a pivotal moment. The 10-Year Health Plan for England promises a revolution in patient power – shifting care from hospitals to communities, from analogue to digital, from treatment to prevention. We welcome that ambition. But any transformation designed without patients is transformation that will fail them.
That is why the Patients Association exists. No other organisation does what we do: independent of the NHS, independent of any condition, we exist solely to ensure that what patients experience shapes the decisions that affect them. We are recognised as the independent voice for patients at the highest level of health and care policy.
We operate in an extremely challenging financial climate. Funding is tight, competition is intense and the financial climate shows no signs of easing. In response, we have made deliberate choices about where we work so that everything, we do drives meaningful change.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a compelling and charismatic leader to become the next Chair of The Patients Association. We are looking for an exceptional individual, with vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style, with the ability to engage and influence at the highest levels.
As our Chair you will share a passion for our cause. You will be a compelling and charismatic leader, with vision and sound judgement.
Possessing expert knowledge of charity governance, or governance in a statutory or public organisation, you will demonstrate an inclusive and empowering leadership style, enabling high quality decision making and the ability to lead an engaged and effective board
You will have well-established, influential networks, comfortable performing in an outward facing, ambassadorial role in a politically charged and complex stakeholder environment.
If your values match our values, if you feel passionate about the importance of voice and experience of patients shaping services, then we would warmly welcome your application and look forward to speaking and meeting with you.
INFORMATION
Download the candidate brief to find out about the role.
DOWNLOADTimeline
Closing date for applications: Monday, 1st June 2026
To find out more, please contact our recruitment partners, Starfish Search. To request a copy of the information pack, please contact our recruitment partner joe.joyce@starfishsearch.com
We value diversity and are committed to reaching diverse patients across all communities. We believe that the best boards are those that reflect the communities they serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups who can bring new insights and perspective to our Board.
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- Your CV (no more than three sides).
- A supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria.
We would also be grateful if you would also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form on the online application process. This form is for monitoring purposes only and is not treated as part of your application.
Apply