Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability and autism services to more than 2 million people across County Durham, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and York. Our dedicated staff operate from more than 90 sites, working in partnership with patients, carers, communities and system partners to deliver high-quality care. Whilst we have made significant progress in improving our services, we remain rated 'Requires Improvement' by the CQC. With a new Chair and Chief Executive, a refreshed Board, and a renewed focus on transparency, learning and improvement, we are committed to building a stronger, safer and more compassionate organisation. Guided by Our Journey to Change and our values of Respect, Compassion and Responsibility, we are determined to create an environment where colleagues can thrive and provide the very best care for those who rely on our services.

The new role of Executive Director of Delivery, a non-voting member of the board, will be the principal strategic adviser to the Chief Executive and Board. Reporting to the Chief Executive you will lead the delivery of our organisational strategy, transformation agenda and system partnerships, ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into clear plans, measurable outcomes and sustainable improvement. Working closely with Executive colleagues, operational leaders and external partners, you will provide leadership, assurance and constructive challenge across strategy delivery, transformation, digital, data and stakeholder engagement. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping shape the future direction of a large and complex NHS organisation at a significant point in its development.

We are seeking a credible senior leader with significant experience at, or close to, Board level in a large, complex organisation. You will have a strong track record of translating strategy into measurable outcomes, leading large-scale transformation, and building effective partnerships across organisational boundaries. A strong understanding of NHS governance, regulation and the financial context in which NHS organisations operate will be important, alongside the ability to build high levels of trust and influence with senior stakeholders. Above all, you will be a compassionate, inclusive and values-driven leader who brings pace, clarity and focus while enabling colleagues to deliver the best outcomes for patients, carers and communities.

We want our Board to be as inclusive and diverse as possible, and we are keen to attract candidates who can bring diverse perspectives. We warmly welcome expressions of interest from the widest possible range of backgrounds, particularly those who are under-represented at board level in the NHS.

To learn more about this incredible opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Will McAlpine, Niamh Blair, or Robin Staveley via will.mcalpine@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing Date: 9am Monday 9th November 2026

Stakeholder sessions: Tuesday 24th November 2026

Final Interviews: Wednesday 25th November 2026

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Documents

Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
9am Monday 9th November

Short listing
w/c 9th November 2026

Final panel
Wednesday 25th November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit an up to date copy of your CV, along with a Supporting Statement that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.
• A completed fit and proper person form - the template can be downloaded from the same place as the job description.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• You should provide the names, positions, organisations, and contact details for your referees, which must be your line managers and include your current and most recent employer. The referees should cover at least two roles as the minimum. Please note, should you be appointed, you will be required to provide references covering your last 6 years of employment as per the new NHS Fit and Proper Person regulations. Where there have been gaps in employment, this six year period will be extended accordingly. Referees will only be contacted for those proceeding to the final stage - we will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email to confirm that you have applied. If you do not receive this email, please make contact with GatenbySanderson.

Acceptable use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.