Inducting Non‐executive Directors of Trust Boards

Describes a piece of largely empirical research, aimed at helping fourth‐wave trust chief executives and chairs with the induction of their non‐executive directors. Four key messages emerge: (1) Clarify the role of the board and agree success criteria, (2) Maximize the role of the non‐executive, (3) Spend time building relationships between members, (4) Set aside time to review board performance against your own success criteria. Three induction challenges are posed as a result: (1)How to set the scene to provide an overview of both the structure policies and priorities of the NHS as a whole and also those affecting the trust, (2) How to organize the board in the most effective way, (3)How to ensure the non‐executive directors make an effective contribution to the work of the trust. The research has enabled practical support to be offered to fourth‐wave trusts with the induction of their non‐executive directors, based on the lessons learned by existing trusts.