Non-executive director induction
17 - 18 September 2026
Event days
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 the NHS. 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 the outset.
Key takeaways
- Gain a clear understanding of the NED role on an NHS unitary board, including duties, behaviours and core responsibilities.
- Understand how NHS providers operate within the wider health and care system.
- Explore the challenges and opportunities facing boards in the current NHS landscape.
- Engage in peer learning and build connections with other NEDs from across the sector.
- 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 organisational strategy and culture, providing scrutiny and support, and ensuring accountability. As the NHS faces continued pressures and transformation, the demands on boards are growing. This essential induction ensures that new NEDs are well prepared to step into their roles with clarity and confidence, supporting strong governance and high-quality care.
Such a great 2 days training - everything I needed to know - I started feeling a little overwhelmed by what I'm getting into but left with a very valuable toolkit, better understanding of how I can be impactful and a network of like-minded colleagues.
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
What we'll cover
- Up-to-date insights into the NHS policy landscape.
- NHS governance and the responsibilities of NEDs.
- The board's role in managing risk.
- An 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 and digital transformation.
- 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 9:30am to 4:00pm on day one and 9:30am to 4:30pm on day two (subject to change).
Chair
Speakers

John Coutts
Associate - Board Development Programme
NHS Providers

David Williams
Deputy Director of Policy
The NHS Alliance

Emily Newton
Policy Advisor - Systems
NHS Providers

Sandy Cook
Senior Policy Adviser: Finance, Contracting and Productivity
NHS Alliance

Peter Howie
Associate - Board Development Programme
NHS Providers

Dr Toli Onon
Chief Inspector of Hospitals
Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola
Chief Executive and Strategic HR and OD Leader
Socially Inspired
Pricing
This training is open to Members and Non-Members of The NHS Alliance.
NHS Alliance Member: £495 (ex VAT) | £594 (incl. VAT)
Non-Member: £743 (ex VAT) | £891.60 (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.
Materials and speakers were excellent - as was the structure of the programme.
Non-Executive Director, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Who should attend
- New NEDs who are less than six-nine months in post.
- Associate NEDs.
- Aspiring NEDs.

