Job overview

We are seeking an exceptional Independent Non‑Executive Member to join the South West Peninsula Cluster, which brings together NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly under a single Board, shared leadership model and joint operating arrangements. This Cluster has been established in response to national NHS reforms aimed at strengthening strategic commissioning, improving leadership, and reducing running costs, ahead of a planned formal merger in 2026/27.

The term of office for this role is one year or until the merger is completed (anticipated 1 April 2027). The time commitment is flexible, averaging 2–3 days per month, including preparation time and occasional evening engagements. Remuneration is £16,000 per annum, with additional payments depending on specific duties.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to shape the long‑term strategic plan for the Cluster, ensuring effective stewardship of public funds and delivery against statutory objectives. You will provide independent, constructive challenge, helping to ensure robust decision‑making and a clear focus on the needs of our communities

Refer to the candidate pack attached to this role for full details and how to apply.

Main duties of the job

As an Independent Non-Executive Member, you will play a crucial role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge and strategic leadership as NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly progress towards an anticipated merger. Working in partnership with executive colleagues and wider system partners, you will help ensure that transformation is well coordinated, that changes strengthen service delivery, and that evolving models of care deliver improved value, health outcomes and wellbeing for our communities.
 
You will work collectively to shape a strong, long term strategic plan for the Cluster, ensuring the effective delivery of statutory functions and the responsible use of public funds. You will be accountable to the Cluster Chair as a member of both ICB Boards and will take on agreed areas of responsibility.
 
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational NHS leader who will:

•Drive high quality and sustainable outcomes

•Set strategy and delivering long term transformation

•Promote equality and inclusion, and reducing health and workforce inequalities

•Provide robust governance and assurance

•Create compassionate, just and positive cultures

•Build a trusted relationship with partners and communities

Please refer to the NEM candidate pack attached to this vacancy for full information and guidance on how to apply.

Working for our organisation

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon Integrated Care Boards have set up a joint committee, which oversees both organisations to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently.

The committee has established joint working arrangements in September 2025, as part of national NHS reforms to reduce the running costs of integrated care boards (ICBs).

This forms part of wider changes which sees all ICBs in England shift to a more strategic role with different responsibilities for them and other parts of the health and care system.

This requires some ICBs with smaller populations – including NHS Devon and NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly – to work more closely with other ICBs in a ‘cluster’.

‘Clustering’ means that, although both individual ICBs will continue to exist, they will work as one – with a single Board, leadership team and staffing structure.

Both organisations will continue to be individual sovereign legal entities until the point of formal merger (expected April 2027).