Detailed job description and main responsibilities

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Wye Valley NHS Trust and Worcester Acute Hospital NHS Trust have established a Foundation Group through the creation of a Committee in Common (the Group Strategy Committee). The purpose of the Group is to support the ongoing sustainability the Trusts and to facilitate the rapid development of integrated care in their localities. 

SWFT and GEH have a shared, single executive team. The post-holder will therefore be a Board member representing both organisations. 

The Chief Finance Officer will report to the Managing Director and will lead the finance, performance and resources for the the Trusts, ensuring robust systems are in place to deliver statutory duties supported by the appropriate governance mechanisms. 

Providing effective leadership, acting as a role model for our people and ensuring the development of a culture and core values for the Trusts to continuously improve and innovate are fundamental responsibilities. 

As a lead provider in Warwickshire, a key part of the role is supporting integration through the continued development of excellent working relationships with System and Place partners, in particular Primary Care. 

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 

•         Board of Directors

•         Trust Executive Team and  Senior Managers

•         ICB, NHS England (and successor), Care Quality Commission, Health and Wellbeing Board, Overview and Scrutiny Committee

•         Local Authority and other local providers including Primary Care, Mental Health and Social Services

•         Local Voluntary and Representative Groups 

KEY RESULT AREAS 

Corporate

·       As an Executive Director for the Trust Board, the CFO will contribute to the formation of the vision and strategic direction, financial viability and relevant operational and delivery plans for the organisation. 

·       Ensure that all key financial management issues and associated risks are appropriately discussed and planned for. 

·       With other members of the corporate team, the post holder will be responsible for developing and maintaining productive relationships with all partners in the local health and social care community. Internally, the post holder will be responsible for working and supporting delivery to ensure the financial aspects of the annual plans of the Trust's clinical divisions and directorates.

·       Lead financial aspects of the transition to Lead Provider / Accountable Care Organisation

·       Line management and professional leadership responsibility for areas within the CFO portfolio. 

Financial Systems and Controls

• Provide professional leadership to the implementation of the Trust's financial strategy and operational plan, managing and monitoring the deployment of effective financial plans to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.

• Oversee all financial systems and internal controls, including the development and modification of accounting systems when required

• Maintain and develop financial policies, which ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare and, in collaboration with clinical colleagues, ensure effective systems are in place to measure the efficiency of the Trust's performance.

• Ensure that the Trust has comprehensive arrangements for standing orders, standing financial instructions, counter fraud policy and state of internal control and lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s financial risk management strategy and implement agreed programmes.

·       Promote effective use of the Trust’s resources and lead cost improvement and best value programmes.

·       Ensure the effective development and use of service line financial and activity analysis to optimise the contribution of business units and specialities. 

·       Advise the Trusts on its banking and investment needs and manage agreed arrangements.

·       Work closely with the Chief Strategy Officer to ensure the development and delivery of strategic capital plans supporting the Trusts strategic priorities, estates plan and operational needs 

Audit

·       Manage relationships with internal and external audit functions and, with the Managing Director/Chief Executive play a leading role in liaison with any regulatory bodies.

·       Ensure the timely production of the annual accounts that support the ongoing viability of the Trust. 

·       To ensure an effective audit management process exists and that action is taken on recommendations.

• Develop and implement an effective strategy for the efficient management, utilisation, safe custody and protection of ownership of the Trust’s fixed assets including real estate.

Strategic Relationships, Communication & Professional Issues 

·       Develop effective working relationships and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to support delivery of the Trust’s strategy. 

·       Lead in commissioning service agreements and ensuring that appropriately robust income agreements are achieved. 

·       Ensure the provision of accurate and timely financial and performance information to external bodies as required. 

·       Ensure professional staff and managers have a clear understanding of the external environment, the Trust strategy, its associated financial plan and their personal role in its delivery; communicating clearly and consistently both within the organisation and externally.

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the key determinants of health and healthcare provision and funding, including national policies and frameworks.

• Provide visible leadership and expert financial advice within the Trust, ensuring adherence to and promoting high standards of probity and professional behaviour and incorporating risk management and other techniques in decision-making.

• Understand and comply with the Trust's statutory responsibilities for professional self-regulation, corporate governance, controls assurance and legal liabilities.

On-call and Other responsibilities 

·       To participate in the Trusts’ Executive on call rota and provide leadership, advice and guidance. 

·       Act as the Trust Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) as required. Working with the Caldicott Guradian and Information Governance Functions