Healthwatch Rochdale recruiting new chair of the board

Healthwatch Rochdale is currently recruiting for a new voluntary chair to join its existing board members in the development and management of the strategic running of the organisation.

Healthwatch Rochdale is an independent consumer champion for health and social care, representing the patient and public's voice. It is part of the Healthwatch national network, established by the government to ensure local patients and users have a greater input to shaping and designing local services.

The chair will help to lead and steer the direction of the organisation and will take part in public board meetings and participate in statutory meetings on behalf of Healthwatch Rochdale.

The responsibilities of the chair includes:

• Be the leader and spokesperson of the Healthwatch Rochdale bard and is expected to fully understand and represent Healthwatch Rochdale and its activities.
• Ensure involvement and accountability
• Line manage the CEO on behalf of the board
• Ensure the effective management of the business
• Efficiently conduct board meetings and subcommittee meetings

The current chair, Jane Jackson, has been chair of the board since Healthwatch Rochdale began in April 2015 but she has now decided to step down due to other commitments.

Ms Jackson said: “I have been privileged to serve as Chair of Healthwatch Rochdale for the past five years. In that time it has developed from a new organisation into the well respected and professional company it now is, led by a very experienced Chief Executive in Kate [Jones], supported by an excellent staff team. 

“Several new board members over the past year have helped to set a new strategic vision for Healthwatch and we are now looking for a new chair to grow that vision for the benefit of the residents of Rochdale. 

“New personal projects led me to realise that I will not have the necessary time to give to this and therefore I am stepping down from the board to concentrate on those.

“If you are passionate about health and social care and want to help ensure that the residents of Rochdale get the best from these service I hope you will consider applying for this role.”

If you are interested in the position of Chair for Healthwatch Rochdale (closing date is Monday 8 March) then please complete the online application form by clicking here; contact the office on 01706 249575; or email info@healthwatchrochdale.org.uk.

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