Applications open to appoint a new PTHB chairman

A new chairman of Powys Teaching Health Board is needed as Professor Vivienne Harpwood nears the end of her tenure.

At a PTHB board meeting on Wednesday, March 30 Prof Harpwood told members that the role is now being advertised.

Prof Harpwood: “My own post is being advertised now, my eight years comes to an end in September, and I therefore will be handing the baton to somebody else.

“I’m very pleased that this is happening in enough time to give a smooth transition so that the new chair can just slip into post seamlessly.”

The post is being advertised on the Welsh Government’s public appointments section of their website.

For 15 days work a month, the post holder will be paid £44,820 a year plus “travel and other reasonable expenses within reasonable limits.”

The job description says: “The Chair will be accountable to the (Welsh Government) minister for Health and Social Services for the performance of the board and its effective governance, upholding the values of the NHS, and promoting the confidence of the public and partners throughout the health board area.”

According to the notice, some of the main tasks for the chairman is to lead the board in developing a strategic vision for future health services.

The chairman also needs to hold the chief executive to “account across the breadth of their responsibilities.”

They are also responsible for maintaining the highest quality of public health standards and practices and improving quality and safety of healthcare.

Part of the role is also ambassadorial, and the new post holder will need to be seen out and about “instilling public confidence” in the county’s health services.

The new chairman will also need to  “show an appreciation” of bilingualism and culture and be committed to promoting the Welsh language.

Applicants should have “strong interpersonal and influencing skills” so that they can function as an effective advocate and ambassador.

They also need to have “sound judgement, sensitivity and political awareness.”

For more details visit www.gov.wales/publicappointments the closing date for applications is 4pm on Monday, April 25.