Shape the future of mental health, learning disability, and autism services across the South West



Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) is one of the largest specialist providers of mental health, learning disability and autism services in the country, employing around 5,000 staff and serving a population of 1.9 million people across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire. We aim to provide high quality, compassionate care everywhere, every day, and improve the lives of the people we serve.



As Chair, you will lead the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Trust, working closely with the Chief Executive to ensure strong governance, high standards of quality and safety, financial sustainability, and outstanding patient care. This is a significant opportunity to guide the Trust through a period of transformation and improvement, supporting delivery against its ambition to be a great place to work, provide outstanding care, operate sustainably and strengthen partnerships across the wider health and care system. You will be a visible ambassador for AWP, fostering collaborative relationships with staff, service users, carers, governors, system partners and local communities.



We are looking for an inclusive and values-driven leader with significant board-level experience, and a strong track record of leading complex organisations through challenge and change. Politically astute, you will be experienced in building trusted and progressive relationships with stakeholders and providing strategic leadership in challenging and evolving environments. Above all, you will be passionate about improving outcomes for people with mental ill health, learning disabilities, and autism, and demonstrate the integrity, compassion and collaborative leadership needed to inspire confidence and help shape the next chapter for AWP.



Applicants should live in or have strong connections with the area served by the Trust.



To find out more and discuss your interest, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:



Helen Barkham, Research Lead



E: helen.barkham@gatenbysanderson.com



T: +44 (0) 7921 308 766



Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant



E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com



T: +44 (0) 7807 631 564



Melanie Shearer, Partner



E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com



T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548




Closing date: 9am Monday 30th November 2026




Final interviews and stakeholder sessions: w/c 25th January 2026



To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.




Documents

Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

Recruitment Timetable



Closing date

9am Monday 30th November 2026



Preliminary interviews

w/c 7th & 14th December 2026



Stakeholder Session

w/c 25th January 2027



Final Panel Interview

Thursday 28th January 2027




How to Apply

• Please submit an up to date copy of your CV, along with a Supporting Statement that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification, using examples to demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements.


• A completed fit and proper person form - the template can be downloaded from the same place as the job description.


• Detail any employment or education gaps.


• You should provide the names, positions, organisations, and contact details for your referees, which must be your line managers and include your current and most recent employer. The referees should cover at least two roles as the minimum. Please note, should you be appointed, you will be required to provide references covering your last 6 years of employment as per the new NHS Fit and Proper Person regulations. Where there have been gaps in employment, this six year period will be extended accordingly. Referees will only be contacted for those proceeding to the final stage - we will always gain your permission before we contact referees.


• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.


• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email to confirm that you have applied. If you do not receive this email, please make contact with GatenbySanderson.




Acceptable use of AI



Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.