Aspiring Chairs Programme: Preparing the Next Generation of NHS Board Leaders
The Aspiring Chairs Programme was created to support Non-Executive Directors who are interested in stepping into the role of NHS Board Chair. This initiative is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities that come with chairing a Board.
Through tailored development, mentoring, and exposure to real-world leadership scenarios, the programme helps build the confidence, insight, and readiness needed to take on this pivotal role in shaping the future of NHS Scotland.
What is the Aspiring Chairs Programme?
The Aspiring Chairs programme is designed to support people with the practical skills needed to become an NHS Board Chair. The programme is made up of:
- In-person sessions where participants work with experienced and expert contributors.
- Hosting - all participants are matched with a host board, where they get time to work alongside a Chair and experience the realities of life in the role.
Programme 3 launched in April 2025 with Aspiring Chairs from territorial and national Boards from all over Scotland who are interested in becoming an NHS Chair, with support from host Boards. We have also opened the programme up to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for 2025/26.
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How is the programme designed and monitored?
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To ensure the Aspiring Chairs Programme remains focused, impactful, and aligned with the real needs of future NHS Board Chairs, we’ve established a dedicated Advisory Panel.
This panel plays a crucial role in:
- Shaping the programme’s content around the key issues Aspiring Chairs need to understand.
- Helping identify and select the right participants.
- Ensuring the programme delivers meaningful outcomes for individuals and the wider NHS system.
The advisory panel is made up of:
- Several NHS board Chairs from both territorial and national boards.
- Scottish Government representatives
- A representative from the Ethical Standards Commissioner’s office
What is covered during the programme?
As well as the time spent with the host board, previous programmes have included discussions with the following:
- The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland and Director-General Health and Social Care, on what makes a successful Chair
- Various Chairs on their experiences and learning in the role as well as how to deal with challenges, transformational change and the application and appointments process
- Newly appointed Chairs and those who have been on the Aspiring Chairs programme
- Cabinet Secretary on what they expect from an NHS Board Chair
- Media training
- Discussion on the Blueprint for good governance and the importance of setting the right culture.
- Collaborative leadership and working across sectors.
- Audit Scotland
- The Ethical Standards Commissioner
- The relationship between the Chair and Chief Executive
Feedback from participants
- Participants have enjoyed the in person sessions due to the speakers, content, pace, and new contacts.
- Participants appreciated hearing from the Chief Executive of NHS, Cabinet Secretary, existing Chairs, and real-world experience.
- Having the space for reflective learning and learning from each other has been important.
- Host board experiences have been positive and allowed for cross Board learning.
We are learning a lot from the Aspiring Chairs programme 1, 2 and 3 for future programmes and for our wider Board Development support.