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Behind the scenes - Roles on your Board
Non-Executive members play a vital role on NHS Scotland Boards. They bring independent oversight, hold Executive teams accountable for delivering strategic goals, ensure public funds are used wisely, and help manage risks with diligence and foresight. Together with Executive colleagues, they share collective responsibility for the overall performance and integrity of the organisation.
To shine a light on these essential roles, colleagues across NHS Scotland have created a series of short videos sharing their personal experiences and insights. These stories offer a behind the scenes look at the diverse contributions that strengthen our Boards and help shape a resilient, patient focused NHS.
Whether you're a current Board member or simply curious about how NHS governance works, these videos provide valuable perspectives on what it takes to lead with purpose and have influence.
The Chair role
In this video we meet Pat Kilpatrick, Chair of NHS Fife. Pat discusses the role of the Chair and her experience since coming into post.
The Chair of an NHSScotland Board provides strategic leadership and ensures effective governance, setting the tone and direction of Board business. They are responsible for Board development, including member appointments, performance reviews, and succession planning. The Chair oversees the Chief Executive’s performance, nominates members to key committees and Integration Joint Boards (territorial Boards), and represents the Board in external engagement with Ministers, Parliament, and other stakeholders.
The Vice Chair role
In this video we meet Ally Boyle, Vice Chair of NHS Lanarkshire. Ally discusses the important role of the Vice Chair.
The Vice Chair of an NHSScotland Board supports the Chair in leading the Board's governance and strategic functions. Key responsibilities include deputising for the Chair when necessary, leading specific projects or reviews, and providing advice and support to the Chair and Board members. Additionally, the Vice Chair acts as a 'critical friend' and offers an alternative route for Board members to raise concerns if they feel unable to approach the Chair directly. This role is vital in maintaining effective checks and balances within the Board's governance structure
The Non-Executive Role
In this video we meet Carron McDiarmid, Non-Executive for Public Health Scotland. Carron explains what the Non-Executive role is.
Non-executive Board members bring independent judgement and constructive challenge to ensure effective governance and delivery of safe, high-quality services. They help shape strategy, scrutinise performance, and ensure decisions reflect the needs of patients, staff, and the public. Non-execs also contribute to key committees, uphold transparency and accountability, and act as ambassadors for the Board within the community.
Territorial Non-Executive Board members often have additional responsibilities to those on National Boards, including serving as trustees of the Board’s Endowment Fund and potentially as members of the local Integration Joint Board (IJB), supporting the delivery of integrated health and social care. They also have direct accountability to the local population and play an active role in scrutinising service delivery within their area. This includes engaging with communities, attending local events, and representing public interests in decisions affecting local health services.
The Whistleblowing Champion role
In this video we meet Dr Sukhomoy Das, Whistleblowing Champion for NHS Ayrshire and Arran. Sukhomoy discusses the important role of the Whistleblowing Champion.
As well as their Non-Executive duties, the Whistleblowing Champion ensures the Board has effective arrangements for raising and handling concerns. They oversee how whistleblowing procedures are implemented, promote a culture of openness and support, and ensure staff and volunteers are aware of their rights and protections. While not involved in individual cases, they assure the Board that concerns are handled appropriately and that learning from whistleblowing is used to improve services.
The Area Clinial Forum Chair role
In this video we meet Dr Lesley Rousselet, ACF Chair for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Lesley discusses the important role of the ACF Chair.
As well as their Non-Executive duties, the Area Clinical Forum Chair represents the collective voice of healthcare professionals from across disciplines and advises the Board on clinical matters. They ensure that clinical perspectives inform strategic decisions, particularly those affecting patient care and service quality. As a full Board member, the ACF Chair acts as a bridge between frontline professionals and senior leadership, promoting safe, effective, and person-centred care
The Local Authority Member role
In this video we meet Muriel Cockburn, Local Authority Member from NHS Highland discusses the important role of the Local Authority Member.
As well as their Non-Executive duties, the Local Authority Member brings a local government perspective to the Board, helping to align health and social care priorities. They support collaboration between the NHS and local councils, particularly in the planning and delivery of integrated services. Their role strengthens community accountability and ensures decisions reflect local needs and promote health and wellbeing across sectors.
The Employee Director role
As well as their Non-Executive duties, an Employee Director serves as a representative of the health board’s staff, bringing the views, concerns, and insights of employees directly to the board’s discussions and decision-making processes.
Their role is to ensure that workforce perspectives are considered in shaping policies, improving working conditions, and delivering high-quality patient care. This includes actively engaging with staff across all levels of the organisation to understand the issues they face and championing their voices at board level.
The Employee Director also plays a key part in strengthening the culture of partnership working that is central to how NHS Scotland operates. They work closely with trade union and staff representatives, helping to ensure decisions reflect not just strategic goals but also the lived experience of those delivering care on the ground.
By acting as a bridge between staff and leadership, the Employee Director helps promote a positive workplace culture, supports staff engagement, and contributes to the overall effectiveness, responsiveness, and accountability of the health board.