Welcome Aboard! Getting Started as a New Board Member
If you are new to an NHS Board, there is a structured support system to help you settle into your role effectively. Here is what you should aim to complete in your first six months:
1.Local Induction by your NHS Board
- Understand your board’s structure, priorities, and local context.
- Meet key personnel and learn about local governance processes.
2. National NHS Induction
- Gain insight into the broader NHS Scotland landscape.
- Learn about national priorities, policies, and strategic goals.
3. Scottish Government Public Appointment Induction
- Understand your responsibilities as a public appointee.
- Learn about ethical standards, governance, and accountability.
4. 6-Month Appraisal
- A review with your Chair to reflect on your progress, identify development needs, and set goals.
Ongoing Support
- TURAS Board Development Site: A central hub for resources, training, and guidance tailored to board members.
- Mentoring and Peer Support: Engage with experienced board members for advice and support.
- Workshops and Webinars: Stay updated on key topics and network with peers.
Welcome to the Board!
We've curated a selection of essential resources to support your induction and guide you throughout your first year and well beyond. Whether you're a new Board Member or simply looking to refresh your knowledge, these links are your go to toolkit for success.
Your Induction Essentials:
- Scottish Public Finance Manual – Your comprehensive guide to financial governance and accountability in the public sector.
- Audit and Assurance Committee Handbook – A must-read for understanding the principles of audit, assurance, and effective oversight.
- Healthcare Improvement Scotland: Community Engagement – Discover how we connect with communities to improve health and care services across Scotland.
Welcome!
Your 3 Stage Induction
To help you settle in and thrive, there is a 3-stage induction programme tailored to support Non-Executive Directors and Boards. This approach ensures you receive the right information, at the right time, in the right way.
Learn more about the Induction Approach
This guide outlines what your Board will provide and what you can expect as you begin.
Stage 1 – Local Induction
Your local NHS Board, through your Board Secretary, will kick things off with a tailored induction. This includes:
- An overview of your Board’s structure and key contacts
- Background on committees and governance
- Any mandatory training you’ll need to complete
This stage ensures you’re grounded in the local context and ready to contribute meaningfully from day one.
Stage 2 – National NHS Induction
The NHS landscape can be complex, especially if you’re new to the sector. Our national induction helps you understand:
- The health and social care context in Scotland
- The Blueprint for Good Governance
- How to how to create the conditions for quality planning, assurance, and improvement
On appointment, you’ll receive a welcome email with two key slide decks:
These set out policy priorities, support resources, and include insightful videos from experienced colleagues.
💡 Tip: Explore our TURAS platform and complete any relevant eLearning modules to deepen your understanding.
📅 Join our National Induction Drop-in Sessions
Got questions? We’re here to help! Join one of our Q&A sessions:
25 November 2025 | 11:00–12:00
31 March 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00
25 August 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00
26 November 2026 | 10:00 – 11:00
📧 To book, email: board.development@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Stage 3 – Public Appointment Induction
The Scottish Government’s Public Appointments team offers an On Board Induction Workshop within your first 6 months. This session includes:
- Expectations from Scottish Ministers
- Networking with fellow new Board members
- Insights from the Ethical Standards Commissioner and Audit Scotland
📞 To register, contact your Board Secretary or the Scottish Government’s Public Bodies Unit
📚 Related Resources
The Scottish Government Governance Hub - A learning platform supporting governance and accountability across Scotland.
Your 6-month Appraisal
6-Month Appraisal
As part of your induction, you’ll have a 6-month appraisal with your Board Chair. This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your journey so far and identify areas for growth.
What to Expect:
You’ll have two developmental conversations:
1.Early Check-in:
- Feedback from your selection process
- Identifying strengths and knowledge gaps
- Planning support and development
2. 6-Month Review:
- Reflecting on your induction experience
- Understanding the skills and behaviours that drive effectiveness
- Observations on the local health and care culture
Your Chair will encourage ongoing development and good governance practices. A helpful resource is our Self-Reflection Tool, which supports you in:
- Embodying NHS values
- Shaping a healthy organisational culture
- Reflecting on your experiences during meetings and visits.
Values Based Reflection
Use the Values Based Reflective tool to capture your reflections from meetings and visits throughout your induction. This will enable you to consider the values and manner your Board delivers quality services and help you determine the actions and behaviours you want to leverage in your style
For further information on Values Based Reflective Practise visit the Knowledge Network for further details.
An introduction to Values Based Reflective Practice