Chief Executive

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Any site within the Trust

  • Location Any site within the Trust
  • Sector Health
  • Client County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
  • Job Type Permanent
  • Salary/Remuneration VSM
  • Reference GSe120024
  • Closing Date 9am Friday 11th July 2025

More than just a healthcare provider.  

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is one of the UK’s largest integrated care providers, serving a population of over 650,000 people across County Durham and Darlington, and providing some specific services to patients further afield from North Yorkshire, the Tees Valley, Wearside, and South Tyneside. Our dedicated workforce of over 8,400 colleagues deliver a comprehensive range of acute and community services across multiple hospital and community sites, as well as in patients’ homes. Each member of our team plays a vital role in ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care, and we are committed to placing people and our communities at the heart of all we do.  

Due to the retirement of our longstanding Chief Executive, Sue Jacques, we are seeking an inspirational and forward-thinking leader to join us as our new Chief Executive. This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven and progressive leader who will implement our vision and strategy, drive change and innovation, and deliver financial sustainability. You will also play a significant leadership role across our local partnerships and our regional system, quickly establishing credibility with our staff, patients, and our partners to ensure that CDDFT continues to meet the evolving needs of our communities.  

The successful candidate will be an aspiring or existing Chief Executive in a complex healthcare organisation, with a strong track record of driving major transformational change and service transformation, and of delivering operational excellence. You will be an inspiring communicator with a high degree of political acumen, and a focus on patient experience and a passion for reducing inequalities. A visible and influential leader, you will bring an ability to build and maintain effective networks across the system, advocating for innovation to drive improvements in patient care.  

We are committed to ensuring that our board represents the diversity of our local communities. We warmly welcome and encourage expressions of interest from the widest range of backgrounds who can bring diverse perspectives.  

This is an exceptional opportunity to define your career and lead CDDFT as we strive to provide safe, compassionate, and joined-up care. If you share our vision and values, and want to know more, then we would love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson. 

Robin Staveley 
T: 07789 273 778 

Niamh Blair 
T: 07747 207 285 

Closing date: 9am Friday 11th July  

Stakeholder panels Tuesday 12th August, final interviews Wednesday 13th August. 

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

  1. Fit and Proper Person Declaration - New.docx

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