NHSScotland Induction Approach: What Non-Executive Directors can expect

This resource is a standard approach to induction for Non-Executive Directors of Health Bodies.


Induction Approach Framework

Engaging stakeholders and making accountability real

Adapted from original by OPM and CIPFA 2004 ©

The induction approach for Non-Executive Directors has been mapped to the principles of the Good Governance Standard for Public Services. This provides a framework for measurement for improvement.

1. Focusing on the organisation's purpose and on outcomes for citizens and service users

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/ information
Government/
Sponsor Division
• Framework agreement/Sponsorship agreement Invite sponsor to speak to Non-Executives to outline role and responsibilities/role of Cabinet Secretary/other sponsor divisions
CMO
CNO
Review of Scottish Government website
Organisation Legislation
  • The National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978
  • The Health Boards (Membership and Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2001
  • Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010
  • Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014
Chairman Chief Executive Executive Team Members 1:1 meetings with other key stakeholders (or as relevant to a Non-Executive Director's area of interest/experience)
Strategy
  • Local Delivery Plan
  • Corporate Plan
  • Other key documents
Performance
  • LDP Performance reporting
Finance/Value for Money
  • Financial Plan
Workforce
  • Workforce Plan
 
Parliament
  • Parliamentary bulletin
  • Consultations/Bills
  • Parliamentary Committees
Invite someone to outline role of the government and parliamentary areas which impact on the NHS Board Attendance at a Parliamentary Committee meeting
Emerging Issues    

2. Performing effectively in clearly defined functions and roles

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/information
Governance
  • Code of Corporate Governance
  • Board and Governance Committee meeting dates
  • Board and Executive Team/Directorate organisational structure
  • Review of health board membership and biographies
  • Roles and responsibilities including Chairman/Chief Executive/Directors
  • Governance Committee membership/role
Governance committee chairs (as relevant to the Non-Executives' committee membership)

Other Non-Executives

Meetings with Chairman and Chief Executive/Governance Committee lead officers
Observe Governance Committee meetings

Attend 'On Board' or equivalent programme

Attend any required training sessions in relation to Governance role eg 'Effective Audit Committee'
Internal Controls
  • Governance statement
  • Risk Management Strategy/Corporate Risk Register
  • Role of External and Internal Audit
  • Audit Committee
  • Executive Remuneration Committee
  • Code of Conduct for Board Members
  • Register of Interests
  • Register of Gifts and Hospitality
  • Information Governance
Director of Finance & Corporate Services

Corporate Governance Manager
 
Information Technology
  • Set up and management of e-mail accounts
  • IT governance
Corporate Governance Manager Individual training
Human Resources
  • Remuneration
  • Expenses
  • Additional expenses and/or remuneration
  • Car insurance
  • Travel and subsistence
  • Mandatory training
Corporate Governance Manager Meeting with Human Resources
Social Media
  • Social Media Policy
  • Webex
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Communications Manager  

3. Promoting values for the whole organisation and demonstrating good governance through behaviour

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/information
Conduct/Compliance
  • Model Code of Conduct for Members of Public Bodies
  • Code of Corporate Governance
  • Employee Code of Conduct
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Bribery Act
Corporate Governance Manager  
Values andBehaviours
  • Values and behaviours statement
   

4. Taking informed transparent decisions and managing risk

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/information
BoardAdministration
  • Business planning schedules
  • Criteria and rationale for scheduling of Board and Governance Committee meetings
  • Corporate templates
Corporate Governance Manager  
Governance
  • Code of Corporate Governance
  • Minutes of meetings
Corporate Governance Manager  
Risk Management
  • Risk Management Strategy
  • Corporate Risk Register
  • Operational Risk Register
Corporate Governance Manager  

5. Developing the capacity and capability of the governance body to be effective

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/information
Performance
  • Skills Matrix
  • Appraisal Process (mid-year and annual)
  • Terms of Service
  • Board Evaluation
Chairman  
Induction
  • Induction Programme Outline
Will be arranged following discussion with Non-Executives  
Development Opportunities
  • Individual discussion
Chairman/Organisational Learning and Development Manager  

6. Engaging stakeholders and making accountability real

Area Background reading/reference/other Meetings to be arranged Additional training/information
Staff Governance
  • Staff governance standard
  • Value and behaviours
Employee Director (Non Executive Director)  
Internal Engagement
  • Internal Communications Strategy
  • Organisation Structure Charts
Walkround and introductions to staff

Head of Communications
 
External Engagement
  • Map of NHS Boards in NHSScotland
  • External Engagement Strategy
Meetings with other Non Executive Directors

Head of Communications
Direction to SHOW website

Contact

Email: Sarah Hildersley

Back to top