NHS Foundation Trust Chairs' Academy

The NHS Foundation Trust Chairs’ Academy is a unique programme supported by Monitor and the Foundation Trust Network in conjunction with Cass Business School.  It has been specifically tailored to support chairs of foundation trusts and also chairs of aspirant trusts in all aspects of leading their trusts through both current and future challenges.

Whether you are a new or experienced chair, whether you have been at a foundation trust for over five years or are new to the NHS, whether your prior experience is predominantly in the health or private sector, there is something for you in this programme. The programme:

  • is hosted by a range of top speakers including experienced leaders from health and other sectors alongside academic experts;
  • consists of 5 core days plus access to other possible masterclasses and personalised networks;
  • was launched on 27 October 2011 and the five core days are taking place on 28 November 2011, 24 Junauary 2012, 13 March 2012 and 15 May 2012; and
  • costs £3,500.

The five core days include: 

Day 1:  Exploring the Case for Change:

An opening session recognising that Chairs of Foundation Trusts will spend much of their time dealing with change and making the most compelling and coherent case for the priorities which are most important both to the trust and the health economy they serve.

Day 2:  Influencing the Changing Landscape:

This day will draw briefly on some of the history of the foundation trust model, the specific context of the NHS and the regulatory framework which defines the changing freedoms within which the foundation trust can navigate.  This will provide both a brief refresher for experienced FT Chairs, and strengthen the contextual understanding for newer Chairs or those who are new to the NHS.  The aim of this themed day, led by internationally known board development specialists Professors Bob Garratt and Georges Selim supported by policy experts, is to help build a bridge between the duties of the Chair, and the shifting tides of emerging policy

Day 3: Board Effectiveness: 

Using evidence from the private and public sectors, Professors Bob Garratt and Georges Selim explore what makes Boards more or less effective and consider methodologies for enhancing performance – focusing on the pivotal role of the Chair in focusing and driving improvements.

Day 4: Healthcare Strategy & Futures:

In this interactive day, we consider the future NHS, developing strategic thinking, focusing on the performance of health systems, service configuration , clinical pathways and service line innovation, enterprise and business development capability. We will use scenario and behavioural modelling/simulation to develop understanding of the strategic options facing foundation trusts and an evidence based approach to strategic decision-making.

Day 5: Partnerships in the Local Economy:

In two half-day sessions brought together as one, we consider a range of FT specifics. The morning concentrates on supply chains, service line management, transactions, CIPs and more. The afternoon is led by senior practitioners from the mutual sector and will consider how to maximise value from governors and members; understand their issues and how best to manage these; harness the membership; and engage other key stakeholders to exercise influence.
 

For further information or to enrol, please call Anika Bloomfield on 020 7040 8710 or email cassexec@city.ac.uk. 

Please also visit the Cass website for further information.