The work of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is overseen by the Board, which has a statutory responsibility for the Trust.
Our Board of Directors
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is led by a Board of Directors comprising executive directors including the Chief Executive, non-executive directors and a non-executive Chair, each with a diverse range of healthcare and non-healthcare related experience to provide a balance for the Trust. The Board continually considers its balance, completeness and appropriateness in relation to the requirements of the Trust. The Board is committed to ensuring that the Trust delivers the highest possible standards of care.
David Highton was Chair of the Trust for seven years, until 30 April 2024. Dr Annette Doherty assumes the role of Chair on 20 May and Deputy Chair, Neil Griffiths takes on the role for the interim period.
The Chair and the other Non-Executive members are appointed by NHS England, they are not employees of the Trust (and have no employment rights), and the terms of their appointment (including their remuneration) are set by NHS England.
Further details of how the membership of the Trust Board has changed over time, and how the Board functions, can be found in the Trust’s Annual Reports. Executive directors are Trust employees.
Board members
Non-Executive Directors
Associate Non-Executive Directors
Executive Directors (i.e. those with voting rights)
Board members' expenses
The Trust publishes summary details of expenses claimed by Board members (i.e. the non-executive directors, voting Executive Directors and those non-voting Directors who regularly attend the board).
The information posted on this site shows the amount of expenses claimed for reimbursement by the named Board member, broken down by category, during the quarter/s shown. Please note the amounts shown are for the date/s when expenses were paid, not the date when they were incurred by the Board member.
For executive directors the Trust follows the expenses and allowances guidance from the NHS Staff Council, as detailed in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. Although for general terms and conditions, this handbook excludes very senior managers and staff within the remit of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (which would include all our executive directors), the Trust still applies the guidance within the handbook in related Executive Directors expenses. The latest version of this handbook is available at the NHS Employers website. For Non-Executive Directors (including the Chairman), expenses are paid at rates set by the Secretary of State for Health, via the NHS Trust Development Authority.
Contact
To contact members of the board, please contact the Executive secretarial team on 01622 226412.
A statement about the balance, completeness and appropriateness of the Board of Directors
The Board currently comprises the Trust Chair, Chief Executive, four other Executive Directors and five other Non-Executive Directors. In addition, the Board has two non-voting other directors, and four Associate Non-Executive Directors
The Board of Directors believes that the Trust is led by an effective Board, as the Board is collectively responsible for the exercise of the performance of the Trust. And, that no individual group or individuals dominate the meetings of the Board.
There is a clear separation of the roles of the Chairman and the Chief Executive. The Trust Chair has responsibility for the running of the Board, setting the agenda and for ensuring that all directors are fully informed of matters relevant to their roles. The Chief Executive has responsibility for implementing the strategies agreed by the Board and for managing the day-to-day business of the Trust.
The Board considers that the Non-Executive Directors bring a wide range of business, commercial, financial and clinical knowledge required for the successful direction of the Trust. All of the Non-Executive Directors are considered to be independent in accordance with the Code of governance for NHS provider trusts.
All directors are subject to an annual review of their performance and contribution to the management and leadership of the Trust.
Diversity is a vital part of the continued assessment and enhancement of board composition, and the Board recognises the benefits of diversity amongst its members.
At the present time, the Board is satisfied as to its balance, completeness and appropriateness and will keep these matters under review, in conjunction with NHS England who are responsible for appointing chairs and other non-executive directors of NHS trusts.