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NHS: Appointments

Volume 684: debated on Monday 24 July 2006

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What oversight role the chairman of the NHS Appointments Commission has when the suitability of a National Health Service chairman to continue in post is assessed when a chairman's circumstances have substantially changed since his appointment; and [HL6988]

How they determine whether a relationship between a national health service chair and chief executive officer has become too close or “cosy” as described in the NHS Appointments Commissioner’s publication, Governing the NHS—a Guide for NHS Boards; and what remedies are available to address the situation.[HL6989]

The NHS Appointments Commission has the power, delegated to it by the Secretary of State for Health, to terminate the appointment of chairs and non-executive members of NHS boards, under circumstances prescribed in regulations. This includes provisions for the termination of an appointment if someone has become disqualified from appointment during their tenure of office or if it is not in the best interests of the NHS for them to remain in post.