Establish NHS Appointments Commission for non-executive director appointments

The Index has not yet recorded a verbatim government response to this recommendation.

The Thirlwall Inquiry has noted action taken in response to this recommendation.

Originally established in 2001, the Appointments Commission was abolished in 2012.

However, line with the NHS England Operating Framework and its focus on ensure we have a structured approach to identify leadership talent and support their development, talent and leadership roles are now present in new NHS National and regional structures.

To support this work NHS England has appointed a Senior Appointments function, overseen by a Director for Leadership, Talent and Management Development. This Director and supporting function oversee all NHS England statutory appointments and lead on the work to improve the Chair and NED talent pipelines. Note that appointments for Foundation Trust Chair and NEDs are the responsibility of the Council of Governors and whilst the team offer support and guidance to FTs, these appointments fall outside of NHS England’s remit. NHS England also continues to work in partnership with ICBs, systems and professions to identify, develop and help deploy aspiring CEOs and executive directors. National talent programmes with strong track records are in place to support this, linking with regional talent pools. A Talent Identification Framework is currently being piloted for growing and diversifying board and sub-board talent pools.

This is supported by the new HR Framework for developing Integrated Care Boards (March 2022), which places a strong focus on a talent-centred approach.

These approaches builds upon the various resources already available via the NHS Leadership Academy to support talent management at local and regional level.

Please see further information on Board appointments and support in Recommendations 49-52. .

The Government agreed with this recommendation. The NHS Appointments Commission was established in April 2001.