Chair of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP)

Job Description

The Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) provides advice to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on disputed proposals for changes to services in the NHS in England and use of the Secretary of State call-in power to intervene in NHS service reconfigurations.

As Chair of the IRP, you will be responsible for leading the IRP, including collaborating with members and the secretariat on casework, review evidence and agree lines of enquiry.

The role of the Chair is to provide impartial advice on NHS reconfiguration proposals to inform the Secretary of State's decision making.  You will need to keep up to date with the wider NHS policy and strategic context and understand Ministerial priorities for the work of the Department of Health and Social Care to inform the IRP's discussions and advice.

To be considered for the role you must have a strong career track record of leadership and relevant, significant achievements at a senior level, with the ability to lead a national expert advisory panel, and ensure all recommendations reflect the collective opinion of the panel. You will possess sound judgement, with an ability to critically analyse a wide range of complex information and make evidence- based decisions.

The role requires you to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to gain the confidence of fellow panel members and of the panel's stakeholders.   You must have knowledge of the strategic context and issues surrounding planning, assurance and delivery of substantial changes to local NHS services.
    
In addition, we would welcome applicants who have experience of working with government in a policy environment, and who have experience of building effective relationships across the health and care system in England, however, this is not an essential criterion.

Remuneration will be £36,780 per annum for a time commitment of up to 2 days per week, including approximately 4 meetings per year and ad hoc case work.  The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care determines the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 4 years.

For more information, please visit the Public Appointments website: 
http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/8850 If you require an alternative format, please call Jessie Rourke on +44 113 254 5321 or Zubeda Seedat on 020 7210 5352 quoting the reference VAC-8850.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday, 21 September 2026.

The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.