2. Our structure
Responsible for getting clear
decisions from Board and for
being the public face of
Healthwatch. Same legal
responsibilities as rest of Board.
Chair
All above the pink line are
Company Directors and are
involved in setting
policy, strategy and priorities
(but not day to day
management)
Board
Chief
Executive
Staff member with day to day
responsibility for managing
Healthwatch activity, staff and
volunteers. Supports Chair and
Chief Executive in their roles.
Manager
Responsible for making sure
Healthwatch operates within the law, its
contract and for setting overall
priorities.
Senior paid staff member – accountable
to Board for what staff & volunteers do.
Makes recommendations to Board.
Employed to deliver Healthwatch
Staff Team activities within policies, strategy and
priorities set by Board.
Assist in delivery of Healthwatch
Volunteers activity – with management and support
from staff team.
All below the pink line are
involved in day to day activity
3. How staff will support Board members
Board members will get:
• Papers before every meeting (usually a week)
• An opportunity to chat to the Manager or Chief Executive about
anything they want to be made clearer
• Opportunities for annual appraisal (with a senior staff member) to
help identify any support needs they may have
• Training – a training programme will be developed after the Board
has been appointed (to make sure it covers the things they need)
• Opportunities to ‘shadow’ staff and volunteer activity – so they get
to see what happens on the ground.
Board members may also be active volunteers – but they will need to
understand the different responsibilities in the different roles
4. What we expect from Board members
Healthwatch expects that Board members will:
• Attend meetings and training (or give apologies if they are unable to
attend)
• Read Board papers and do other preparation for meetings if
required
• Always act in the best interests of Healthwatch
• Respect the Healthwatch structure
• Act as an ambassador for Healthwatch
• Talk to the Chief Executive or Manager if they have a problem or
need help with anything
