§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used in the selection of the chair and the executive members of(a) NHS trusts, (b) regional health authorities, (c) district health authorities and (d) family health authorities in respect of relevant experience and qualifications; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyChairmen of health authorities and national health service trusts are appointed for their personal qualities, knowledge and skills and for the contribution they can bring to the strategic leadership of their authority or trust. The selection of executive members of health authorities and executive directors of trusts is a matter for each individual health body.
§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the minimum and maximum numbers of possible board members of(a) regional health authorities, (b) district health authorities, (c) family health service authorities and (d) NHS trusts; what guidelines she has issued concerning the composition of these boards; and what specific guidance has been given on how many members should be (i) from ethnic minorities, (ii) women, (iii) from the local business sector, (iv) from local authorities and (v) from trade unions.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe maximum number of board members of regional health authorities, district health authorities, family health services authorities and national health service trusts is eleven. The composition of NHS authorities and trusts is laid down in the Regional and District Health Authorities (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990, the Family Health Services Authorities (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990, and the NHS Trusts (Membership and Procedure) Regulations 1990. These requirements are summarised in guidance issued to authorities and trusts.
813WChairmen of regional health authorities have been asked to make efforts to increase the proportion of women appointed as chairmen and non-executive members of NHS authorities and trusts under the Opportunity 2000 programme. Ministers have also reminded RHA chairmen that they are committed to appointing able people from ethnic minorities as chairmen and non-executive members of NHS authorities and trusts. There is no specific guidance on the number of appointments from particular groups.
§ Dr. WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what her Department's policy is regarding the use of executive search consultants in making appointments to public bodies; and if she will(a) list the appointments where such consultants have been used and (b) list the cost in each case since April 1992.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe names of suitable candidates for appointment as chairmen and non-executive members of health authorities and national health service trusts come from a variety of sources. These may include nominations resulting from the use by regional health authorities of executive search consultants. Those who are appointed to health authority or trust boards are appointed for their personal skills and qualities. No details are available centrally on the use of consultants for such appointments.
The use of executive search consultants for appointment to executive, advisory and tribunal non-departmental public bodies is an option but to date we have not used any such services. The Department's aim is to appoint people from a broad range of different backgrounds. Many professional and voluntary bodies are consulted when appointments are made to public bodies.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the total numbers of chairpersons and non-executive board members of(a) regional health authorities, (b) district health authorities, (c) family health service authorities and (d) national health service trusts in England.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe numbers of chairmen and the maximum number of non-executive members of health authorities and national health service trusts are shown in the table. Fourth wave NHS trusts are not included in these figures.
Body Number of chairmen posts Number of non-executive members/directors posts Regional health authorities 14 70 District health authorities 141 705 Family health services authorities 90 810 NHS trusts 292 1,440