The NHS Alliance. Representing frontline reality, shaping policy, building capability
The NHS Alliance is the independent membership body that represents and supports the health and care system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We represent, strengthen and support providers and commissioners of NHS care so that the NHS performs at its best and improves patient care across the UK – representing frontline reality to government, shaping policy and building capability. We work across the whole NHS as well as within its individual sectors.
The members we represent employ more than 1.5 million staff, care for more than 1 million patients a day and control over £150 billion of public expenditure.
It is an exciting time to join us
Against a backdrop of transformation across the sector, we are shaping an organisation that speaks with clarity and credibility on behalf of all its members. Our ability to advocate for change and influence decision making, as well as supporting our members to improve their services, is key to ensuring the NHS delivers better outcomes for patients and communities.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to take on a highprofile, systemshaping role as ICB Network Director.
Following a period of change and uncertainty for ICBs, the ICB Network has a crucial role to play in championing and developing the role of strategic commissioning and forming partnerships across the wider health landscape. The ICB Network Director will be a crucial role as part of The NHS Alliance’s new senior leadership team, representing ICB members and ensuring that members have access to the development and peer learning opportunities to help them to deliver the biggest asks of the 10 Year Health Plan. Dr. Kathy McLean, OBE ICB Network Chair
As the senior, visible voice for Integrated Care Board (ICB) members within The NHS Alliance, the postholder will provide strategic leadership for the ICB Network, with overall accountability for its work programme, impact and reputation.
This role is central to ensuring that the experience, expertise and challenges of ICBs are heard and reflected in national policy and system development. You will lead the development of a compelling membership offer that supports ICBs to mature as strategic commissioners, strengthens peer learning, and builds capability to lead population health and system transformation.
Working closely with senior leaders across government, arm’slength bodies, local government and the wider NHS, you will build influential relationships and coalitions. As part of the senior leadership team, you will contribute to the overall direction of The NHS Alliance, lead growth and retention of the ICB Network, be a key spokesperson, and build and inspire a highperforming, valuesled team.
We are seeking a highly credible system leader able to garner confidence across the ICB member base. You will bring seniorlevel leadership experience with a strong track record of working in or alongside ICBs and NHS commissioning organisations. Your knowledge of the policy, operational and political realities facing ICBs will enable you to represent members with authority and authenticity, ensuring that frontline experience consistently informs national thinking. You will be a highly effective communicator who is able to advocate for our ICB members in the media and in wider debate.
This is a rare opportunity to join a newly formed, highly influential organisation at a pivotal moment. If you are motivated by improving outcomes for populations, amplifying frontline insight and helping systems lead change, we would welcome your application.
For further information and a confidential discussion please contact our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson:
Laura Cubillo-Aparicio (Researcher)
T: (0)7586 706 878
Serena Dobson (Senior Consultant)
T: 07530 627120
Closing date for applications: 09:00 Tuesday 26th May 2026
Preliminary Interviews: w/c 1st June 2026
Final Panel Interviews – 18th or 19th June 2026
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