Chair - Adult Social Care Negotiating Body

job description

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is looking to appoint the first Chair of the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body (ASCNB). This is a new independent public body being set up by the Department of Health and Social Care. The Body will negotiate the first ever Fair Pay Agreement for the adult social care workforce and agreements thereafter on an annual basis.

The Chair will provide overall leadership of the ASCNB, building consensus among members and overseeing delivery of its annual programme to agreed timescales. They will act as the public and in government representative, reporting to the Secretary of State and communicating key decisions to DHSC and the wider sector. The Chair will oversee the development and implementation of the Terms of Reference, ensuring effective governance and accountability. They will facilitate inclusive negotiations between trade unions and employer representatives on the ASCNB, to secure an affordable, sustainable agreement that improves pay and conditions, chairing meetings to ensure all perspectives, including local government, self funders and the NHS, are considered.

As Chair you will have a strong career track record of significant delivery and leadership at a senior level within the private, public or voluntary sectors. You will have the ability to lead the board of a national public body, delivering robust governance and accountability, and developing executive and board performance. You will have sound judgement, with an ability to critically analyse a wide range of information and make evidence-based, strategic decisions. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and an understanding of the role of pay and reward in motivation, recruitment and retention amongst a workforce, and the constraints that can impact on pay awards. A knowledge and understanding of the adult social care system and/or experience of employment negotiations and industrial relations would be desirable.

Remuneration will be £550 per day for a time commitment of approximately 20 working days per year. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will determine the length of appointment, which may be for up to a maximum of 3 years.

For more information, please visit the Public Appointments website: http://publicappointments.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/9406

If you require an alternative format, please call Karen Dinsdale on 0113 254 5625 or Rachael Gingell on 0207 4849424 quoting the reference VAC-9406.

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday, 24 August 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.