The Healthwatch County Durham Board is up to 10 members representing the diverse communities across our county, led by an elected Chair, who is supported by a Vice-Chair. The Board provides strategic guidance and direction to the Healthwatch staff, ensuring that operations are in line with legislation and in the public interest.
Board members meet bi-monthly and monitor service delivery against the agreed work plan and targets.
They represent Healthwatch on various scrutiny committees, partnerships and networks, and ensure compliance with Healthwatch regulations and legislation, agreed constitution and codes of governance.
Key competencies:
1. Effective problem solving and analytical skills, with the ability to understand and work with complex information.
2. The ability to ensure that seldom heard stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute.
3. Skilled in building strong relationships and collaborative partnerships.
4. Ability to provide constructive criticism in a professional and productive manner.
5. Ability to work as part of a team and enthuse others.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to negotiate effectively, challenge positively, influence others and communicate with a wide range of audiences.
7. Ability to effectively participate in discussions and represent service user / carer views in a clear, professional manner.
Desirable knowledge and experience:
1. Good level of knowledge of health & social care within County Durham.
2. Strong connections with and knowledge of local communities and networks.
3. Experience of working in a collective decision-making group or committee.
4. Broad understanding of the health & social care environment locally and nationally.
5. Experience of representing the voice of others.
6. Understanding of the challenges facing health & social care providers which may impact on community health and wellbeing.
7. Broad understanding of the functions of the Health & Wellbeing Board, Integrated Care Board, and Overview and Scrutiny Committees.
8. Experience of working with a diverse range of partners and networks, including voluntary & community sector, local authority, health & social care providers.
9. Ability to use IT systems, including Microsoft office, email and Teams / Zoom.
Board meetings are bi-monthly , currently on the 3rd Monday morning of alternate months (April onwards)
For full details of location and times, please contact us.
Training is offered depending on the Board member role and individual needs, but could include Safeguarding, Enter & View, and training provided by Healthwatch England.
We have a dedicated Volunteer Support Officer who provides individual support, reviews and guidance, and will take new Board members through an induction.
Reasonable out of pocket expenses are reimbursed, and mileage is paid for Board member duties at 45p per mile.
Make a difference – being a Healthwatch Board member gives you a chance to help improve health & social care services for everyone in County Durham; the work we do makes a difference to all our local residents.
Professional development – Board members gain valuable experience and develop a range a skills, transferable to working life or to other voluntary positions.
Be part of a team – working collectively with the Board, the staff and the volunteers to achieve important outcomes.
Recognition of Quality Volunteer Experience
