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Discover the role
Insights and advice from an NHS Board chair
Are you a committed leader interested in public service? Use your skills to make a real difference to the future of Scotland's healthcare and improve the wellbeing of our communities.
Meet an NHS Board chair
Sarah Compton-Bishop is the Chair of the Board of NHS Highland. Before taking on the role of Chair, she served for several years as a non-executive director on the board.
Sarah's professional background is in the third sector, where she worked closely with rural and island communities to help them design and deliver local projects. She has a strong interest in linking national policy and strategy to the real-world experiences of communities. Driven by a strong sense of civic duty, Sarah is passionate about improving health and wellbeing for people in the Highlands and Argyll and Bute.
What the role of an NHS Board chair is really like
The role of a chair is busy, carries great responsibility, but is hugely rewarding. No 2 days are the same. Your time could be spent:
- chairing board meetings, focusing on strategy, governance, and performance
- working with partners like local authorities and third-sector organisations
- visiting hospitals and community teams across your board’s area
- meeting with staff, patients, and local communities to understand their experiences
- representing your board at national meetings so that your community’s voice is heard
You do not need a clinical background. This is a leadership role that requires vision, good judgment, and the ability to build relationships. Chairs come from all sectors and industries. This variety of experience is a strength, but what matters most is a shared commitment to improving public health and wellbeing.
Support for board chairs
As a new chair, you are not on your own. There is a strong community and a network of support available from day one. This includes:
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A buddy system—You will be paired with a more experienced chair who can provide guidance and advice in a safe, informal space.
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An induction programme—This structured programme will take you through the roles, responsibilities, and practical details of how the system works.
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Action learning sets—You will join a small group of peer chairs who meet regularly to work through complex problems together.
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The Chairs' Group—All board chairs from across Scotland meet regularly to share knowledge, offer support, and meet with the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
We want our chairs to succeed and feel confident leading their boards. You will have guidance and a strong ring of support around you throughout your journey.
How to apply to become an NHS Board chair
To prepare a strong application, you must fully understand the role. Research beyond the information pack to see how your skills in leadership, good judgment, and partnership working fit what we’re looking for. Use clear, practical examples to demonstrate your experience. Don’t worry if you haven’t been a chair before; focus on your transferable skills.
For the interview, be authentic. Reflect on your leadership style and how you handle challenges. We value leaders who can listen, collaborate with others, and make balanced decisions.
Published: 05/10/2025
Last updated: 10/10/2025
Part of: Work with us
Topic: Become an NHS Board chair
Lead with confidence
Understand the principles of good governance in NHS Scotland. Our blueprint outlines the framework for effective leadership, helping you prepare for a future chair role.
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Discover our leadership support
Explore the dedicated learning resources and development opportunities we provide for our board chairs. See how we support our leaders to succeed and make a difference.
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