NHS NEDs acknowledge Professor Eileen Fairhurst

GGI’s webinar for NHS non-exec directors on Friday, 18 October, featured Professor Eileen Fairhurst as the special guest speaker. Professor Fairhurst, a highly esteemed figure in the NHS and its longest-serving NED, shared her insights ahead of stepping down from her role as chair of the Northern Care Alliance.

The session began with a warm introduction by Professor Andrew Corbett-Nolan, GGI’s chief executive. He opened by reflecting on how the GGI NED Forum was formed during the pandemic, providing a platform for NEDs to connect, share experiences, and support each other during the unprecedented challenges that emerged. Professor Fairhurst was a key contributor to the forum's success, he said, and a stalwart supporter throughout its development.

Professor Fairhurst took the opportunity to share reflections from her remarkable career, particularly focusing on the evolving role of non-executive directors in the NHS. With decades of experience, she has witnessed the NHS navigate numerous reforms, restructurings, and operational challenges. She emphasised the importance of strong governance, transparency, and the need for NEDs to balance scrutiny with support. This balance, she noted, has become more critical in the current environment, where financial pressures and staffing issues are challenging the sustainability of NHS services.

One key theme of her talk was the resilience required by NEDs, especially in times of crisis. She recalled the pandemic period as one of the most demanding times for healthcare governance, where difficult decisions were made rapidly, often with limited information. Professor Fairhurst stressed the role of NEDs in ensuring that governance processes remained robust while offering the necessary flexibility to adapt to the evolving situation. She also mentioned the importance of fostering a culture of open communication between boards and executive teams, which she considered vital for navigating the future of healthcare.

As Professor Fairhurst prepares to step down from her current position, she spoke candidly about the personal journey of serving as a NED and chair. She encouraged other NEDs to remain curious and engaged, constantly seeking to understand the changing dynamics of healthcare. She also pointed out the need for continued learning and development for NEDs, emphasising that they must keep pace with changes in regulation, technology, and patient expectations.

Her legacy as a leader who has consistently championed high standards of governance and patient care was evident throughout her presentation. She concluded with some parting advice for future NEDs: to remain committed to the values of the NHS, to stay patient-centred, and to always consider the long-term implications of their decisions.

The session closed with a warm round of virtual applause and heartfelt thanks from the forum participants, many of whom praised Professor Fairhurst for her dedication and service to the NHS. Her contributions have undoubtedly shaped the landscape of healthcare governance, and her insights provided valuable lessons for the next generation of NEDs.