Aspiring Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors Nomination Pack The

Aspiring Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors Nomination Pack The Midlands and East Regional Talent Board October 2019

Contents Introduction The benefits of the Talent Pool Overview of the process Who is eligible to apply? Nomination and Gateway Assessment Process Key questions and Contact details NHS Executive Director Success Profile 2018 Aspire Together (Page 3) (Page 7) (Page 11) (Page 14) (Page 17) (Page 20) (Page 24)

Introducing the Midlands and East Regional Talent Board 2018 Aspire Together

4 Introduction The Midlands and East Regional Talent Board (RTB) is the body created to drive a fresh approach to talent management in the NHS. Chaired by Nick Carver, CEO at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, the RTB consists of senior representatives from organisations across the region, including providers, commissioners, NHS England and NHS Improvement. Chief Executive/Accountable Officers and Regional Directors (RDs) will already be aware of the work being done to ensure that talent management across our region is more strategic and effective, in order that the NHS has the leadership capacity it needs for the future. Initial efforts of the RTB have been focused on the creation of the ‘Aspire Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors’. The aim is to create and grow a diverse pool of aspiring Executive Directors who are ready to move into Executive Director roles within our organisation. Regional Talent Boards are now being established across the country to create a Talent Pool accessible by all. The Regional Talent Pool will be a resource for organisations to easily source talent for Executive Director vacancies, this should reduce the cost and time to hire for these positions. Organisations will engage with NHS Executive Search to access the Talent Pool and individuals within it. It is also a resource for our future leadership talent in their search for their next career opportunity within the sector. This process and tools have been codesigned with the system and with Korn Ferry, talent management experts. 2018 Aspire Together

5 Purpose of the Nomination Pack The Aspirant Directors Nomination Pack is designed to inform and provide guidance to: Chief Executive Officers Regional Directors (NHS E and I, Public Health England and Health Education England) Accountable Officers Human Resource Directors (or equivalent) Candidates aspiring for their first executive role in the NHS. Having read this pack you will have an understanding of: What the NHS Executive Director Success Profile is and how it was created Who should apply The Nomination Process (next steps if you are looking to apply or nominate an individual) What it means to be assessed (what happens before, during and after interview) 2018 Aspire Together

6 CEO/AO Ownership of the Talent Management Process It is critical that CEOs/AOs/RDs ‘own’ the talent management agenda in their organisations and wider systems. They are the individuals responsible for spotting and developing talent and supporting the growth and development of talented individuals to become future senior leaders. It’s equally important that this is a joint process between organisations and individuals, based on a career conversation, noting that this process is similar to a job application and is for candidates seeking a career move. Every organisation should have, or be actively working towards, an embedded talent management approach and culture. Initially this may be using its own talent management process or Leadership Academy tools and guidance, supported by a process of regular career conversations to assess people’s readiness for their next career move. It is expected that nominations for the Gateway process will be identified by the organisations’ internal talent management processes and tools where these are established, or if the organisation does not yet have these in place then they are expected to use the Leadership Academy’s 9 box grid and Maximising Potential Conversation tool. The approach to talent management within each organisation should mean that individuals who are ready to become Executive Directors and want to move into a role within the next 6 months will be being identified and the executive team and the CEO/AO / RD will have a clear view who these individuals are. 2018 Aspire Together

The benefits of the Talent Pool 2018 Aspire Together

8 What are the benefits of The Aspire Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors? What’s in it for my organisation? Diverse teams make better business decisions, and the NHS ‘top tiers’ tend to be unrepresentative of the communities we serve. We aim to address this deficit by looking wider and deeper for all potential talent, with a particular focus on staff with protected characteristics who are under-represented at present across the region. Currently, many NHS organisations find it challenging to fill Executive Director vacancies, this regional Talent Pool aims to help alleviate some of the challenges faced. Over time the Talent Pool will be the prime source for organisations to access individuals identified through this process as ready for Executive Director vacancies, this should reduce the cost and time to hire for these positions. To find out more and have an opportunity to ask questions ahead of nominating - please join our webinar briefing and Q and A sessions which can be found on Page 21 and on the Aspire Together webpages. 2018 Aspire Together

9 What are the benefits of The Aspire Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors? What’s in it for the individuals? This process has been created to identify and assess those ready and willing to move into their first executive director role within 6 months of assessment. This process is not a leadership development scheme, however developmental feedback will be provided following assessment. The long-term aim for the Talent Pool is for individuals within it to receive automatic short-listing for appropriate Executive Director roles. Whilst this automatic short-listing may take some time to establish, being part of the pool will give individuals a beneficial level of visibility when it comes to short-listing for senior posts. All individuals nominated and invited for assessment will gain: A chance to reflect on what leadership means to them and their readiness for this role. An opportunity at interview to demonstrate their readiness. A feedback report and conversation based on their assessment against the Executive Director Success Profile. A career coaching conversation to help them understand the potential next steps for them. If assessed as ‘ready’ candidates will undertake a ‘scoping’ call to discuss their next career move. Signposting to development opportunities for those assessed as ‘not ready’. 2018 Aspire Together

10 What are the benefits of The Aspire Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors? Where an individual is assessed as ‘ready’* for their first Executive Director role and placed in to the Talent Pool, they will also get access to: NHS Executive Search who will work with them to understand their preferences and support them with finding suitable Executive Director roles. NHS Executive Search will work on their behalf to proactively match them with appropriate roles, and support them in applying. Career coaching conversations with NHS Executive Search. Practice / mock interviews with NHS Executive Search when applying for roles. CV writing support. To find out more and have an opportunity to ask questions ahead of nominating - please join our webinar briefing and Q and A sessions which can be found on Page 21 and on the Aspire Together webpages. * The Talent Pool looks to assess an individual’s ‘readiness’ for Executive Director level roles, it does not assess readiness for a specific role. If an individual is entered in to the Talent Pool, their suitability for a specific role will be evaluated by the hiring organisation, when they choose to apply for a specific vacancy. 2018 Aspire Together

Overview of the process 2018 Aspire Together

The Regional Talent Board is now inviting nominations On Friday 1st November 2019 we will be inviting nominations for the Aspiring Executive Director Talent Pool Gateway Assessment Process. The closing date for applications is Monday 16th December 2019. Nominations are invited from individuals who will be ready to take on their first Executive Director role, and looking to move into a new role in the next 6 months (following interview). Nominations should (ideally) be a joint process agreed through a career conversation between the potential candidate and a Nominated Senior Leader at Executive Director level. For all candidates CEOs / AOs / Regional Directors (RD) are asked to confirm that the individual is currently working at ‘one below’ board or equivalent level and not involved in any ongoing performance, grievance or disciplinary discussions. After the closing date, the Aspire Together team will be in touch to confirm next steps. If invited to interview, candidates and their Nominated Senior Leader will receive ‘pre-work’ to complete which will form part of the evaluation ahead of the interview. This will take c. 1 day to complete, in line with what you might expect for a job application. Candidates will be invited for a 2 hour interview in late February or March 2020. We have developed a separate process for existing directors already operating substantively at executive director level – please contact [email protected] for more information. 2018 Aspire Together 12

13 The Process We are keen to broaden the range of talents and backgrounds in the executive talent pool and are therefore adopting an approach where both managers and individuals can initiate the nomination process. Organisation Nominations From CEO/AO/RD ownership and with knowledge of the individual’s readiness and ambition for an Executive Director role within 6 months of assessment. Following a career conversation with candidates, existing executive directors and CEO/AOs/RDs would in most cases be the right people to make nominations to the talent pool. Self-Nominations Research tells us that solely relying on manager nominations can often disadvantage those with protected characteristics or from a less obvious background and that a self-nomination process tends to, over time, widen the diversity of individuals in the available talent pool. Ideally, individuals who choose to self-nominate would still seek support from their CEO/AO/RD. All selfnominations will be notified to the relevant CEO/AO/RD who will be asked only to confirm: that the individual is currently working at ‘one below’ board or equivalent level and not involved in any ongoing performance, grievance or disciplinary discussions Where an individual is keen to self-nominate, but support from their CEO/AO/RD is not forthcoming, we would advise candidates to speak with their Human Resource Director (or equivalent) or [email protected]. 2018 Aspire Together

Who is eligible to apply? 2018 Aspire Together

15 Who is eligible to be nominated to Talent Pool? The following pages outline the process that should be used to evaluate candidates (or your own suitability) for the talent pool and the process to follow for making nominations. You will find the decision tree which will help you understand the eligibility for nomination to the Aspire Together Talent Pool – Aspirant Directors. Please note Candidates should be aware that this is not a development programme but an initiative designed to identify, assess and then deploy ready now aspirant executive directors. Applying for the Talent Pool should be viewed as a similar process as to applying for a new role and requires a considerable amount of preparation (c.1 day). Candidates currently working at ‘one below’ board or equivalent level (provider or commissioner), for candidates applying from NHS England and NHS Improvement, Public Health England and Health Education England should be operating at Band 9 / ESM1 or equivalent. 2018 Aspire Together

START HERE NO If you feel the individual’s role may be equivalent to this level, although not “officially” one below board level, please contact [email protected] NO Is the individual currently working at one below board level or equivalent? Has the individual been performing well at this level for 12 months or more? YES NO At this time, the individual is not eligible to be nominated for the talent pool. As the talent pool process evolves and develops, minimum requirements may change. Please check back on requirements for future cohorts. In the meantime, we suggest you have a career conversation with the individual. You can also find development support and resources from the NHS Leadership Academy 16 YES NO YES Is the individual ready and willing to move into their first board level role? YES YES Is the individual involved in any ongoing performance, grievance or disciplinary discussions. NO At this time, the talent pool may not be right for the individual. We suggest you have a career conversation with the individual about how they can strengthen their application against the Success Profile. You can find further development support from the NHS Leadership Academy NO The individual and Nominated Senior Leader agree that they are ready for a director level role and ready to be assessed against the Success Profile YES The individual is eligible to be assessed for the Talent Pool. The next page explains the assessment process. 2018 Aspire Together

Nomination and Gateway Assessment Process 2018 Aspire Together

Nomination Process Overview Nomination Window Opens MANAGERS 1. Hold a Talent Conversation with your aspirant director/s 2. Review eligibility criteria and Success Profile 3. Encourage individual to complete the Nomination Form Organisation Nomination Nomination Form forwarded to CEO / AO / RD for confirmation and submission to INDIVIDUALS 1. Review eligibility criteria and Success profile 2. Hold a talent conversation with your chosen Nominated Senior Leader 3. Complete Nomination Form 18 Self Nomination Nomination form forwarded to: [email protected] [email protected] Notes: For all candidates CEOs / AOs / Regional Directors (RD) are asked to confirm that the individual is currently working at ‘one below’ board or equivalent level and not involved in any ongoing performance, grievance or disciplinary discussions. 2018 Aspire Together

Nomination and Gateway Assessment Process Overview Self-check of eligibility for Talent Pool Career conversation with Nominated Senior Leader (recommended) If self nominating complete & submit Nomination Form to RTB Organisation sponsored candidates complete Nomination Form and send to your CEO/AO for confirmation and submission to the RTB Manager/ Nominated Senior Leader 01/11/19 – 16/12/19 Review talent to identify ready Executive Director talent Career conversations with ready Executive Director talent Check candidate eligibility Request candidate completes Nomination Form 2018 Aspire Together Phase Two Phase Three Phase Four Pre- work for Assessment Day Assessment Day Feedback Candidate Self-Assessment Form Online personality questionnaire Candidates will be invited to an Assessment Day Invites will be sent following closure of the nomination window. Details will be shared closer to the date. Short phone call with assessor to share outcome of Gateway Assessment Process. Individual assessment report Developmental feedback discussion with technical assessor. c. 1 day 0.5 days 0.5 days 20/12/19 - 31/01/20 Feb / March March 2020 Assessment of candidate’s capabilities against the Success Profile We encourage all individuals to discuss the outcome of the Gateway assessment with their line manager and HR Director. Organisations will be informed of the outcome following assessment. 1 - 2 Hours Those assessed as ‘ready’ enter the Talent Pool Aspiring Executive Director Nominations Applications reviewed and gateway assessment places offered to eligible individuals Phase One 19

Key questions and Contact Details 2018 Aspire Together

21 Key Questions and Contact Details If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] What support is available before applying? In the Midlands & East we are hosting several support webinars to provide a virtual briefing on what to expect from the process and an opportunity to speak with assessors ahead of applying. There are two versions available – 1 for organisations and 1 for candidates. Email [email protected] to register or follow the links on our webpage to add to your calendar. 2018 Aspire Together

22 Key Questions (continued) What about existing Executive Directors who are interested in moving role and see the Talent Pool as a great way to do this? A separate process has been created for individuals already operating at Executive Director level and who wish to enter the Talent Pool. Please contact [email protected] to find out more. What if the individual nominated is not yet seen as ready within the next 6 months? We are committed to supporting all of our talented people and we acknowledge that everyone’s potential is dynamic. If an individual is profiled as ‘not currently ready’, they will still be an asset to our healthcare system and we want to keep them motivated and engaged in reaching their potential. We will provide them with contact details to access coaching and career support to ensure they know their next possible career steps in reaching their future potential. We may pass on information to candidates regarding relevant development opportunities which might be of interest, for example: "Mock Interview Workshops", Midlands and East Executive Talent Scheme (MEET), and other interim stretch opportunities. They can re-apply to the pool when significant progress on closing the development gaps identified in their career conversations has been made, both the employing organisation and the individual will need to take responsibility for these next steps. 2018 Aspire Together

23 Key Questions (continued) If the Gateway assessment process is oversubscribed (i.e. you receive more nominations than spaces available) how will individuals be selected to participate? Spaces for assessment are limited however we are committed that everyone who is seen as eligible for the Talent Pool Gateway assessment will be offered a place on a future assessment day. We are committed to seeing a diverse range of candidates from a breadth of organisations, locations, role types and mixture in terms of diversity. In the meantime candidates can still apply for Executive Director positions independently. What kind of development can I access as a candidate? This process has been designed to create a Talent Pool of individuals looking to be deployed into their first executive director role and therefore it is not a development programme. Whilst we can signpost candidates to relevant development programmes, we would expect that candidates coming forward for assessment are already demonstrating the key characteristics set out within the Success Profile. We are aware that some individuals may not recognise their own strengths so we would encourage a conversation with your HRD and the Aspire Together team if you are thinking of applying but unsure if you are ready. 2018 Aspire Together

SUCCESS PROFILE NHS Executive Director Midlands & East Regional Talent Board June 2019

25 Introducing NHS Executive Director Success Profiles What is a Success Profile? It defines the optimal characteristics that drive success in an executive director level role in the NHS How was the Success Profile defined? Data contributing this Success Profile includes Review of existing documents and models describing the competencies and capabilities critical for success as an Executive Director, as well as research into drivers of success in similar roles facing similar challenges, in other sectors Interviews with NHS leaders, regulators and professional leads on the future of the NHS and the capabilities required to succeed, as well as current success drivers Behavioural interviews with Executive Director role models in the NHS, to understand the strengths and experiences that have contributed to their success Interviews with middle managers in the NHS to understand how they see leadership roles evolving and what they will need in future from Executive Directors to perform at their best What is it used for? The Success Profile is used to inform decisions about whether candidates in your region are ‘ready now’ for your Executive Director talent pool. The Success Profile will also be used to support broader talent management conversations. What is it not intended for? The Success Profile should not be used to make specific appointment decisions – e.g., ‘Is this person ready for the Director of Strategy Performance and Planning role in this particular CCG’. To make specific appointment decisions, hiring managers will look in more detail at the specific role requirements and candidate fit to that role. What will use of the Success Profile deliver for you? When you are looking for candidates for Executive Director roles, you will be able to trust the quality of the talent pool because the individuals in it will have been assessed as having the characteristics required for success in these roles It will also support career development conversations with aspiring Executive Directors – you can help individuals understand the requirements for success and discuss their interest in a Director level role as well as the development they will need to enter the talent pool 2018 Aspire Together

26 Executive Director Role Context Cont. The nature of the 'step up' into Executive Director roles Accountability for the whole organisation’s performance. From contributing as a functional lead, to acting as a corporate leader by contributing to setting direction and executing strategy with an organisation-wide lens. Increased accountability for external stakeholder relationships. From a focus on managing stakeholder relationships within the CCG or Trust, to increasingly managing external relationships with regulators, patients/service users and public sector partners, etc. Longer term strategic focus. From a focus on how to deliver clearly defined functional objectives within (typically) a 1 year time frame, to a focus on shaping objectives in light of external forces and changes (e.g., an aging population) coming up in a 3 – 5 year time frame. Increased focus on enabling the organisation. From a focus on delivering high quality work through their team, to setting up the governance, structures, policies and cultural environment to get to root causes, manage risk, and set the people and organisation up for success. Role modelling and visibility. The seniority of the role and its position on the board means Executive Directors are role models and therefore must be increasingly conscious of the impact of their actions and words, acting as visible leaders across the organisation. 2018 Aspire Together

27 Executive Director Success Profile – High level overview Competencies The high performing Executive Directors of today are supported by the following competencies Drives for better outcomes Takes people with them Speaks up Brings compassion and humility Brings a learning mindset Experiences The high performing Executive Directors of tomorrow will be supported by the following competencies . Driving change and delivering tangible results Acts from a system’s mindset Managed budgets Finds new solutions Managing poor performance Develops people Leading leaders and engaging the workforce Creates a culture of inclusion Building a more inclusive and compassionate culture Traits The high performing Executive Directors of today are supported by the following traits Decisive and action orientated Influence Flexible Engaging external stakeholders Breadth of experience Drivers The high performing Executive Directors of tomorrow will be supported by the following traits . Supportive and consultative Creative problem solvers Resilient Demonstrates an understanding of what the role entails in terms of responsibility, risk and impact. Expresses a desire to learn, grow, do interesting work, and stretch oneself. Sense of purpose beyond self Whilst this represents what good looks like for Executive Directors, it is not expected that anyone will have a strength on every aspect of the Success Profile. We understand that we need different styles and types of leadership. 2018 Aspire Together

28 Executive Director Success Profile – Understanding the interrelationships Competencies Experiences Demonstrated behaviours Demonstrated experiences from CV Relatively easy to test in an interview or observe on the job, with training to ensure objectivity Very easy to test in an interview Have the most direct impact on performance Impacts performance insofar as they help individuals to develop Competencies and technical know-how Traits Personality preferences, not behaviours Difficult to test in an interview; easier to test using a validated psychometric (online personality test) Impacts performance by making it ‘come naturally’ to a person to practice a competency and therefore hone their skills Drivers Motivation or underlying driver of behaviour Difficult to test in an interview Impacts performance by determining in which roles the person will be able to fulfil their personal needs Please refer to the following page ‘Interpreting data’ which will provide further guidance. 2018 Aspire Together

29 Executive Director Success Profile – Understanding the interrelationships cont. Interpreting data In general Competencies and Experiences are the best determinant of an individual’s ability to deliver in a role tomorrow. Traits and Drivers tell you more about their potential to quickly learn and grow into a role. There are relationships between specific Experiences, Competencies, Traits and Drivers and understanding these will help you understand individuals’ ability to step up into new roles. In general if a candidate is low on a Competency or Experience but high on the related Traits, this means they have more potential to quickly learn the new Competencies than if they are low on the related Traits. Conversely if they are high on the Traits related to a Competency but low on the Competency itself, it suggests more exposure to a role where that competency is critical would help them develop quickly. Key relationships to be aware of are: The competencies Takes people with them, and Develops people are related to the trait ‘Influence’. The competencies Brings compassion and humility and Develops people are related to the trait Supportive and consultative. The competencies Finds new solutions is related to the trait Creative problem solver. The competency Acts from a system’s mindset is supported by the experience Cross boundary working. 2018 Aspire Together

30 How to read the competencies 2018 Aspire Together

31 Competencies: Drives for better outcomes Most Executive Directors will show evidence of being motivated to deliver great results. But not all will show that they drive for better outcomes, which is fundamentally about identifying opportunities and taking action to improve the organisation’s ability to deliver in a sustainable way. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Identifies and acts on new ways to improve results and raise the bar on quality in the short and longer term , whatever those may be in their context. For example, do they initiate action to improve efficiency across their area of responsibility, quality of support provided to other departments, collaboration across the system, patient/service user outcomes, etc.? Do they consider how digital solutions can drive improvement? Pro-actively identifies goals to improve outcomes and implements concrete plans to deliver them in a sustainable way , based on an in depth understanding of the factors impacting performance. For example, do they use internal and external benchmarking to identify opportunities? Do they dig deep and do root cause analysis to ensure they’ve really understood the problem? Ensures they stay focused on results and improvements in outcomes over the long term balancing multiple factors to ensure they deliver real improvement, without becoming distracted by activities for the sake of activity. For example, when plans are developed to achieve stretch goals, do they ensure clear metrics are created and frequently measured and adjust their approach to ensure they deliver the right outcome in the end? Do they stay focussed on overall outcomes for patients/service users, balancing that against short term targets or issues. Stretch behaviour: Takes risks, by taking action and implementing solutions that haven’t been tried and tested, to deliver a step change in what can be delivered. For example, do they try out new organisational structures, processes, or systems, that haven’t been used in the same context before, to improve the performance/services for patients and service users? 2018 Aspire Together

32 Competencies: Takes people with them Most Executive Directors will show evidence of trying to influence others, often through logical arguments for their own position. But not all will show that they take people with them, which is fundamentally about shaping the arguments and rationales that will appeal to the audience, given their concerns, agendas and needs. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Adjusts the style and content of their message to appeal to the people they’re trying to engage ? For example, considering ‘This GP is particularly concerned about the bureaucracy involved with certain contracts’ and therefore emphasising how plans will reduce bureaucracy over time. Considers who may be influential with the audience, and enlists their support? For example, do they bring in a well respected clinician to advocate for a new policy with doctors, knowing that they are most likely to listen to a clinician and to have their needs and interests reflected by a clinical colleague? Or engage with community leaders to help them explain complex system changes. Paints a compelling picture of the future they’re trying to create, one in which everyone can see themselves, which explains not just what needs to happen, but why, and what’s in it for patients/service users, employees from all backgrounds, and the audience? For example, when working at a system level, do they build a narrative that focuses on the positive future that service changes will bring, such as greater investment in preventative care and more time with the patients/service users who need it most? Stretch behaviour: Navigates organisational politics and culture, key stakeholders and personalities, to build support and engagement. For example, uses all of the above approaches alongside a nuanced understanding of how decisions are really made in the organisation, to build support over the long term. 2018 Aspire Together

33 Competencies: Speaks up Most Executive Directors will show evidence of dealing with conflict when they are faced with it, and taking responsibility for issues. But not all will show that they speaks up, which is fundamentally about having the conviction and sense of purpose to speak up when it might be easier to refrain. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Speaks up when it would be easier to stay silent? For example, have they pushed colleagues to be more open about the cons as well as the pros of a proposal, in board papers? Have they challenged colleagues when they’ve observed them be dismissive of views that differ from their own? Sensitively raises the ‘elephant in the room’? For example, have they raised concerns about inadequate systems, processes, or financial assumptions internally with colleagues, partners or regulators? Voices the concerns of people who aren’t in the room, such as patients/service users, front line staff or under represented groups ? For example, do they regularly bring the discussion back to the impact on patients/service users and front line staff, when debating difficult decisions with colleagues or partners? Stretch behaviour: Decides not to do what has been asked, because its better in the long term for patients/service users and other outcomes? For example, have they stated that they won’t hit a key target because doing so would put quality of care at risk? 2018 Aspire Together

34 Competencies: Brings compassion and humility Most Executive Directors will show evidence of basic respect for others and will see themselves as inclusive. But not all will show that they bring compassion and humility, which is fundamentally about empathising with others and seeing one’s role as being to support others and ensure they feel heard and valued, whether they be patients, service users, employees, peers or external stakeholders . To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Listens to others and values diverse perspectives and differing opinions? For example, do they share examples of having been surprised by another person’s point of view, and persuaded by their perspective? Do they invite others’ opinion, especially those from different backgrounds or seldom heard voices? Explores others’ concerns and empathises? For example, do they share their hypotheses about what is driving others’ behaviour even when they haven’t explicitly stated their motivation? Do they express empathy and understanding for those concerns? Do they notice how others are feeling? Do they ask others to share their concerns? Assumes others are coming from a good place, even in disagreement? For example, when they describe the views of others who they disagree with, do they frame them in terms of positive and reasonable concerns? Or do they tend to believe that others are acting out of selfish concerns? Stretch behaviour: Puts others’ needs and perspectives at the heart of decision making? For example, do they co-create pathways and solutions with patients and service users or employees? Are their agendas and plans driven by the underlying needs of service users (internal or external) and employees? 2018 Aspire Together

35 Competencies: Brings a learning mindset Most Executive Directors will show evidence of learning from experience. But not all will show that they bring a learning mindset, which is fundamentally about a belief that people can learn, grow and improve, and therefore setbacks are opportunities to learn, and not threats to ones own self image as a competent professional . To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Seeks feedback, even when they know it may be uncomfortable to hear? For example, have they actively sought feedback from others, including individuals different to them, and taken it seriously, trying to find the truth in it? Reflects honestly and openly on their own contribution to outcomes and apply the lessons? For example, when reflecting on learnings from past mistakes, do they consider personal development areas, as opposed to blaming external factors beyond their control? Helps others learn from experience by bringing a ‘no blame’ mindset? For example, are they careful to listen to others and ask for their perspective on what happened and why, rather than jumping into telling them what they did wrong? Do they encourage others to reflect and learn from their experiences on an ongoing basis? Stretch behaviour: Creates a safe environment where people can feel comfortable not knowing all the answers. For example, do they share mistakes and lessons learnt publicly and positively and admit when they do not have the answers, so others can feel safe to adopt a learning mindset? 2018 Aspire Together

36 Competencies: Acts from a system’s mindset Most Executive Directors will show awareness of the broader healthcare system and how those bodies each contribute to patient and service user care. But not all will show that they act from a system’s mindset, which is fundamentally about recognising the complexity of the system, and using that understanding to successfully navigate through the system and use the strengths of the whole system to provide the best possible service to patients/service users and the broader population. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Understands the inter-relationship between their area and the rest of the system and how each element contributes to patient/service user care For example, when pursuing goals, do they take into account how they might impact other parts of the healthcare system, and their ability to best meet patient/services user needs? Understands how the culture and politics in different parts of the system work? For example, when building support for an idea, do they show an understanding of the ‘unwritten rules’ of how decisions are made in different organisations? Are they aware of perspectives and voices which have been marginalised in the past, and how that might impact people’s views and biases today? Considers the different perspectives of all in the system and uses that insight to best meet service user needs ? For example, when shaping plans on what to do and how to engage others, do they consider the differing purpose, role, agenda and needs of groups such as patients, services users, carers, GPs, Trusts, Local authorities, voluntary organisations to help align them towards patient needs? Stretch behaviour: Balances the needs of different stakeholder groups, and takes the decisions which are best for the patient/ service user/population of a place as a whole, even if it is not what is in the interest of their own area ? For example, do they give up budget or control over a particular area to support delivery of a service in another area that better meets patient/service user/population needs? 2018 Aspire Together

37 Competencies: Finds new solutions Most Executive Directors will show evidence of resolving issues and solving problems by applying solutions they’ve seen work before. But not all will show that they find new solutions, which is fundamentally about bringing new insights and thinking to the table. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Brings diverse perspectives to challenge the status quo – and their own assumptions. For example, do they ask ‘What are we trying to achieve here? Is the way we’ve always done it really the best way to do it now? Is there an easier and faster way to support patient care?’ Do they invite diverse perspectives and external benchmarking to challenge conventional thinking and prevailing norms? Makes connections that aren’t obvious but that lead to new solutions. For example, do they see connections between different data points, such as data on changing patient/service user behaviour, and new policies? Makes complex issues simple by getting to the heart of the issue so that new solutions can be found. For example, when sharing their thinking behind key decisions, do they use key principles to simplify the issue such as ‘When I’m looking at how to drive efficiency in the structure, I start from thinking through the structure we need to support patient/service user care, rather than starting from what we have at the moment.’ Stretch behaviour: Fundamentally re-thinks how to deliver services in ways that enables the NHS to improve outcomes with limited resources. For example, rather than trying to treat a long term condition with a health service they look to prevent it by improving housing conditions. 2018 Aspire Together

38 Competencies: Develops people Most Executive Directors will show evidence of providing feedback when outcomes from team members are not up to the standard required. But not all will show that they develop people, which is fundamentally about spotting potential – regardless of background – and nurturing it . To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Understands and seeks to develop the strengths and development needs of a diverse range of individuals in their team ? For example, do they provide regular feedback on both strengths and development areas, regarding both performance and behaviours? Do they invest in the development of others based on potential, regardless of whether they have similar backgrounds or mindsets? Spots potential, explores the career aspirations and shapes development activities to support people to achieve their goals ? For example, do they know who in their team wants to progress, and in what direction? Do they provide feedback and developmental experiences to help them prepare for the next move? Have they seen someone with potential who others overlooked, perhaps because they didn’t ‘fit the mould’ of a typical person in that role in the NHS, and champion that person’s career? Identifies capability gaps in the team/function and seeks to close the gap? For example, do they look ahead to predict what work the team/function will need to deliver in future, and identify key skills which will need to be built? Do they ensure the skills within the team complement each other to deliver results? Stretch behaviour: Challenges themselves and others to ensure diverse talent is being managed at all levels of the organisation? For example, do they look beyond their own team, to how talent is being managed across the organisation, and invest in actively supporting and setting up talent management systems which ensure diverse talent at all levels is recognised and nurtured? 2018 Aspire Together

39 Competencies: Creates a culture of inclusion Most Executive Directors will show evidence of understanding, intellectually, why inclusion is important to patients and user outcomes. But not all will show that they create a culture of inclusion, which is fundamentally about not just role modelling inclusion, but also creating a climate in which all participants feel valued and a sense of belongingness, in which diverse perspectives are appreciated by all, and in which ultimately all are able to contribute to their fullest potential. To determine whether the person you’re assessing demonstrates this competency, consider your evidence of whether this person . Has a deep seated conviction that they can’t achieve their personal goals without creating an inclusive culture? For example, if their personal mission is to ensure the best possible patient care, they may have a conviction that patient care starts with really listening to patients, and that only happens when there is a culture of listening and respect across the entire organisation. Gives feedback in a non judgmental way to people who are not demonstrating inclusive behaviour? For example, have they spoken with a clinician who they’ve seen be dismissive of anothers’ views, and helped them realise that the impact of their behaviour is that those around them are less likely to really listen to patients? Creates an enabling environment in which it is easier for people to behave in an inclusive way? For example, do they ensure that diverse voices are at the table for key decisions, and that sufficient time is given in the agenda for a robust debate, and for exploration of different viewpoints? Stretch behaviour: Initiates, enacts and champions creating a culture of inclusion across the system, outside of their own area. For example, do they work to persuade colleagues across the system that system goals can only be met in an inclusive environment? Do they work to create an enabling environment across the system? 2018 Aspire Together

40 Experiences Each of the below experiences have been shown to be important for developing the skills and capabilities required to excel in an Executive Director role. More than one item from the list below may be covered in a single role or career experience. For example, experience of ‘Driving change and delivering tangible results’ may also involve ‘Managing poor performance’ and ‘Leading leaders and engaging the workforce’. Experience of delivering end to end change in a service or function with scale and complexity: Experience of having led fundamental transformation or organisational development with evidence of tangible results: For example, leading the set-up of a new function, leading changes to an end to end process to improve results. Engaging external stakeholders: Experience of delivering on a programme or other activity which required the individual to report to a Board, National bodies, and / or regulators. Breadth of experience: Experience of working in multiple functions or across commissioner / provider organisations, having worked for different organisations or significant system level working. Managed budgets: Experience of managing a budget, carrying the weight of the responsibility and the ability to ensure the whole adds up. Leading multiple teams/ leading individuals that manage complex service areas: This may be through the direct management of multiple teams or through providing leadership (if not direct management) and engaging the workforce across a multiple groups/teams. Experience of delivering performance improvement in a service or function: Experience of having turned around an underperforming service or function to deliver improvement of patient/service user outcomes. Building a more inclusive and compassionate culture: Experience of having led or collaborated in work to improve diversity and create an inclusive, compassionate culture which is also focussed on learning not blame. 2018 Aspire Together

41 Traits The key traits to look for are outlined below. These are the traits which will enable individuals in the talent pool to more easily develop the capabilities required for great performance in Executive Director roles, based on the competency requirements. The high performing Executive Directors of today are supported by the following traits Decisive and action orientated. High stamina, likes getting things done, makes quick decisions even when information is short, is willing to take calculated risks and enjoys a fast pace of work. Influence. Has a clear point of view and likes selling their idea to others, likes having responsibility for others, prefers leading to following. Flexible. Changes behaviour and approach to match new circumstances, thrives on variety and frequently changing environments. The high performing Executive Directors of tomorrow will be supported by the following traits . Supportive and consultative. Enjoys helping and meeting other people’s needs, good listener, interested in others’ perspectives. Creative problem solvers. Makes connections, sees the big picture and contributes to the development of strategy, always seeking and generating new ideas, embraces radical ideas and approaches. Resilient. Optimistic, calm and able to cope, composed in charged situations, able to accept criticism without becoming overly self critical. 2018 Aspire Together

42 Drivers Drivers in this context are the motivations and needs which are underpinning the individual’s behaviours day to day, as well as their desire to take on an Executive Director level role. Demonstrates an understanding of what the role entails in terms of responsibility, risk and impact. This includes an awareness of what it means to operate as a Board. Expresses a desire to learn, grow, do interesting work, and stretch oneself. Sense of purpose beyond self. Articulates a clear vision for why they wish to take on an Executive Director role. What they wish to achieve The impact they wish to have How an Executive Director role will enable them to have that impact This vision will put something other than the personal success of the individual at its heart, for example, patient/service user care, the well being of clinical staff, or the success of the NHS as a whole. When evaluating the individual’s response, focus on whether you find evidence that the individual is driven by something other than their own progression. 2018 Aspire Together

If you have any questions regarding the Success Profile please get in touch with us at [email protected] 2018 Aspire Together