About the role
Role description
Ministers are looking to appoint a new Chair to the board of the Advisory Committee on the Resource Allocation (ACRA).
The Chair of ACRA will be accountable jointly to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England and will be responsible for:
- reporting the final recommendations back to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and NHS England;
- effectively chairing meetings;
- ensuring ACRA operates effectively;
- operation and output of ACRA;
- ensuring every member has a fair opportunity to be heard and that no views are ignored or overlooked;
- allowing genuine dialogue to take place and diversity fully explored and discussed;
- endeavouring to achieve?a consensus of opinion;
- ensuring voting is carried out fairly, should it be necessary to vote on an issue;
- ensuring the secretariat accurately documents the proceedings and there is a clear audit trail showing how decisions were made;
- ensuring there is a right balance of skills to fulfil the aims of ACRA;
- ensuring all members have a good grasp of the underlying subject matter expertise and if?necessary,?arrange training to enable them to fulfil their roles and ensure records are kept of member’s performance as necessary;
- ensuring good knowledge management principles are adhered to;
- working with the secretariat to promote equality and the diversity of the committee.
Organisation description
The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA) is responsible for providing recommendations and advice on the funding for health services in England, that reflect the objectives of the funding formula. This is currently to the Chief Executive of NHS England for NHS allocations and may also be to the Secretary of State for public health allocations.
The objectives of the formulae are set by DHSC and NHSE and are in place to support equal opportunity of access for equal need and to contribute to the reduction in avoidable health inequalities.
ACRA is an independent, expert committee comprising GPs, public health experts, NHS managers and academics.? The Chair is a joint appointment between Ministers and the NHSE Chief Executive.? Members are appointed by the Chair.
Board composition
Board meetings are currently held virtually. ACRA generally meet around 4-6 times per year and expect to hold one meeting per year in-person. Upcoming meeting dates are as follows:
Tuesday 16th July 2024
Monday 16th September 2024
Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website
Person specification
Essential criteria
The Department of Health and Social Care values and promotes diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. The boards of public bodies should reflect the population they are there to serve. Boards also benefit from fresh perspectives, and we are always keen to encourage candidates new to public appointments and with private sector experience to consider applying for our roles.
To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you have the qualities, skills, and experience to meet all the essential criteria for appointment.
- an awareness of health economics or health analysis;
- an understanding of the financial systems in the NHS and the role of ACRA;
- the ability to lead the strategic development of a key national Committee, anticipate emerging issues and develop strategies to enable the Committee to achieve its objectives;
- the ability to interpret and act upon complex, sometimes conflicting information, and assess and appropriately challenge recommendations;
- exceptional leadership skills and comfortable using authority in a committee environment, ensuring all views are captured, explored and decisions are made based on sound judgement;
- strong interpersonal and communication skills