Board development

High-performing boards don't happen by chance. They are built through trust, strong relationships, effective governance and a shared commitment to continuous learning.

At NHS Elect, we work with NHS boards and senior leadership teams to strengthen board effectiveness, improve collaboration and support better strategic decision-making. Every programme is tailored to the unique context, challenges and ambitions of the organisation, helping boards build the confidence, behaviours and culture needed to lead successfully in an increasingly complex health and care system.

Whether you're looking to strengthen governance, improve board dynamics, develop individual leaders or enhance system relationships, our experienced team will work alongside you to design a programme that delivers meaningful and lasting impact.

How we work with you

Every programme begins with understanding your organisation.

Meaningful diagnostics

We typically start with a diagnostic phase, using confidential interviews and, where appropriate, surveys to understand the perspectives of board members, board dynamics, organisational priorities and the challenges your team is facing. We can also gather insight from senior leaders, direct reports and system partners to build a richer understanding of the wider context.

Co-designed solutions

Using these findings, we work with you to co-design a bespoke development programme that reflects your board's priorities and aspirations.

Tailored sessions

Development sessions are practical, engaging and tailored to your organisation. They may focus on strengthening governance, improving relationships, enhancing decision-making, developing system leadership or building greater alignment across the board. Where appropriate, coaching is available to help individuals and teams embed their learning and support lasting change.

Our services

Every board is different. That's why we tailor every programme to the needs of your organisation. Our board development offer includes six core services.

Executive Team and Board Support

We facilitate board and executive team workshops that create space for strategic thinking, honest discussion and collective decision-making. We also provide board meeting observation, feedback, after-action reviews and restorative conversations to help boards continually improve how they work together.

Developing Internal Relationships

Effective organisations depend on strong relationships. We design programmes that strengthen collaboration between boards, executive teams, divisions and direct reports, helping leaders build trust, improve communication and work more effectively across the organisation.

Developing External Relationships

Boards play a vital role in leading beyond organisational boundaries. We support boards to strengthen relationships with partners through system actor mapping, system thinking and facilitated discussions that improve collaboration across integrated health and care systems.

Individual Board Member Development

Alongside board development, we provide tailored support for individual Executive and Non-Executive Directors, helping board members develop their leadership capability, confidence and understanding of their role.

Coaching

We offer both team coaching and one-to-one coaching for board members. Coaching helps leaders reflect on their practice, build individual capability and embed the learning from wider development activities.

Additional Services

We also provide specialist support, including after-action reviews and internal investigations, helping organisations learn from experience, strengthen governance and build a culture of continuous improvement.

Why choose us?

NHS Elect is a not-for-profit organisation hosted by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, with more than 20 years' experience supporting NHS organisations to develop their leaders and improve organisational performance.

Our team combines extensive board-level experience with expertise in organisational development, leadership, governance, strategy, improvement and system working. We understand the realities of leading within today's NHS and bring a practical, supportive and appropriately challenging approach to every programme.

Rather than delivering off-the-shelf solutions, we work alongside boards to create bespoke development experiences that encourage reflection, strengthen relationships and build the capability needed to navigate an increasingly complex health and care landscape.

A group of staff are sat at a table looking at documents and talking with the advisor who is standing nearby

Our board development team

Our board development programmes are delivered by a highly experienced team with extensive knowledge of the NHS and wider health and care sector.

Drawing on experience in executive leadership, governance, organisational development, coaching, facilitation and system leadership, our team combines practical insight with evidence-based approaches to support board effectiveness. We are also supported by a network of expert associates, including former chief executives and senior NHS leaders, enabling us to provide the right expertise for every organisation we work with.

Find out more about our team >

Speak to us about your board development needs

If you would like to discuss how NHS Elect can support your board or senior leadership team, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Please email us to arrange an informal conversation about your organisation's priorities and explore how we can design a bespoke programme to meet your needs.