Non Executive Director

Care Dorset was established in October 2022 as a local

authorityowned provider delivering services to adults across a

broad range of care models and settings.

These include reablement, day opportunities, supported living,

extra care, and residential care.

Wholly owned by Dorset Council, we operate as a trading

company with a clear ambition to innovate and transform

services, improving outcomes for the people we support while

building a sustainable and commercially successful

organisation.

The Care Dorset Group comprises Care Dorset Holding Ltd and

Care Dorset Ltd.

Current provision includes:

Five residential care homes offering 231 CQC-registered

beds

20 reablement beds across two sites

Day services at 12 locations

28 supported living beds across three settings 1 extra care

service comprising of 55 flats.

In addition, our community reablement service delivers over

1,800 hours of support each week.

Care Dorset employs more than 800 colleagues.

Main duties of the job

As a Non-Executive Director, you will provide strategic oversight, independent judgement and constructive challenge, helping ensure strong governance, sustainable growth and high performance. You will support strategy development, encourage innovation and help ensure Care Dorset remains effective and aligned to its values.

We are seeking an individual with strong commercial and strategic experience who can operate confidently at Board level and contribute to effective decision-making. You will bring experience of developing partnerships, identifying opportunities and supporting financial sustainability, alongside an understanding of governance and risk.

About us

Care Dorsets ethos is rooted in values-led leadership, a

commitment to dignity, and a clear focus on supporting

adults to lead fuller, more independent lives.

It extends beyond service delivery to embedding a

consistent culture where values are evident in behaviours,

decision-making and relationships at every level of the

organisation.

Our approach is shaped by five core values: being

people-focused, genuine, acting with integrity,

encouraging development, and working collaboratively.

These principles guide how we engage with colleagues,

the people we support, and our partners, and underpin

both the quality of care we provide and the way we work

together as an organisation.

We recognise that high-quality care is fundamentally

relational. Our colleagues are supported to lead with

professionalism, compassion and accountability, ensuring

that care is both effective and person-centred.

Leadership is visible and engaged, connecting

governance, quality and operational practice to ensure

that standards are not only met but experienced in day

to-day delivery.

Through this ethos, Care Dorset fosters a culture of

belonging, continuous improvement and shared purpose

ensuring care is not only safe and compliant, but

consistently compassionate and impactful.

Details

Date posted

02 October 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£8,000 a year

£8,000 up to 20 days pa. 3 year term. Reasonable expenses

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

F0117-26-0002

Job locations

Dorset Council

Colliton Park

Dorchester

Dorset

DT1 1XJ

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

We are looking for an individual who brings strong commercial and strategic expertise, with the confidence to operate effectively at Board level. You will be able to provide constructive challenge while supporting high-quality decision-making and organisational performance. You will have a clear growth mindset, with experience identifying new opportunities, developing partnerships, and strengthening financial sustainability in complex environments. Alongside this, you will understand governance, risk, and performance oversight. Key attributes include: Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation. Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth. Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management. Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach. Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven organisation serving local communities

Key responsibilities include :

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to organisational strategy and priorities.
• Support and challenge Chief Officers on delivery.

Governance & Oversight

• Promote strong governance, ethical practice, financial control and risk management.
• Monitor performance against objectives and KPIs.

Independent Challenge

• Provide objective challenge to executive decisions and performance.
• Bring external insight and expertise to Board discussions.

Risk Management

• Review key risks and ensure effective controls.

Board Effectiveness

• Support a high-performing Board culture.
• Participate in Board and committee meetings.
• Support continuous improvement and Board reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for Care Dorset.
• Promote transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making.

The commitment Term of office 3 years with the possibility to extend for a further 3 years followed by a final year (maximum of 7 years) Time commitment Non-Executive Directors are asked to commit approximately 20 days per annum. This will include attendance at four board meetings per year, a learning day per year, and a strategic planning day. Additionally, the expectation is to visit services and other relevant meetings. Development and induction Training and an induction will be provided and any areas of development will be supported. The Chair undertakes a quarterly review as part of this process. Remuneration The role is remunerated at £8,000 per annum and reasonable expenses will be paid. Location Our meetings are generally held in person at one of our locations in Dorset, typically our bed-based intermediate care setting in Blandford, known as Castleman Plus. Microsoft Teams is sometimes used for extraordinary meetings or when external factors affect our ability to meet (such as weather). Learning and strategic planning days are typically held offsite but in Dorset.

Job responsibilities

We are looking for an individual who brings strong commercial and strategic expertise, with the confidence to operate effectively at Board level. You will be able to provide constructive challenge while supporting high-quality decision-making and organisational performance. You will have a clear growth mindset, with experience identifying new opportunities, developing partnerships, and strengthening financial sustainability in complex environments. Alongside this, you will understand governance, risk, and performance oversight. Key attributes include: Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation. Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth. Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management. Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach. Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven organisation serving local communities

Key responsibilities include :

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to organisational strategy and priorities.
• Support and challenge Chief Officers on delivery.

Governance & Oversight

• Promote strong governance, ethical practice, financial control and risk management.
• Monitor performance against objectives and KPIs.

Independent Challenge

• Provide objective challenge to executive decisions and performance.
• Bring external insight and expertise to Board discussions.

Risk Management

• Review key risks and ensure effective controls.

Board Effectiveness

• Support a high-performing Board culture.
• Participate in Board and committee meetings.
• Support continuous improvement and Board reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for Care Dorset.
• Promote transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making.

The commitment Term of office 3 years with the possibility to extend for a further 3 years followed by a final year (maximum of 7 years) Time commitment Non-Executive Directors are asked to commit approximately 20 days per annum. This will include attendance at four board meetings per year, a learning day per year, and a strategic planning day. Additionally, the expectation is to visit services and other relevant meetings. Development and induction Training and an induction will be provided and any areas of development will be supported. The Chair undertakes a quarterly review as part of this process. Remuneration The role is remunerated at £8,000 per annum and reasonable expenses will be paid. Location Our meetings are generally held in person at one of our locations in Dorset, typically our bed-based intermediate care setting in Blandford, known as Castleman Plus. Microsoft Teams is sometimes used for extraordinary meetings or when external factors affect our ability to meet (such as weather). Learning and strategic planning days are typically held offsite but in Dorset.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Key attributes include:
• Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation.
• Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth.
• Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management.
• Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach.
• Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven
• organisation serving local communities.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Key attributes include:
• Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation.
• Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth.
• Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management.
• Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach.
• Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven
• organisation serving local communities.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Care Dorset

Address

Dorset Council

Colliton Park

Dorchester

Dorset

DT1 1XJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.caredorset.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Care Dorset

Address

Dorset Council

Colliton Park

Dorchester

Dorset

DT1 1XJ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.caredorset.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

We are looking for an individual who brings strong commercial and strategic expertise, with the confidence to operate effectively at Board level. You will be able to provide constructive challenge while supporting high-quality decision-making and organisational performance. You will have a clear growth mindset, with experience identifying new opportunities, developing partnerships, and strengthening financial sustainability in complex environments. Alongside this, you will understand governance, risk, and performance oversight. Key attributes include: Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation. Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth. Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management. Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach. Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven organisation serving local communities

Key responsibilities include :

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute to organisational strategy and priorities.
• Support and challenge Chief Officers on delivery.

Governance & Oversight

• Promote strong governance, ethical practice, financial control and risk management.
• Monitor performance against objectives and KPIs.

Independent Challenge

• Provide objective challenge to executive decisions and performance.
• Bring external insight and expertise to Board discussions.

Risk Management

• Review key risks and ensure effective controls.

Board Effectiveness

• Support a high-performing Board culture.
• Participate in Board and committee meetings.
• Support continuous improvement and Board reviews.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as an ambassador for Care Dorset.
• Promote transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making.

The commitment Term of office 3 years with the possibility to extend for a further 3 years followed by a final year (maximum of 7 years) Time commitment Non-Executive Directors are asked to commit approximately 20 days per annum. This will include attendance at four board meetings per year, a learning day per year, and a strategic planning day. Additionally, the expectation is to visit services and other relevant meetings. Development and induction Training and an induction will be provided and any areas of development will be supported. The Chair undertakes a quarterly review as part of this process. Remuneration The role is remunerated at £8,000 per annum and reasonable expenses will be paid. Location Our meetings are generally held in person at one of our locations in Dorset, typically our bed-based intermediate care setting in Blandford, known as Castleman Plus. Microsoft Teams is sometimes used for extraordinary meetings or when external factors affect our ability to meet (such as weather). Learning and strategic planning days are typically held offsite but in Dorset.

Qualifications

Essential

• Key attributes include:
• Board-level (or near) experience in a complex organisation.
• Strong background in commercial strategy, business development, or growth.
• Experience of financial oversight, investment decisions, and risk management.
• Ability to challenge and support executive teams constructively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and a collaborative approach.
• Above all, youll be motivated to use your skills to make a meaningful impact, contributing to a purpose-driven
• organisation serving local communities.