Advertised from 22 July 2026

Role

Lead the governance of one of Scotland's most respected nursing charities.

The Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) is an independent charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people, families and communities across Scotland. Through leadership, innovation and support for community nursing and midwifery, QNIS plays a significant role in shaping person-centred care and strengthening Scotland's health and social care system.

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Council, providing strategic leadership to our Board of Trustees and supporting the organisation through the next stage of its development.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Chair or senior Board member who is passionate about improving lives through effective governance, collaborative leadership and strategic influence.

The Role

As Chair of Council, you will lead the Board in ensuring the highest standards of governance while working in close partnership with the Chief Executive & Nurse Director. You will help shape organisational strategy, foster an inclusive and high-performing Board culture, and ensure QNIS continues to deliver against its charitable purpose.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Council of Trustees. 
• Chair Board meetings and oversee effective governance and decision-making. 
• Support, challenge and advise the Chief Executive & Nurse Director. 
• Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders. 
• Champion the values, vision and long-term sustainability of QNIS. 
• Ensure the Board has the appropriate skills, diversity and effectiveness to meet future opportunities and challenges.

About You

We are looking for an accomplished leader with significant Board-level experience and a strong understanding of good governance.

You will bring:

• Experience operating at Board or executive level within a complex organisation. 
• Outstanding strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture. 
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills. 
• The ability to provide constructive support and appropriate challenge. 
• Sound judgement, integrity and emotional intelligence. 
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and collaborative leadership. 
• An understanding of the health and social care landscape in Scotland.

Previous experience chairing a Board or committee would be advantageous, as would knowledge of community nursing, midwifery or the wider charitable sector, although these are not essential.

Why Join QNIS?

This is an opportunity to lead the governance of an organisation with a proud history and an ambitious future. QNIS is recognised for championing innovation in community nursing and supporting practitioners who make a real difference across Scotland every day.

As Chair, you will help guide the organisation through its next chapter, ensuring it remains influential, impactful and true to its mission.

Further Information

The appointment is for an initial four-year term, with the possibility of a second four-year term by mutual agreement.

The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. Board meetings are held on a hybrid basis, with meetings primarily taking place in Edinburgh.

Application notes

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Closing Date: Monday 17th August