The Appointments Commission has appointed Terry Price (54) a Non-Executive Director of Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust which serve a population of over 400,000 across six Boroughs – Elmbridge, Hounslow, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, and Woking.  

Welcoming Mr Price’s appointment Aileen McLeish, Board Chairman designate at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals said: “Terry brings wide ranging experience in corporate finance and management to the Board and has substantial experience in the voluntary sector. His skills and experience will be important for Ashford and St. Peter’s as we implement our vision for the hospitals and our move towards Foundation Trust status gathers momentum.”

Mr Price has wide ranging experience in both the public and voluntary sectors.  He relinquished full time employment in early 2006 and now holds a number of non executive roles with the Children’s Commissioner for England, the Criminal Cases Review Commission, the National Fire Service College, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education Ltd, and Community Building Services Ltd (a subsidiary of Affinity Sutton Housing).   Until 2006 he was Director of Strategic Finance for the Metropolitan Police and from 1998 until 2003 was Director of Corporate Services for Sport England.   Prior to this, Mr Price held various posts in local authority finance in the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow.

In the voluntary sector Terry is Chair of the Board of Governors at Esher Sixth Form College and Chair of the Governing Body at St. Lawrence C of E (Aided) Junior School in East Molesey.   He is also Vice Chair of the Board at St. Mungo’s Housing Association and Treasurer of East Holmes Housing Association.

Mr Price is a fully qualified CIPFA accountant who lives in East Molesey.   He is married with two sons (aged 10 and 13) and enjoys football and rugby, scouts and boating with his family. His other interests include gardening and theatre-when time constraints allow!

Speaking about his appointment Mr Price said: I am really looking forward to being involved with such an important local organisation, and utilising my experience to help make a difference, and address the challenges ahead in improving our healthcare services, managing our finances, improving our performance and achieving Foundation Trust status.

Terry’s appointment runs from 14th September 2008 to 13th September 2012 and was made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA) Code of Practice.    All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.   However in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations there is a requirement for appointees political activity (if any declared) and any other Ministerial appointments to be made public.   Non-Executive Directors receive remuneration of £6,005 per annum.  Mr Price does not have any political affiliations and other than the work for the Fire Service College and the Criminal Cases Review Commission holds no other Ministerial Appointments. 

Mr Price takes over as Non-Executive Director from Jenny Murray who at the request of the Board will be providing support and advice to the Trust’s three new Non-Executive Directors – Professor Philip Beesley, Mr Peter Taylor and Mr Price.   Chairman Clive Thompson CBE is standing down from his position on 30th September and it was recently announced that Aileen McLeish will take over as Chairman from 1st October 2008.   

The responsibilities of an NHS non-executive are to:

·          help the board work in the public interest and keep its patients and the public properly informed;

·          help to plan for the future to improve healthcare services;

·          make sure that the management team meets its performance targets;

·          make sure that the finances of the organisation are managed properly, with accurate information.

The time commitment required is usually around two and a half days a month for non-executives.   The NHS looks for people who can contribute to the improvement of their health services.  Successful candidates can come from a variety of backgrounds and any walk of life but will usually have senior experience which could be gained in the private, public or voluntary sector.  Non-Executive Directors need to demonstrate a range of competencies required to contribute effectively at board level including strategic thinking, team working and excellent communication skills.