Stakeholder members sit on NHS Boards to provide insight and knowledge from specific organisations/disciplines. Each stakeholder member role will have specific aspects required to fulfil the role and these are agreed at Board level.
They are nominated to represent their organisation/discipline based on the role/position they hold. They are nominated by the organisation or discipline who then advise the Board, outlining the nomination process and background information on the nominee. Prospective members are agreed locally then follow standard check processes for non-executive roles before they are appointed to the Board. Since April 2025 all Board Members of NHS Health Boards must undertake a PVG Check before being appointed. This information and assurance of checks is then provided to the Scottish Government where approval is sought from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care.
Further information on regulations supporting Health Boards available at The Health Boards (Membership and Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2001
Area Clinical Forum Chair
An Area Clinical Forum (ACF) Chair is required to sit on NHS Territorial Board. The (ACF) is a group of senior healthcare professionals from different medical fields who come together in each NHS Board area. The main role of an Area Clinical Forum is to ensure health professions work collaboratively and advise on plans to improve local health services, share ideas/best practice. The role of the ACF Chair is to sit on the Board to bring in this knowledge and assurance from the forum so that the NHS Board makes sound decisions based on clinical assessment, and allows for clinical input on national health policies and how these may affect local services.
Area Clinical Forums have their own Terms of Reference in each local system and the ACF Chairs have a national forum to discuss key issues across Scotland.
Further information on ACF available in CEL 16 (2010) – Area Clinical Forums
Employee Directors
The Employee Director is a Non-Executive member of the Health Board who represents staff interests and promotes partnership working. They chair or participate in the Staff Governance Committee, influence Board policies, and act as a communication link between staff and the Board. The role involves contributing to HR policy development, ensuring compliance with employment law, and supporting staff-side representatives. This is typically a full-time position requiring protected time and support.
Further information available in CEL 18 (2013) – Employee Directors
Councillor Members
Councillors are chosen by their local council and officially appointed by Scottish Ministers to sit on NHS Boards as non-executive members. The process follows strict public appointment rules to make sure it’s fair and transparent. They usually serve for about four years and can be reappointed. Their main job is to bring a local viewpoint, help oversee decisions, and make sure health services work well with community needs.
University Members
University members on NHS Boards in Scotland provide academic expertise to support healthcare planning and delivery. They represent universities with medical or dental schools and help ensure strong links between education, research, and clinical practice. Their role includes advising on workforce training, promoting innovation, and aligning NHS services with academic developments to improve patient care and professional development.
