Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria were used in the job descriptions for the appointment of (a) National Clinical Director and (b) National Specialty Advisor.

The core criteria for the National Clinical Director and the National Specialty Advisor include but are not limited to:

- knowledge and experience of working in or with the Department, arm’s length bodies and other health organisations

- knowledge of evidence-based policy making and corporate and NHS governance; significant experience of working at a national or sub-national level as a clinical leader

- holds or is willing to work towards Fellowship or Associate Fellowship of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management

- able to navigate and negotiate the NHS and the wider health, social care and political landscape

- excellent leadership skills and the ability to build and motivate high performing teams

- educated to degree level in the relevant discipline

- will consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and has the ability to take actions which support and promote this agenda

- values diversity and difference operates with integrity and openness

- self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers with cultural sensitivity and awareness.

Each role will include criteria specific to the individual area of expertise and programme of work the role will support.