Cobalt Health ("Cobalt") is an independent medical charity with a vision to pioneer innovation in medical imaging diagnosis. Cobalt invests in equipment, integrated research and education, to improve outcomes for patients now and in the future. Each year, it provides diagnostic imaging for over 130,000 patients at its imaging centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and a fleet of fourteen MRI, CT and PET/CT mobile scanners. The charity is the leading provider of ultra-low dose CT lung cancer screening services in the UK, working in partnership with the NHS.

Cobalt focuses on offering equipment and services not generally available within the NHS to support patients, using the latest technology to deliver superior image quality, improve patient comfort and enable shorter scanning times. The charity strongly believes that all patients should have access to the very best equipment, helping doctors to make a clear diagnosis and an appropriate personalised treatment plan.

Alongside its diagnostic services, Cobalt also funds and participates in research on a national and international basis. The charity is currently supporting many research projects and clinical trials with the aim of advancing the detection and treatment of cancer, dementia and other long-term conditions. It also provides training programmes for medical professionals, including GPs, consultants, physiotherapists and chiropractors, and supports undergraduate radiography students with clinical placements. As a medical charity, Cobalt aims to operate with a high degree of efficiency, including competing for and managing large competitive tenders with the NHS.

Cobalt has grown significantly in recent years, initially through acquiring additional mobile CT scanners to respond to support the NHS through the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity now provides mobile CT to support seven Lung Health Check, lung cancer screening community-based programmes across England. It also provides the NHS PET/CT service for Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, which is used to diagnose and stage cancer and support the diagnosis of early on-set dementia. Recent investments includes the replacement of Cobalt’s PET/CT scanner with a new digital scanner, the charity’s first mobile PET/CT service and a new mobile MRI scanner. The Trustees are supporting the process of reviewing management structures and systems to ensure that the charity is well placed to manage this growth and future opportunities.  

With the current Chair's tenure ending in November 2023, Cobalt is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead the Board in driving forward the charity's commitment to delivering high-quality medical services which improve outcomes for patients.

The Chair leads the Trustees and should ensure that the Board works constructively as a team and that all are encouraged to play their part. Cobalt's Board of Trustees ensure that assets and resources are only used for the strategic purposes of the charity and that it is run in accordance with its constitution, charity law and other applicable laws and regulations. Cobalt is fortunate to have a board with a broad range of skills, and is looking to add to the skillsets represented through this appointment.

Candidates will bring a senior leadership background; while previous non-executive or formal chairing experience would be welcome, Cobalt is open-minded and keen to hear from those who feel that they could effectively manage the Board and guide the charity. Commercial acumen and experience of operating at board level in a larger organisation than Cobalt (annual income c. £25m) is essential.

Given the charity's headquarters in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, local knowledge would be welcome as well as an affinity to the charitable sector. Above all, applicants will share Cobalt's commitment to delivering high-quality medical services which improve outcomes for patients now and in the future.

Neil Holbrook, Chair (due to retire November 2023)
Ruth Goddard
Claire Morris
Dr Susan Owen (due to retire November 2023)
Dr Janet Ropner
Pamela Sissons
Dr Valerie Udale

You can find out more about the Board here.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Board meetings take place five times per year, normally in Cheltenham; these generally take place from 10am until lunch, with one being a full strategy day, but there can be flexibility to accommodate other commitments. The new Chair will also join the Finance Committee. The meetings are a combination of in-person and virtual and take place 4 times per year, normally in the late afternoon or early evening. Beyond meetings, the Chair should expect the need to attend meetings with executive managers, professional advisors or staff from time to time. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.