The network is available to all NHS Chairs in the North-West of England, for now at no cost. The network meets on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis.

In particular, the network has the following aims:

• To foster inter-organisational learning, initially in the North West of England, with a focus on good governance practice

• To establish a programme of research activities linked to specific governance needs

• To share emerging thinking and best practice in the field of corporate governance with the goal of improving the effectiveness of governance within NHS organisations

The main focus areas of the network include:

• Strategy development in the NHS in the North-West of England

• Partnership working (within and outside of the NHS) in the North-West of England

• The governance needed to respond to innovative practice and the ‘new normal’.

The network will be independently Chaired, with GGI and the University of Chester providing advisory and back office support.

Opportunities for additional engagement, such as through a regular bulletin or focused research activities, will be explored and agreed in the initial meeting of the network.