13.—(1) For the purpose of enabling the proceedings of the trust to be conducted in the absence of the chairman, the directors of an NHS trust may appoint a non-executive director from amongst them to be vice-chairman for such a period, not exceeding the remainder of his term as non-executive director of the trust, as they may specify on appointing him.
(2) Any non-executive director so elected may at any time resign from the office of vice-chairman by giving notice in writing to the chairman and the directors of the trust may thereupon appoint another non-executive director as vice-chairman in accordance with paragraph (1).