8.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4) and regulation 7(2), an executive director of an NHS trust shall hold office–
(a)if he is not the chief officer or the chief finance officer, for as long as he holds a post in the trust;
(b)if he is the chief officer or the chief finance officer, for as long as he holds that post in the trust.
(2) If the appointing authority is of the opinion that it is not in the interests of the NHS trust that an executive director of an NHS trust other than the chief officer or chief finance officer should continue to hold office as director the appointing authority shall forthwith terminate his tenure of office.
(3) If an executive director of an NHS trust is suspended from his post in the trust he shall be suspended from performing his functions as director for the period of his suspension.
(4) An executive director other than the chief officer or chief finance officer of an NHS trust may resign his office at any time during the period for which he was appointed by giving notice in writing to the relevant committee.