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NHS Property Services appoints new acting Chief Executive Officer

The NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has announced the appointment of Martin Steele as the new acting Chief Executive Officer for the organisation, with the decision taking effect immediately from April 1, 2020.

Since 2017, Mr Steele has worked as the Chief Operating Officer at NHSPS and he has been leading the organisation’s strategic and operation response to the current coronavirus outbreak since January.

In his previous role as Chief Operating Officer, he was responsible for the organisation’s 5,000 strong front line workforce, including staff involved in a range of key support roles such as Cleaning, Planned and Reactive Maintenance, Catering, Security, Reception, Portering, Waste Management and Laundry services.

That collective team of staff is responsible for maintaining 3,500 NHS properties to the highest standard, ensuring clinical staff have the very best environment to work effectively and safely through these difficult circumstances.

Mr Steele has successfully overseen a transformation within NHSPS’ operational arm since his arrival as Chief Operating Officer and helped deliver cost-effective services to NHS customers.

Under his stewardship, NHSPS has implemented new soft and hard facilities management strategies, bringing a renewed focus on operational excellence in other parts of the operational portfolio, such as construction, health and safety, energy and environment among others.

In his new role as Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steele will be responsible for overseeing the management and operations of NHSPS’ significant portfolio, which comprises of over 3,500 properties with 7,000 customers across England, representing approximately 10% of the total NHS estate.

Mr Steele arrives in his new role with a wealth of experience, having prior to joining NHSPS developed significant operational and commercial management experience in senior roles at leading companies such as BT, Andersens, Northern Foods and Debenhams. Throughout all of his past roles and NHSPS, Mr Steele has shown a strong track record of delivering complex client services.

Martin Steele, new Chief Executive Officer at NHS Property Services (NHSPS)

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “During such an intense time for the NHS as a whole, it has never been more important that we all unite together to support the NHS and our frontline healthcare workers.

"I am immensely proud of our own crucial 5,000 strong frontline key workers and those that support them. They are working every day to ensure our healthcare facilities remain fully operational in order that our NHS colleagues can continue to provide the excellent patient care so urgently needed.

"For me NHS Property Services is all about enabling excellent patient care. That is what must drive us as an organisation. Whether it’s through our frontline facilities staff or our expertise in asset management, that purpose is a golden thread that runs through our organisation. At this time in particular we will be doing all we can to ensure all our customers are supported as they go above and beyond to care for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

"I look forward to the challenges this role brings, but most importantly the opportunities we have in the coming months to make a tangible difference to the NHS."

Ian Ellis, Chair of NHS Property Services, added: “I am delighted that Martin has agreed to take on the role of acting CEO. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills since his arrival as COO and he has provided exemplary leadership for our organisation since the outbreak of coronavirus.

"I look forward to seeing how our organisation develops under his stewardship as we continue in our efforts to be the best possible facilities and asset management provider to the NHS.

"I have every confidence that Martin will continue to uphold our values and drive our efforts to help the NHS transform as part of the wider NHS Long Term Plan, while also responding to the immediate needs of our customers during the coronavirus pandemic."