03.03.17
Smith to step down from NHSI as search for new CEO and chair begins
Ed Smith will step down as chair of Monitor and the NHS Trust Development Authority at NHS Improvement (NHSI) this summer after over a year in the role.
The decision was taken to allow a new chair to be appointed in time to lead the search for a new CEO for the regulator later this year.
Mackey, who was appointed by Smith as CEO in November 2015, is currently on a two-year secondment to NHS Improvement.
Smith was appointed in July 2015 to oversee the creation of NHSI which was eventually launched in April 2016, and then led the growth of the organisation. His term was due to expire on 31 July 2018.
Before taking up the chairmanship, he had spent four years on the board of NHS England where he helped unite a split NHS national leadership.
Further information about the process for filling Smith’s vacant position will be announced in due course by the DH.
Commenting on relinquishing the role, Smith said: “I am proud that, together with an outstanding chief executive, we have been able to get NHSI up and running and delivering real positive change for the patients who rely on the NHS.
“Following Jim as chief executive will be no easy task, so I am clear that it is right for a new chair who will lead the organisation into the future to make that appointment.”
Minister of state at the DH, Philip Dunne, also described his gratitude for Smith’s work: “I am extremely grateful for Ed’s hard work, dedication and commitment to improving the NHS and patients outcomes.
“As chair Ed Smith has overseen the establishment of NHSI which has already driven countless improvements in care for patients across the NHS.”
Mackey added that Smith has been a fantastic first chair of NHSI and, in quite a short space of time, has “established himself as a huge presence in the NHS – trusted and valued across the sector”.
“His strong values drive everything he does and that is apparent in this decision,” he said. “He has been a huge support to me personally and I know from his incredible schedule that he provides a similar support to many, many others.
“We will miss him greatly when he goes, but I am sure we will all continue to feel his presence. We all wish Ed all the best in his next endeavour.”
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an NHE columnist? If so, click here.