Replacing current chair Sir Ron Kerr, who is coming to the end of his second term in the role, Professor Sir Terence Stephenson has been appointed NHS Providers’ next chair for the new year.
Prof Stephenson is currently chair at the Health Research Authority – the organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the public in health and social care research.
Springing into action
Responding to the announcement, the incoming chair said: “With the 10-year health plan on the horizon, I look forward to having the opportunity to work with the fantastic team at NHS Providers to deliver this change.”
The 10-year plan is expected to launch in the spring, which will be just after Prof Stephenson joins in February.
The plan will be heavily informed by Lord Darzi’s landmark rapid review, which health secretary Wes Streeting commissioned just days after coming into office after the general election.
Just before the election, NHS Providers launched its ‘next generation NHS’ report – the delivery of which is something that Prof Stephenson has already earmarked as a priority.
More new beginnings
The appointment has been welcomed by current CEO Sir Julian Hartley, who is set to figurehead the much-needed reforms at the Care Quality Commission – the failings of which were revealed in another landmark report from Dr Penny Dash.
Despite not joining in an official capacity until next year, Prof Stephenson will help kickstart the recruitment process for Hartley’s successor over the next few weeks.
Both Hartley and deputy CEO Saffron Cordery have hailed the wealth of experience that Prof Stephenson is set to bring – especially invaluable given the critical juncture patients, NHS Providers’ membership and the wider healthcare sector find themselves at.
The pair also commended Kerr for his contributions over what has been an eventful last five years.
“Ron has helped navigate the organisation through momentous challenges and opportunities for the provider sector including the Covid-19 pandemic, widespread and sustained industrial action, and the development of system working,” they said in a joint statement.
Responding to the news himself, Kerr said: “I am hugely proud of NHS Providers and everything it has achieved since I became chair. NHS Providers is a successful and highly regarded membership organisation which will continue to go from strength to strength under Terence’s leadership.
“NHS Providers has represented its members with tireless tenacity and real impact during one of the most challenging periods in the NHS’ history and I have no doubt that this will continue in the future.”
Image credit: NHS Providers
