The NHS Confederation has announced that Matthew Taylor, its Chief Executive since June 2021, will step down from the role in April 2026.
Taylor has been a prominent advocate for the health and care system across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, steering the organisation through a period of significant challenge and transformation.
His leadership spanned the COVID-19 recovery, industrial action, and the lead-up to the General Election, during which he played a key role in shaping national health policy and strengthening the Confederation’s influence.
During his tenure, Taylor championed the legal establishment of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), contributed to the Ten-Year Health Plan, and engaged with the Comprehensive Spending Review. Under his leadership, the NHS Confederation expanded its membership and deepened its engagement across primary care, mental health, acute care, and integrated care systems.
Taylor also pushed for greater capital investment, decentralisation, and collaboration between health and social care, supporting the development of place-based partnerships and neighbourhood health teams. His distinguished career includes serving as Chief Adviser on Political Strategy to Prime Minister Tony Blair, leading the Institute for Public Policy Research, and conducting the Taylor Review of Modern Employment Practices commissioned by the Conservative Government in 2016.
Commenting on his decision, Taylor said:
"By the time I step down, I will have had five fantastic years at the NHS Confederation. During this time, we have reasserted the role of the NHS Confederation as a constructive and influential voice in shaping health policy and practice on behalf of our members, while also empowering local health and care organisations to innovate and collaborate for the benefit of their local communities.
"I am proud of what we have achieved together and honoured to have served the organisation and its members during this period.”
The NHS Confederation’s Board of Trustees will meet in October 2025 to begin succession planning. Updates will be shared with members, partners and staff in due course.
Lord Victor Adebowale, NHS Confederation Chair, also commented:
“I was pleased to appoint Matthew as chief executive nearly five years ago when in the wake of the pandemic, the NHS needed a powerful voice to enact change. Matthew has been an outstanding leader in that time and an unparalleled advocate for our members, steering them through numerous challenges while presenting a hopeful and insightful vision for the future.
"The organisation that Matthew will leave is vastly different to the one he joined and on behalf of my Board of Trustees, I would like to thank and commend Matthew for his vital contribution.”
Taylor leaves behind a strengthened organisation with a clear voice in national policy and a growing portfolio of leadership and improvement programmes.
Image credit: iStock
