NHS Supply Chain has officially announced the appointment of Joe Harrison CBE as the new Chair of the NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply, effective immediately.
This strategic leadership change comes as Sir James Mackey steps into his new role as Chief Executive Officer of NHS England.
The NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply, often referred to as the National Advisory Board, plays a pivotal role in shaping the national procurement strategy. It brings together senior stakeholders from acute, mental health, and community trusts to address the evolving challenges faced by the NHS. The Board’s mission is to foster collaborative working and collective accountability to drive system-wide improvements in procurement and supply chain management.
Harrison brings a wealth of experience to the role. Since 2013, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where he has led significant improvements in performance and spearheaded digital transformation initiatives. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning the Trust as a model for innovation and patient-centred care.
Commenting on his new role, Harrison said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed to chair the National Advisory Board for NHS Supply Chain. It is a critical time for our NHS to ensure that we are delivering the best possible patient care in the most efficient and timely manner, and the work of the NHS Supply Chain has consistently demonstrated excellence in ensuring that our healthcare system is appropriately equipped to deliver this.”
In addition to his CEO role, Harrison is the NHS England National Director for Digital Channels, Chair of the NHS Confederation Employers Policy Board, and a Trustee of the NHS Confederation. His extensive experience across digital health, workforce policy, and strategic leadership makes him uniquely qualified to guide the Board through the next phase of transformation.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on digital innovation, value-based procurement, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure the NHS continues to meet the needs of patients and staff alike.
Image credit: iStock and NHS Supply Chain
