Ministers demand ‘open book approach’ from new NHSE chair

An advert for the job was published on Monday. Candidates must apply by Friday 19 December.

The advert states the chair must: “Maintain effective working relations with ministers and senior government officials, ensuring reporting requirements are met and that there is an open book approach to sharing information that enables ministers to fulfil their statutory duties to Parliament and the public.”

The requirement was not included in previous NHS England chair adverts.

Both government officials, ministers and their advisers have previously complained about NHSE not sharing information with them; while senior figures at NHSE have privately argued they are wary about it being misused or misunderstood.

The new job advert says the chair must also “lead and champion the ‘one team’ approach between NHS England and the department”, a shift announced by Wes Streeting shortly after he became health and social care secretary in July.

The Department of Health and Social Care is increasingly setting policy and strategy for the NHS, including leading on the 10-year health plan. NHSE is expected to be asked to focus on delivery. 

The DHSC is also getting closer to operational issues, sources say. For example, Alan Milburn — previously an informal adviser to Mr Streeting and now his department’s lead non-executive director — has been asking NHSE leaders questions about delivery.

Another new requirement in the job advert is for the chair to have ”deep experience of leadership in the NHS or the wider health and care system and an understanding of the challenges faced”. Mr Streeting has previously said he wants someone with NHS experience.

Government is also seeking a chair with “an understanding of the contribution local authorities make to delivering positive health outcomes”.

The current chair, the banker Richard Meddings, was appointed in March 2022. He announced in October he would step down early after discussions with Mr Streeting. 

A replacement chair is expected to be in place by March. Interviews are scheduled for January, with an advisory panel including DHSC director general Matt Style; former Royal College of Physicians president Dame Jane Dacre; and Healthwatch England CEO Louise Ansari.

The new recruit will also be quizzed in a public session by the Commons health and social care committee before their appointment is confirmed.