Matthew Taylor has been appointed as the new chief executive of the NHS Confederation, taking over from acting chief Danny Mortimer.
Mr Taylor will join the Confederation in the summer after 15 years leading the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).
Mr Taylor started his career as a health policy researcher in the West Midlands. Prior to joining the RSA, he worked as chief adviser on political strategy to former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and spent four years leading the Institute for Public Policy Research.
This summer will also see the organisation launch its new strategy, which it says will coincide with local NHS organisations’ move toward integrating care as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.
Mr Taylor said: ‘The NHS is the most revered institution this country has created and is admired around the world. It represents the best of us and will play a vital role as we start the recovery process from coronavirus. I am proud to be joining the NHS Confederation at this pivotal time, as we look to build on the innovation and new ways of working that have been a feature of the pandemic and lock them in to improve care for the public.
He added: ‘I started my career researching health policy and have worked with health and care leaders over the years. Some of the most impressive and talented people I have met work in the NHS. I look forward to supporting and working alongside our inspirational members.’
Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, said: ‘As the only membership body for the whole healthcare system, we bring together, support and speak for leaders and organisations across the sector.
‘Our new strategy supports greater integration across our membership, connecting different parts of the system to share learning and to respond to shared challenges. This is an exciting moment for the NHS and for the Confederation as we look to build on the service innovation and new ways of working that have been a feature of the pandemic and lock them in to improve care for the public.’
Danny Mortimer, who has acted as chief executive since September 2020, will return to his role as deputy chief executive of the Confederation and as chief executive of NHS Employers.
