Dr Navina Evans has detailed her ambitions to transform Health Education England (HEE) and embed a culture of transparency, diversity and inclusivity as she steps into her new role as Chief Executive.
Dr Evans has joined the organisation from East London Foundation NHS Trust, replacing Professor Wendy Reid who has held the role on an interim basis since March.
Joining with over twenty years of clinical experience in psychiatry, medicine and paediatrics, Dr Evans will now look to build on her passion for staff wellbeing and co-production with patients and learners. As part of this, she will continue to advocate that the best possible care for patients is delivered by staff who are part of an engaged team with a culture that promotes inclusion, flexibility and accountability.
Her appointment comes as HEE continues to deliver an extensive education reform programme, support the government ambition to recruit 50,000 nurses, increase the primary care workforce and enhance the role that digital technology will play in the delivery of health and care in the future and the knowledge and skills that the NHS workforce will need to work differently moving forward.
Speaking about her appointment, Dr Evans said: “I am very proud to be leading HEE and I see a great future for the organisation, we are fundamental to the future of the NHS as we look to increase the numbers, skills and capacity of the workforce.
“We have continued to deliver during the current pandemic and I join at a crucial time as we think about how we work in the future. I can’t wait to get started and am really looking forward to working with my new colleagues to help make HEE the best place to work, making it inclusive and helping the NHS to deliver the workforce of the future.”
Sir David Behan, Chair of Health Education England, added: “I am delighted to welcome Navina to HEE. She is a hugely successful and experienced clinical leader with a great track record of delivery in the NHS and brings demonstrable passion to this role.
“She joins at an exciting time as we support the delivery of the People Plan for 2020/21 and support transformation across the whole NHS with a focus on workforce growth and changing the culture of the NHS and support the government commitment to expand our primary care workforce, including GPs and nurses. I am very much looking to working alongside her as we take his vital work forward.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to place on record my sincere thanks to Wendy Reid for her sterling work covering this role since March.”
