NHS England has today announced significant changes to its leadership team, with three prominent board members set to step down at the end of March.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the organisation.
Chief Financial Officer Julian Kelly, NHS Chief Operating Officer Emily Lawson, and Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccination and Screening Steve Russell have informed colleagues of their decision to leave their roles in the coming weeks. This announcement was made by NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard, who highlighted the upcoming changes to the size and function of the centre as a key factor in their decision.
Julian Kelly joined NHS England in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in driving productivity improvements post-pandemic. Under his leadership, acute productivity has increased by 2.4% year on year, and the NHS is on track to surpass the £7 billion savings achieved last year. Kelly's previous roles include Director General of Public Spending and Finance at the Treasury and Director General Nuclear at the Ministry of Defence.
Julian commented on his stepping down, saying:
“It has been an enormous privilege to be part of the senior leadership of the NHS through the last six years as we have navigated Covid and the path to recovery. I am incredibly proud to have worked with teams at NHS England as well as with leaders and finance teams across the NHS.
“The joy has been to see the work of frontline staff, often in challenging circumstances and to know what staff behind the scenes are doing to support those providing frontline care.
“Although many things are not yet as we would want, I believe we have sown the seeds of recovery and are seeing the first fruits emerge – including in recovering productivity.
“I wish Jim and his team great success as they lead the next stage.”
Emily Lawson, who joined NHS England in 2017, led the highly successful NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, protecting millions and saving thousands of lives. After a secondment to Number 10’s Delivery Unit, she returned in October 2021 to oversee the booster vaccine rollout and later became NHS Chief Operating Officer. Lawson has worked closely with regional and frontline teams to manage pressures effectively.
Emily added:
“From leading the covid vaccination rollout to supporting the recovery of improved NHS performance post-covid I have been privileged to work at NHS England. Working with such a committed group of people who are making a difference for patients every day has been an honour.
“The opportunity to lead the NHS covid vaccination programme – the biggest, most accurate, and most successful in our history – protecting the nation at speed and getting the country back on its feet, working with tens of thousands of NHS staff, community leaders, local and national government teams, and volunteers, was the best thing I have done in my career.
“The vaccination programme wasn’t just a one off. The lessons we learned from it – and from other parts of the covid response – provide a blueprint for a sustainable model for the future of NHS as it delivers the three shifts needed as part of the 10 year health plan. I know that the talented teams I leave behind will do an incredible job of continuing to deliver on driving insight from data, on engagement with communities, and innovating in how we improve services for patients every day, so that the NHS is fit for future generations.”
Steve Russell has been instrumental in advancing vaccination programmes since he joined NHS England in 2022, including the rollout of the first-ever jab against RSV. He also led efforts to modernise screening programmes and recover uptake. Russell's leadership in merging NHS Digital and Health Education England has reduced headcount by a third, saving £500 million to reinvest in patient care.
Steve also commented:
“I have worked in the NHS for over 27 years and while the last few of those have been some of the toughest I am very proud of everything that my incredible teams have achieved.
“It has been a privilege to lead work that has such a significant impact on patients and the public including some of our most deprived communities through successful vaccination campaigns to rolling out the first ever RSV and Mpox vaccination programmes as well as recovering and modernising screening services. I’m proud of the work we have done with teams in parts of the organisation that are less seen, whether our corporate services or our work on ADHD and sexual safety.
“Working in the NHS is an honour and I leave behind a brilliant, dedicated group of colleagues, who I will miss. I hope to continue to serve patients and the public in future roles.”
As part of the initiative to optimise taxpayer money for frontline services, NHS England will undergo a radical reduction in size, potentially decreasing the centre by around half. Sir James Mackey will take on a new role starting in April, setting up a transition team within NHS England to lead this significant reshaping in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Amanda Pritchard expressed her gratitude for the departing leaders, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the NHS and the country. She emphasised the importance of their experience, skill, and dedication in navigating the challenges of recent years.
Image credit: iStock
