New Chairman appointed

Posted on 8th April, 2009

Devon Partnership NHS Trust has announced the appointment of Mark Taylor as its new Chairman. Commenting on the appointment, Chief Executive Iain Tulley said: “Mark joins us at a very important time in the organisation’s development. We have made sustained progress over recent years in improving services for people in Devon with mental health needs and it is vital that we continue to drive ahead with this work. “Mark’s arrival is particularly timely as we continue our journey towards becoming an NHS Foundation Trust. He brings with him a wealth of international experience in the healthcare and commercial arenas and he has a proven track record in leadership and management. I have no doubt that these attributes will both strengthen and refresh our bid for NHS Foundation Trust status and reinforce our overall ambition to deliver the best possible services.” Mr Taylor has extensive past experience in management consultancy. Chief Executive of Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust until 2003, he has led hospitals in Canada and Kenya and, until 2009, was Vice-Chairman of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and an Associate of the Healthcare Commission (now the Care Quality Commission). He is also a governor of the University of Plymouth. Mr Taylor took up the post on 2 April 2009 for a period four years and his appointment follows the departure of former Chairman Keith Portlock, who served with the Trust for eight years from its formation in 2001. He commented: “I look forward to joining an excellent team which is committed to further strengthening services for the people of Devon . I know the Trust has made substantial progress in the last few years and I look forward to helping carry that forward.” Mr Taylor was appointed by the Appointments Commission on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice. He will receive £20,587 per annum. Mr Taylor’s appointment follows the recent appointment of two new non-executive directors at the Trust, Ray O’Connell and Richard Smith. All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public.