Sir Simon Stevens has formally notified the NHS England Board of his decision to stand down as planned at the end of July 2021, after more than seven years as NHS Chief Executive.
Sir Simon took up post in April 2014, having first joined the NHS in 1988 through its graduate management programme. In a varied career before his Chief Executive role, he worked in frontline NHS services and in international health care, in both the public and private sectors, and at 10 Downing Street and the Department of Health.
Having confidentially notified the NHS England Board last year of his intended departure this summer, they will now – as set out in legislation – lead the open competitive recruitment process for Sir Simon’s successor, and the post will be advertised shortly. The appointment of the Board’s chosen candidate is then subject to ratification by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
The aim is to have a successor appointed before Sir Simon steps down on 31 July, during which time he will continue to lead the NHS and oversee successful completion of NHS England’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout to all adults.
High level tributes flooded in yesterday for Sir Simon from across the nation.
Dame Claire Gerada, GP and co-chair of the NHS Assembly, said: “The NHS has been through great turmoil, not just during the pandemic but in the lean years before. It is down to Simon’s brave and independent-minded leadership that we have got through these difficult times and that the NHS is in good shape.”
Prof Andrew Goddard, Royal College of Physicians President, said: “Sir Simon has been an amazing asset to the NHS and the UK in his role as CEO. His leadership, in particular during the pandemic, has modernised the NHS, brought much needed investment and undoubtedly saved many lives.”
