Chris Mellor – acting Chair of Monitor – the Independent Regulator of NHS Foundation Trusts – has today announced that Dr David Bennett has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive of Monitor.
Chris Mellor said “I am very pleased that David Bennett has agreed to become Monitor’s interim Chief Executive. David has extensive knowledge of the policy and strategic context of the health sector as well as practical knowledge of the FT sector.
He continued “David’s wide ranging experience means that he is well placed to provide Monitor with day-to-day leadership at this time of considerable change.”
David Bennett commented “As the NHS faces up to a highly challenging financial climate it is my priority to encourage Foundation Trusts to make use of their unique freedoms to develop and deliver high quality care for their local communities. At the same time it is ever more important that public and patients have the knowledge that Monitor is providing effective oversight of the performance of the autonomous foundation trust sector. This is a hugely exciting time for Monitor and I am delighted that I will be able to play my part in developing this first class organisation’s strategy and direction.”
David’s appointment will continue until a permanent Chief Executive is in post following the appointment by the Secretary of State of a non-executive Chairman.
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Notes:
- Biographical Information – David Bennett has until now been the Chairman of The 10 Partnership, a company that provides strategic and operational support to the public sector, particularly in health. In addition, he advises boards on critical strategic and organisational matters, including working with the Monitor Board over the last two years. Previously, David was the non-political Chief Policy Advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Head of the Policy Directorate and the Strategy Unit in 10 Downing Street. Before this role, David was a Director at McKinsey & Co. In his 18 years with McKinsey he served a wide range of companies in most industry sectors, but with a particular focus on regulated, technology-intensive industries.
- During the period of his appointment with Monitor David has resigned as an employee and taken a leave of absence as Chairman from his company and will carry out no other business in the healthcare sector, focusing solely on Monitor.
- Monitor authorises and regulates NHS foundation trusts, ensuring they are well-managed and financially viable in order to deliver high quality healthcare for patients.
- Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.
