Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust have announced the decision by their respective Councils of Governors to agree to the appointment of a joint chair for the two Trusts following the meetings last night.

This opportunity for a joint appointment follows the announcement that Robert Clarke, as current Liverpool Women’s Chair, will stand down from his role when his current term ends after eight years in February 2024.  

For Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, David Flory CBE was appointed to his role in February 2023 for a period of 12 months. 

What does this mean?

The practice of joint-chair appointments is increasingly common in the NHS. The two Trusts will remain separate and independent organisations, continuing with their own Board of Directors and Council of Governors, managed and operated as individual Trusts.

Next Steps

The recruitment process will begin in early November with interviews planned for December. The successful candidate is expected to start the new joint role from the end of February 2024. 

Karl Roberts, Lead Governor, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

Sheila Samuels, Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

Kate Hindle, Lead Governor, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Louise Kenny CBE, Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust