NHS Confederation appoints Niall Dickson as new Chief Executive

Niall Dickson has long been a senior figure in health and social care. He has just completed seven years as Chief Executive of the General Medical Council and before that was Chief Executive of The King’s Fund. He was for many years the BBC’s Social Affairs Editor.

He takes over as Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation on 1st February 2017.

NHS Confederation Chairman Stephen Dorrell, said:

"This appointment is a major coup for the NHS Confederation and will add enormous value to the myriad of skills and experience we already possess at this organisation.

"Niall will help ensure the NHS Confederation remains the first port-of-call when the health service needs a voice, binding in the highest levels of experience and influence across the full spectrum of health and care services.

"He brings with him a diverse range of skills and experience including superb leadership, a strong record of innovation and delivery, and a raft of invaluable contacts and carefully nurtured relationships in key areas.

"The NHS Confederation has made enormous progress under the interim stewardship of Stephen Dalton who has expertly navigated us through a period of change and uncertainty. Stephen Dalton is a massively respected and admired colleague who receives the best of wishes from everyone at the Confederation."

Niall Dickson said:

"The health and social care system is under massive strain facing unprecedented demand and severely constrained funding. It’s a great privilege to join the Confederation as it works with its members and partners to deliver better, safer care and the fundamental reforms that are needed to make the system sustainable. These are monumental challenges and there has never been a more important time for its various parts to come together locally and nationally."