We are delighted to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director of People and Culture. Simon Hart will join the Trust in December 2020. Simon was appointed following an in depth recruitment process that included a panel and two stakeholder groups. Colleagues from a range of roles and backgrounds across the Trust, as well as external partners, all formed part of the process.

He joins us from his previous role as Director of Workforce at Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Prior to this, he spent eleven years as Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development for Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He also spent seven years in various Human Resources roles at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Oliver Shanley, Chief Executive, said “In keeping with NELFT values we felt this was important to ensure our process was as diverse as possible. As the Executive Director of People and Culture will be focused on the delivery of the NHS People Plan and the development of our workforce I am pleased we were able to appoint Simon through such an inclusive process. Simon brings a wealth of experience, as well as new ideas, to this role and will be an integral member of our Executive Management Team and Trust Board.”

Joe Fielder, Trust Chair, said “Simon joins us at a critical time for both NELFT and the wider NHS. It has never been more important for us to ensure our workforce is engaged, supported and prioritised to support us to deliver the best care by the best people. I am looking forward to the positive impact Simon will make in the role of Executive Director of People and Culture. He will also play an important in our new Academy, ensuring we increasingly grow our own workforce for the future by providing more opportunities from within our own communities.”

Simon Hart, said “I am delighted to be joining NELFT and look forward to working with colleagues across the organisation to take forward the development of our Best People strategy and the implementation of the NHS People Plan.”