Designate Chief Executive appointed to lead the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria

Following a robust national recruitment process, Kevin Lavery has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Designate of the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Kevin is an experienced CEO with public and private sector experience in the UK and overseas. Kevin, from Newcastle upon Tyne, has been a CEO for the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, Cornwall Council and the City of Wellington in New Zealand. In his local government roles, Kevin has extensive experience working with deprived communities and regeneration initiatives. He also has worked extensively with the health sector on child protection, adult social care, and public health. Kevin has been a consultant with Price Waterhouse, was CEO of technology firms Agilisys and Serco Solutions, and a director with BT. He was Managing Director for Enterprise PLC which was headquartered in Leyland. Kevin is currently a director of Tuhura and Partners in New Zealand.

The confirmation of Kevin in this role is a significant step in the development of integrated care in Lancashire and South Cumbria and the establishment of an NHS Integrated Care Board which, subject to legislation, will hold a substantial budget for commissioning high-quality patient care and have the authority to establish performance arrangements to ensure this is delivered.

David Flory, Independent Chair for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, said: “I am excited and pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Lavery as Chief Executive Designate of the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board. Kevin’s appointment is a significant and welcome step in the development of our integrated care system in Lancashire and South Cumbria and we look forward to his experience and leadership at this crucial and exciting time for the partnership which I feel will make a significant impact on improving care for the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria.”

“I would also like to thank Andrew Bennett who has acted as the interim Chief Officer for the Integrated Care System since August and will continue to do so until Kevin takes up his role.”