Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) Cluster Executive Appointments

Following NHS England approval for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to form a clustering arrangement earlier this year, a comprehensive consultation and recruitment process has been undertaken to appoint a single Executive Team.

All applicants participated in a rigorous process, and, after careful consideration, we can confirm the following Executive appointments:

• Chief Finance Officer - Claire Skidmore
• Chief Officer: Strategy & Improving Outcomes - Dr Lorna Clarson
• Chief Officer: System Development & Integration - Phil Smith

Recruitment for the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Medical Officer roles will go to full advert early in 2026. In the interim:

• Dr Rachel Gallyot will cover the role of Interim Chief Medical Officer
• Vanessa Whatley and Heather Johnstone will jointly cover the role of Interim Chief Nursing Officer

In addition, the ICBs can confirm the appointment of Mish Irvine as Chief of Staff.

Simon Whitehouse, Chief Executive Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This is a significant step forward in our response to the Government’s NHS reset programme and the development of a shared executive team that will lead the evolution of our strategic commissioning approach for the population served by both ICBs.

“The arrangement will enable closer working and the sharing of functions, and reduce duplication, while developing the capabilities to commission improved outcomes for patients and communities as set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan.

“It continues to be a challenging period for colleagues in ICBs, particularly for those directly involved in this stage of the process. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all colleagues for the professionalism, resilience, and understanding that has been demonstrated throughout.”