Create training and support for clinicians seeking executive director roles

The Index has not yet recorded a verbatim government response to this recommendation.

The Thirlwall Inquiry has noted action taken in response to this recommendation.

The NHS Leadership Academy was established in 2013 although now no longer exists and instead now forms part of NHS England.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan (2023) sets out a series of interventions to train, retain and reform the workforce, and put the NHS on a sustainable footing into the future. NHS England has committed to review the plan at least every two years. A range of leadership development opportunities and programmes exist, including through the NHS Leadership Academy. These include:

• Eight national development programmes exist for entry level to mid-level managers, which train around 20,000 participants per annum.

• A directory of support offers for existing executive and non-executive Board members (2023).

National development programmes are now in place for Aspiring CEOs, Chairs and Executives. Going forward, staff taking on these roles will receive greater support to stay and thrive in post, leading to less 'revolving door' appointments, interims and protracted periods of instability. Incentives will be further explored, looking at other sectors/industries for best practice.

The NHS Leadership Competency Framework for board members (2024) sets out six competency domains to support board members to perform at their best. These align to the NHS Values as set throughout in the NHS Constitution, as well as our NHS People Promise, Our Leadership way, and the Seven Principles of Public Life.

The Government agreed with this recommendation.

In its January 2002 response, the Department of Health said an executive director development programme was commencing in January 2002.