Former NHSE director to chair three trusts

The chair of an integrated care board in the south west is set to step down and take on a similar role at two trusts in a neighbouring system.

Jenni Douglas-Todd will leave her role as chair of Dorset ICB in March to take over as chair of Portsmouth Hospitals University Foundation Trust and Isle of Wight Trust.

In addition to chairing Dorset ICB, Ms Douglas-Todd is chair of University Hospital Southampton FT, meaning she will now chair three of the four acute trusts in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System.

All providers within the system are in the national recovery support programme due to financial struggles.

IWT and PHU moved to a joint leadership model and formed an NHS group in June 2023, with Penny Emerit appointed to lead both trusts as chief executive.

Incumbent chair Melloney Poole will step down at the conclusion of her term in March, having been chair of IWT since 2020 and PHU since 2017.

Ms Douglas-Todd, who was previously director of equality and inclusion at NHS England, will continue her role as UHS chair independent of her new roles, according to the trusts.

She said: “I’m delighted and excited to be joining the trusts to build on all the great work taking place for our local communities. This is an important time for both organisations as we look to continue the improvement of local services and strengthen our acute partnership on both sides of the Solent.”

Dorset ICB has begun its search for a new chair ahead of Ms Douglas-Todd’s departure in March.

Patricia Miller, chief executive of Dorset ICB, said: “I would like to thank Jenni for her dedication to the NHS and her commitment to improving the lives of people and communities in Dorset.

“Jenni is passionate about identifying and championing innovative solutions. I am grateful for the support she has given to me and our executive team as we have navigated some challenging times in the NHS.”