National body appoints five new directors

A safety watchdog has appointed five new non-executive directors ahead of it becoming an independent body later this year.

Marc Esmiley and Michael Durkin have been appointed as NEDs at the new Health Services Safety Investigations Body for two years. Mary Cunneen and Mary Logan-Ward have joined on three-year terms. All four of them will start their posts in September this year.

Additionally, Peter Schild will join HSSIB as a NED and chair of its audit and risk assurance committee for three years from October.

A government announcement confirmed all appointees will begin their new roles in a “designate capacity” until the new organisation is formally established this autumn.

Each NED will work two to three days per month and be paid £7,883 per year. Mr Schild will receive £13,137 each year given his additional role as audit and risk committee chair.

The appointments come ahead of the existing Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch transitioning to HSSIB from October and becoming an independent agency. Currently, HSIB is hosted by NHS England and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Maternity investigations previously undertaken by HSIB will move to the Care Quality Commission, as part of the changes.

Ted Baker, who retired as the CQC’s chief inspector of hospitals last year, has been appointed as the body’s chair.