NHSE deputy to join ICB

One of NHS England’s national finance team is leaving to join an integrated care board.

Ed Waller, who has been deputy chief financial officer since early 2022, is to become chief strategy and partnerships officer at Kent and Medway ICB, where he will lead on “strategic transformational change programmes”.

At NHSE, Mr Waller led on strategic finance and planning, which involves a major role in negotiations over funding and objectives with government. Previously, he worked as a primary care director at NHSE and on the covid vaccination programme.

At the start of this year, Peter Ridley, NHSE’s second deputy chief financial officer who covered operational finance, moved to a trust role. Regional finance boss Nik Khashu was seconded to the national team to cover the role, but a permanent replacement is yet to be formally announced.

In a message to staff earlier, seen by HSJ, chief finance officer Julian Kelly thanked Mr Waller for his “significant contribution”.

Mr Kelly said: “He has been a huge support to me personally and has been a great leader of his team.

“The last few years have not been the easiest for the NHS financially, as we came out of covid and faced industrial action, inflation, and other challenges.

“I know that many of you have valued the way in which Ed has worked across the organisation to take some difficult decisions and to support you in delivering your objectives, while always being a strong and vocal champion of the needs of our staff during what has been a period of immense change for this organisation.”

Before joining NHSE, Mr Waller was a deputy director at the local government department. 

Kent and Medway ICB said Mr Waller’s role would include “executive oversight of strategic transformational change programmes and strategic transformation” across local services.

Mr Waller said: “I am thrilled to join NHS Kent and Medway and determined to do the best possible job to improve the lives of its residents working with all the partners who serve and support them.”

The ICB’s chief executive, Paul Bentley, said: “I am really delighted that Ed is joining us to help us continue to develop as an ICB, working closely with our partners across Kent and Medway’s ICS.

“His excellent experience, knowledge, and understanding of what is needed will stand him in good stead when he begins his role.’’