We’re delighted to announce that as of today, we have a new Chair, Michael Bell.Mike will chair both ourselves in North Central London, and the North West London Integrated Care Board, and will eventually become the Chair of the merged Integrated Care Board, which is set to take effect in April 2026.
He joins us from South West London Integrated Care System, where he was appointed Chair in 2023. He has more than 25 years’ experience in senior roles in the NHS, serving on the boards of strategic health authorities and as vice chair of NHS London, as well as chairing NHS trusts, including Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be taking up the Chair role and to be working with NCL and NWL to ensure the merger is a success. Both ICBs have a record of excellence that will stand us in good stead as we bring together the best of both organisations.
“I will work with the Executive teams to help make sure that we can fulfil our new role as strategic commissioners within the reduced financial envelope and ensure excellent health services for local residents, that meets their needs and delivers better health outcomes for them. I look forward to meeting staff and working closely with the joint Executive Team and partners.”
Frances O’Callaghan, Chief Executive Officer for North Central London ICB, said: “This is a great appointment and I’d like to congratulate and welcome Mike to his new role. I know he will find brilliant colleagues across NCL and NWL delivering important and impactive work to improve the health of our communities.
“He will find two organisations who despite the challenges are as ambitious as he is to make the merger a success.
As a result of the appointment and following his previous indication that he was not standing for the chair role of both organisations, Paul Najsarek has stepped down as NCL Chair at the end of August, to allow Mike to take up the role with immediate effect.
Frances adds: “I’d like to thank Paul for everything he has done for NCL and wish him well in his new role as Chair of the London Neighbourhood Delivery Programme London.”
Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for NHS England in London said, announcing the appointment, along with a number of others across London: “ICBs have a critical role to play in the future of our NHS, improving population health, reducing inequalities and ensuring access to high-quality care.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to appoint experienced and talented chairs to lead our ICBs in London. I look forward to continuing to work with them as they build on the significant progress they have already made to realise the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan and make London the best global city in which to receive health and care services.”