Dr Penelope Dash appointed as new chair of NHS England

Dr Penny Dash has been appointed as the next chair of NHS England following an open public appointment process.

She will succeed Richard Meddings, who is set to step down next month, and her four-year term begins on April 1, 2025.

Dr Dash is currently the chair of the NHS North West London Integrated Care Board and is leading a major review into the regulation of health and social care quality in England.

Her interim report, published last year, highlighted significant failures at the Care Quality Commission, prompting the appointment of new leadership to turn around the health and care regulator.

With a background as an NHS doctor, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company working on global healthcare, and head of strategy at the Department of Health and Social Care, Dr Dash brings extensive experience across public, private, and government sectors.

As chair of NHS England, she will leverage this expertise to help rebuild the NHS as part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan.

Confirming her appointment on Monday (3), health secretary Wes Streeting described Dr Dash as “a radical reformer, with the skills and experience we need to help fix our broken NHS and make it fit for the future.”

“I look forward to working with her as we continue to tackle the waiting list backlog, unleash innovation in health services, and support our healthcare staff to deliver the timely care patients deserve,” he added.

Streeting also expressed gratitude to Meddings for his “dedicated service, helping to guide the NHS through the aftermath of the pandemic.”

Dr Dash welcomed the opportunity, stating: “I am excited to start working with my NHS colleagues and the government to accelerate the process of renewal and rebuilding to make sure the NHS continues to serve the needs of its communities and its staff.”

“The 10 Year Health Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the NHS to take on the challenges of the future and I look forward to playing my part,” she added.

Dr Dash was confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate in February. The Secretary of State took the final decision following a hearing with the Health and Social Care Committee on 26 February 2025.

Dr Dash was confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate in February, with the final decision made by the Secretary of State following a hearing with the Health and Social Care Committee on 26 February 2025.

On 28 February, the cross-party Committee chaired by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran published a report, setting out its conclusions.

“Dr Dash would be a capable chair and welcomed her focus on data and her commitment to drive best practice across the system to improve the quality of care,” they said.

The Committee recommended that the department appoint a chief executive with a strong track record of delivering change, who can complement Dr Dash’s strong analytical skills.