We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Higman as the new Chief Executive of the new Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster across NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) ICB, NHS Dorset ICB and NHS Somerset ICB.
Jonathan, who is currently Chief Executive of NHS Somerset ICB, has over 25 years’ experience across provider and commissioning organisations. He has been the Chief Executive of NHS Somerset since it was established and has focused on developing neighbourhood models of support, shifting care closer to people’s own homes – while also maintaining financial balance and delivery of the key national targets.
Prior to joining the Integrated Care Board, Jonathan was Chief Executive of Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where he played an instrumental role in leading the trust to the point of merger. This created the first fully integrated Foundation Trust in England, covering two acute sites, all community and mental health services and almost a quarter of the general practices in Somerset.
Rob Whiteman, Chair of the new Integrated Care Board (ICB) cluster, said: “Jonathan’s extensive knowledge and experience of both provider and commissioning organisations within the NHS make him extremely well-suited for the role. His knowledge and previous experience of bringing multiple organisations together and supporting people through change will be particularly relevant, especially over the coming months.
“With the appointment of both the Chair and Chief Executive for our new cluster, work will begin at pace on the next steps of the transition.”
Speaking about his appointment, Jonathan said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chief Executive for our new ICB cluster. I truly believe there is a bright future for ICBs working to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we are here to serve.
“To make a real difference to the health outcomes for local people and communities, we will harness local expertise and explore best practice with system partners and colleagues. But there is a real opportunity for us to collectively re-imagine how we can provide services both now and in the future for the benefit of all.
“Since joining NHS Somerset in 2022, my focus has been working with people on communities to shape services, we have had over 12,000 conversations with people across the county which has helped shape our strategy and provided us with valuable insight into what our people and communities want from and feel about our healthcare. It will be vital, as part of our new role, to continue the conversations we have with our local people and to continue our work with all of you to ensure voices of our people and communities are being heard.
“I’d would like to personally thank Patricia Miller and Sue Harriman for their dedication and leadership and for their ongoing support as we move our cluster together. They are both hugely valued and respected chief executives who have worked tirelessly for the people and places they serve.
“Finally, I want to take a moment to thank colleagues across NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, NHS Dorset and NHS Somerset for their incredible efforts. Their continued hard work and commitment have truly shone through, even amid ongoing change and uncertainty.”
