Professor Sir Norman Williams is stepping down as Non-Executive Director at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust later this year to become Chair of the Government’s Independent Reconfiguration Panel.

Professor Williams has been a Non-Executive Director at St George’s since April 2016, but will step down from the role on 30 September this year to take up his new position at the IRP from 1 October. The IRP is the independent expert on NHS service change, and an advisory non-departmental body.

Prior to joining St George’s, Sir Norman was President of the Royal College of Surgeons between July 2011 and July 2014; before which he completed a distinguished career in the NHS as a colorectal surgeon.

Speaking of his time at St George’s as a Non-Executive Director, Sir Norman said:

“It has been a great pleasure to be a member of St George’s Board over the past 3 years, and to Chair the Trust’s Quality and Safety Committee. During my time here, I have seen significant improvements in quality which is testimony to the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

Gillian Norton, Chairman, said:

“Sir Norman’s contribution to the Trust has been significant, and he has played a key role in the improvement journey we are on here at St George’s. This is an exciting role at the Independent Reconfiguration Panel for Sir Norman, but a big loss to St George’s, and on behalf of the Trust Board, I would like to thank Sir Norman for his contribution to the Trust, and wish him well in his new role.”

The search for a new Non-Executive Director at St George’s will begin shortly.