Hewitt Welcomes Appointment Of Director General Of Workforce

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has announced the appointment of a new Director General of Workforce at the Department of Health, responsible for workforce issues in the NHS and social care system. Clare Chapman, 46, currently the Group Personnel Director of Tesco, will take up the post at the Department of Health from the beginning of 2007. Clare has more than 20 years experience working in human resources where she has championed talent development, staff engagement and the sharing of best practice.

Patricia Hewitt said: “I am delighted to welcome Clare Chapman as the new Director General of Workforce for the NHS and Social Care. Clare brings outstanding experience to the leadership team of the Department of Health. The quality of health and social care depends upon the commitment and dedication of over 1.3 million NHS staff and over 1.6 million people working in social care. I know that Clare is determined to ensure that they receive the support they need from the Department of Health.

She will work closely with the newly-appointed NHS chief executive, David Nicholson, and acting Permanent Secretary Hugh Taylor and other members of the enlarged and strengthened Department of Health leadership team. Clare’s commitment to social partnership and her experience of leading human resource development in large UK and international organisations will be invaluable in this next stage of investment and reform in the NHS.”

Hugh Taylor, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, said: “I would like to welcome Clare to the Department of Health. Clare has a pivotal role to play in providing strategic leadership to the policies for our people throughout the health and care system to support the delivery of better care for patients and improved staff well being.”

Newly appointed Clare Chapman said: “I am delighted to be given such a fantastic opportunity. The values of the health and social care system make it unique and I am proud to be part of a service which has such an important purpose and is internationally regarded. I am sure that the achievements of recent years are thanks to the talents and hard work of staff who make the difference every day for patients and users of services.

“I share the commitment that these staff have for the NHS and social care system and its values. I am looking forward to the challenge of developing people policies that build confidence, provide increased opportunity for staff to develop their skills and develops high quality patient care”.