7/7 Health Chief To Lead London Probation

The woman honoured for leading the health service’s emergency response to the 7/7 terrorist attacks has been chosen to become the new chair of the London Probation Board.

Julie Dent CBE, former chief executive of the South West London Strategic Health Authority, will become the chair of the London Probation Board on April 1 2007 when the chair of the past six years, Suhail Aziz, completes his term of office.

As Board Chair, Ms Dent’s role will include guiding the organisation during this time of newly introduced legislation that should lead to the Board changing to Trust status.

Julie Dent’s role coordinating the medical response to the bombings drew on her experience in the NHS at national, regional and local levels, and at both director and CEO posts over two decades. She is currently on secondment part time to the Social Enterprise coalition and to the NHS National Institute for Innovation and Learning. She is leaving the NHS in March following the latest reorganisation and is looking forward to continuing her public service in a new role.

Ms Dent said: “In this its centenary year, the National Probation Service will be celebrating its heritage. A lot of discussion has taken place about this future and I think it will be an exciting time for probation staff. I am pleased that I have been asked to help guide London Probation during this period of change and I look forward to working with David Scott, the Chief Officer, and his team.”

Current chair Suhail Aziz commented: “Julie is joining London Probation at a critical crossroads in its existence. It will be a time of great challenge with legislature going through Parliament. She has a lot of experience of dealing with organisational change which will be of great benefit to London Probation.”

Ms Dent has an interest in leadership and organisational development. She is married with two grown up children.