Dr William Moyes confirms departure as Executive Chair of Monitor

Published on: 3rd August 2009

Dr William Moyes has today written to all NHS foundation trust Chairs & Chief Executives to confirm that he will be standing down as Executive Chairman of Monitor when his contract expires at the end of January 2010. 

He takes the opportunity to express his pride in what has been achieved by NHS foundation trusts, and by Monitor as their regulator, in creating a sector with more capable Boards, stronger finances and better governance, which is reflected in a consistent pattern of higher performance by foundation trusts than by non-foundation trusts.

He also reaffirms his belief that a fully devolved health care system - with independent regulation rather than central direction - is best placed to face the forthcoming pressures on public expenditure.

Referencing the Department of Health’s recently launched consultation on the de-authorisation of NHS foundation trusts, Dr Moyes comments:

“Foundation Trusts and independent regulation are a real success story in the Government’s health reform agenda.

“My Board will be pressing the Department of Health to ensure that their avowed intention of maintaining Monitor’s independence and strengthening our powers is carried through in practice, both in finalising whatever legislation flows from the consultation on the de-authorisation of foundation trusts and also in the appointment of my successor here.”

Notes to editors

  1. Dr Moyes was appointed by Alan Johnson in February 2008 as Executive Chair of Monitor for a second term of two years.
  2. Monitor authorises and regulates NHS foundation trusts, ensuring they are well-managed and financially viable in order to deliver high quality healthcare for patients. 
  3. Monitor was established in January 2004. It is independent of government and accountable to Parliament. Monitor’s functions and powers are set out in the National Health Service Act 2006.