Monitor appoints Dr David Bennett as permanent Chief Executive

Published on: 29th October 2012

The Board of Monitor has appointed Dr David Bennett to the permanent post of Chief Executive with effect from 1 November. This date is when the first of the regulator's main new powers under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 come into effect. The appointment has been confirmed by the Secretary of State for Health.

Dr Bennett has been Interim Chief Executive since March 2010.

Stephen Thornton, Deputy Chair of Monitor, said: "David Bennett has done an excellent job in leading Monitor over the last two and a half years. During that time he has overseen Monitor's transition, preparing to take on new roles and responsibilities, while also maintaining Monitor’s reputation for competent delivery."

Dr Bennett is also Monitor's Chair. He will remain in this role pending a new appointment by the Secretary of State. Stephen Thornton added: "The non-executive directors of Monitor are delighted that David will take this role on a permanent basis. This means the organisation will continue to have the top quality leadership that is vital during a time of significant change, and can implement its new regulatory regime in a timely and efficient manner."

Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, said: "I welcome the appointment of Dr David Bennett as the permanent Chief Executive of Monitor, and would like to thank him for all his recent work. With his experience leading Monitor over the past two and a half years, he is the right person to take the organisation forward into its new role as sector regulator. I will now look to appoint a new Chair in due course."

Following the passage of the 2012 Act, a commencement order has been made bringing into effect parts of the legislation that gives Monitor the powers it needs to prepare for its new role from 1 November 2012. The rest of Monitor's formal powers relating to its new functions are expected to come into effect from April 2013 onwards.

Notes

  • David Bennett was originally appointed as Monitor's Interim Chief Executive pending recruitment of a permanent post-holder. He was subsequently appointed Chair in March 2011 by the then Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, following an open competition.
  • The decision to appoint Dr Bennett as Chief Executive was led by the Deputy Chair of Monitor, Stephen Thornton, and taken by the remainder of the Board. Dr Bennett did not take part in the process.
  • Previously Dr Bennett was the non-political Chief Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Head of the Policy Directorate and Strategy Unit at No 10 Downing St.
  • Monitor is the regulator of NHS foundation trusts and becomes the sector regulator of NHS-funded health care services under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Its main duty is to protect and promote the interests of people who use them. More information about Monitor’s new role can be found here.
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