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The Appointments Commission has today approved the appointment of Linda Pollard OBE JP DL as the new Chair for NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds PCT Cluster.

Linda, who has been the Chair of NHS Leeds since March 2009, will take up the post from 3 October 2011. She will be responsible for leading the Cluster in its crucial role in supporting the development of the new commissioning system and for ensuring that during these changes, local people continue to receive the high quality accessible services they deserve.

Commenting on Linda’s appointment, Kathryn Riddle, Chair of NHS Yorkshire and The Humber said: “Linda is a very experienced and successful Chair holding a number of positions across Bradford and Leeds. She will bring a great deal to this role. I am confident that she will be an outstanding leader and effectively support the development of the new commissioning system across Airedale, Bradford and Leeds.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the achievements made by John Chuter, Chair of NHS Bradford and Airedale, and his board and recognise the outstanding progress they have made. I am confident this will provide a sound grounding to take forward the challenges ahead.”

Linda said: “I am delighted to be taking on this exciting new role and believe that the experience I have gained and relationships I have developed through previous roles will be invaluable in making this cluster a success.”

She continued: “There are many challenges that lie ahead but I am confident that by working closely with our partners we will develop a strong new NHS commissioning system that will benefit local people. Together we will build on the good work we have already set in place under NHS Leeds and NHS Bradford and Airedale.”

John Chuter, who has served as Chair of NHS Bradford and Airedale since its formation in 2006, congratulated Linda on her appointment. He also thanked colleagues for their dedication and commitment and recognised the many achievements that have been made.

“The year ahead represents huge challenges but, with the strengths and experience of members of the cluster board working with staff across the district, I am confident that these can be met and that local people can continue to access safe, effective and high quality services,” said John.

Linda has held a wide range of roles in the private and public sector. She is currently Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the University of Leeds, Regional Chairman of Coutts Bank plc and Board member of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA).

She has previously been Chair of West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority, Bradford District Care Trust (which includes Airedale and Craven), Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Regional Chair of the Learning and Skills Council.

Linda is a non-sitting magistrate and also a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and, in 2004, she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Where an appointee has declared political activity, this has been detailed. In addition, details of any other Ministerial appointments held and the remuneration paid, where applicable, have been provided. This post is remunerated at £42,033 per annum.

Notes
NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds PCT Cluster includes the statutory organisations Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust (known as NHS Bradford and Airedale) and Leeds Primary Care Trust (known as NHS Leeds).

The organisations will work together in the cluster to ensure resilience during the period of transition towards a new commissioning system as set out in the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill. This will be done through a single board and executive team responsible for bringing the organisations together to benefit local people and patients.

Clusters are not statutory organisations in their own right and the primary care trusts will remain as the statutory organisations until 2013 when they will be abolished.