Non-Executive Director Andrew Foster has passed away

With great sadness, we share the news that Non- Executive Director and Chair of our People and Culture Committee, Andrew Foster, has died.

Andrew was appointed to HEE’s Board in 2019 and brought invaluable advice, scrutiny and support around major policy decisions. Until October 2019, Andrew was Chief Executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust and his core interest was quality and safety, with a desire to learn from the best hospitals in the world. He led the successful application which resulted in the organisation achieving Foundation Trust status in 2008. After leaving the Trust he worked at NHS England for a period on delivery of the NHS People Plan, and was interim lead of the NHS Leadership Academy. He formerly spent five years as the NHS Director of Human Resources (Workforce Director General) at the Department of Health with principle responsibility for implementing the workforce expansion and HR systems modernisation set out in the NHS Plan.

Sir David Behan CBE, Chair, Health Education England said: “Andrew was a hugely valued colleague on the HEE Board for the last three years. His passion was people which shone through in chairing our People and Culture Committee. His focus on making HEE the Best Place to Work and his relentless support for equality, diversity and inclusion made HEE a better organisation. We will miss him, his wise counsel, and his ability to ask the right question in a way that was both forensic and supportive. The NHS has lost a great friend.”

Navina Evans CBE, Chief Executive, HEE and Chief Workforce Officer, NHS England said: “Andrew was a truly committed servant of the health and care system and his knowledge, experience and passion for people will be hugely missed. Andrew made a positive difference in his work to colleagues, trainees and patients alike.”

Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this difficult time.