Mark Devlin appointed chair for Health Education Kent, Surrey and Sussex

Health Education England has appointed Mark Devlin as the independent chair for Health Education Kent, Surrey and Sussex (HEKSS). Mark, an experienced NHS chief executive by background, has been acting as interim chair in recent months and was instrumental in the early establishment of HEKSS in 2012.

Many of the organisation’s achievements, particularly the development of the five-year skills development strategy which prioritises and coordinates action for improving health and care for the population of the region, were initiated under Mark’s initial stewardship. Mark’s extensive board level experience, along with his contributions to HEKSS since establishment made him the clear choice for the role.

Mark said:

I am delighted to be formally appointed to this role. The importance of excellent education and training in recruiting and developing the right people with the right skills and values to transform health and healthcare for our patients has never been greater. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our staff and partners during a period of significant further development.

Philippa Spicer, HEKSS Managing Director, said:

We are very pleased that Mark has been formally appointed as our independent chair. Mark’s vision and extensive experience will, I am sure, help lead HEKSS to continued success as we develop our people to improve health and care across the region.

Mark is a science graduate of Queens University Belfast and has a master’s degree in health and social service management. He has held a number of senior leadership positions in healthcare management over the last 20 years and holds trustee positions in social care and children’s charities.

Mark will take up the post formally from 1 June.