University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Dame Stella Manzie DBE as the new Chair of the Trust’s Board of Directors from Sunday 1st October 2019.

Dame Stella has previously held a number of executive senior positions in the public sector, ranging from Chief Executive of local authorities in Coventry, Barking and Dagenham, Redditch and West Berkshire, to Director–General in the Civil Service (Scottish Government).

She has substantial experience in improving frontline public services while working in a democratic environment. Dame Stella has worked extensively in the Coventry and Warwickshire area, holding the post of Chief Executive of Coventry City Council from 2001 to 2008.

Dame Stella said:

"I have worked in partnership with health services in many of my previous roles and I am looking forward to this new challenge.”

“I bring with me experience of governance, partnerships, social care and trying to deliver the best possible services for the public. I look forward to getting to know both hospitals in the Trust, working with partners and making a positive contribution to Coventry and Warwickshire health services.”

Dame Stella will succeed Andy Meehan, whose intention to step down was announced in 2018 and who will leave the Trust at the end of September 2019, after having served for over five years. Andy will continue in his role as Chair for the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) Charity, an independent organisation committed to developing the charitable support to our organisation.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive at UHCW, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Dame Stella as our new Chair. Stella has impressive experience gained across public sector organisations, particularly local government, and I know this will be a tremendous asset in the development of our Warwickshire Integrated Care System; where our health and social care organisations are working together to improve people’s health.

“I also would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Meehan for the hard work and dedication he has displayed throughout his time as Chair. We would not be where we are today without Andy’s leadership and his commitment to improving patient care. I wish Andy all the best for the future and thank him for his continuing contribution to the UHCW Charity.”

Stella Manzie‘s other roles include being a Trustee of the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and a Visiting Fellow of the Open University. She has recently been Commissioner Managing Director at Rotherham Council and Interim Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council and was honoured in 2018 for her work in these roles. Dame Stella is a graduate of Newnham College, Cambridge University, and holds an MSocSci in Local Government and Health from University of Birmingham.