NHS Mental Health Network names new chair

Former nurse Steven Michael has been appointed as the new chair of the NHS Mental Health Network.

Mr Michael has been the chief executive of South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust since 2007. When he joined the NHS in 1985 he trained as a nurse, and has since had a range of leadership and management roles.

In 2014, the trust was recognised as one of the best 100 places to work in the NHS. 

Mr Michael, who takes up his role in June, said: 'I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on the role of chair of the Mental Health Network at such a critical time in the NHS. The Mental Health Network does great work in terms of influencing policy and service delivery. I want to build on the work of the previous chair Shaun Clee, and I hope I can bring added value to the work of the Mental Health Network Board and the Mental Health Network more generally.'

Mr Clee, chief executive of 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, will continue his position as a trustee for the NHS Confederation.