New chair appointed for NHS England’s Children and Young People’s Transformation Programme Board

Louise Shepherd CBE, the Chief Executive of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, has been appointed as the new chair of NHS England’s Children and Young People (CYP) Transformation Board.

Louise has been Chief Executive of Alder Hey since 2008 and has been responsible for leading the Trust through a major transformation into Europe’s first Children’s Health Park.

Her distinguished NHS career spans more than 30 years, including previously as CEO of Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Before joining the NHS, she worked at KPMG as a financial and management consultant to the public sector. In 2017, Louise was awarded a CBE for services to healthcare in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The CYP Transformation Board was established to oversee delivery of Long Term Plan commitments in relation to children and young people and comprises of key partners across health, care and education. Before becoming chair, Louise had previously been a member of this Board since April 2021 in her capacity as co-chair of the national Children’s Hospital Alliance.

The Board’s membership also includes seven youth board members who ensure the voices of children and young people are represented in its shared decision making.

Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: "Looking after the health and wellbeing of children and young people is of utmost importance, after all, they make up a third of the population of England and are our future. Louise’s unwavering dedication and vast experience in this area are a real asset to this vitally important role."

Louise Shepherd CBE said: "It is a privilege to be appointed to this role. I look forward to working alongside system leaders, partners and young people themselves to make a difference and help improve outcomes for children and young people in this country."