24 October 2025

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), and West London NHS Trust (WLT) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Friend as their new Chair, effective immediately.

Important timing

Mark Friend arrives at a pivotal time for the three trusts, which have been deepening their collaboration through shared governance and integrated care initiatives. The appointment follows the departure of Tom Kibasi in May 2025, who was the first postholder of the chair-in-common role across the three trusts.

Mark Friend brings a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, governance, and strategic transformation. His appointment signals a continued commitment to strengthening ties across community and mental health services, ensuring that patients across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey receive seamless, high-quality care.

“I am honoured to take on this role and build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessor,” said Mark Friend.

“The opportunity to lead three outstanding NHS organisations in their journey toward greater integration is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to working closely with staff, service users, and our partners to deliver compassionate, joined-up care that meets the diverse needs of our communities.”

Partnership working

The three trusts have already made significant strides in partnership working through Provider Collaboratives, with shared priorities in mental health, community services, and workforce wellbeing. Under Mark’s leadership, the trusts will continue to develop their board-in-common model, which meets regularly to align strategy and governance across the organisations.

Mark Friend continued: “I’d also like to express my gratitude to Amanda Rowlatt, Dick Sorabji and Dr Mohini Parmar for their work as interim chairs of each trust over the last six months. They have helped continue the drive for innovation, improving outcomes and ensuring that our staff are supported to deliver the best possible care.”

Looking ahead

Mark Friend’s appointment is expected to accelerate efforts to integrate services across boroughs, enhance partnerships with local authorities and the voluntary sector, and improve access to care for all residents. His strategic vision and inclusive leadership style will be key to navigating the evolving healthcare landscape in London.

The appointment of the Chair is one of the most important responsibilities that the governors of CNWL have, and the appointment process is run by the Lead Governor, Councillor Ketan Sheth, who chairs the Appointments Committee.

Councillor Sheth said, “Congratulations, Mark! You were the best candidate in an exceptional field of applicants”.

Ketan added, “Mark brings a unique blend of expertise and commitment to public service that will be invaluable as we strengthen health and care across large parts of London and the South of England”.

“His insights into digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and strategic oversight will support our mission to deliver high-quality community and mental health-integrated care that meets the needs of our diverse communities. I look forward to working closely with him as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive of CNWL, said: 

“Well done Mark, I’m really pleased for you, for CNWL and for our partner organisations. I’m looking forward to working with you and welcoming you to the existing team here at CNWL. We’re extremely committed to doing the best thing for our almost 10,000 people who work here and for our patients and carers in local communities – I know you will be too – can’t wait to get started!”

Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London said:

“Mark is a strategic leader, with a strong understanding of mental health and community services and a track record chairing multiple health organisations. He will be a great asset here in London, with his appointment coming at a crucial time as we focus on integration and neighbourhood working in our delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan."


About the Trusts

Between them, CLCH, CNWL and WLT provide community services, mental health services and many specialised services such as sexual health, HIV, children’s services, support for people with autism and learning disability and addictions as well as leading forensic services, in medium and high-secure settings, and in prisons.

The Trusts work across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey, from a range of locations including hospitals, clinics and within the community.