Message from Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive

Today Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive, shared this message with CNWL staff

I’m writing to share an update about my national role and to say how excited I am to be spending more time here at CNWL, where I will continue as your Chief Executive.

I’ve stepped down from my position as National Director for Mental Health in England—a role I’ve held since 2016 alongside my work here at the Trust. I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved nationally over the years, and especially of what we’ve built together at CNWL. It’s been a privilege to help shape mental health care across the country, but I’ve always believed that what matters most is delivering excellent care on the ground. That’s why I’m genuinely thrilled to have more time to focus on our work here - on providing high-quality patient care, driving innovation and digital transformation, and making CNWL the best place to work.

Like the wider NHS, we face many challenges ahead. But I’m confident CNWL will continue to thrive because of the dedication and talent of each and every one of you.

While this message is personal, I also want to take a moment to reflect on the kind of workplace we’re building together. Recent events in society and around the world have made issues of race, religion, nationality, and diversity part of a toxic public debate. Many staff have told us they feel frightened and uncertain about how valued and supported they are. Let me be clear: the NHS is nothing without its diversity.

So I’m asking each of us to play our part in creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered to do their best work. Let’s continue to collaborate, support one another, and bring joy to our working lives. This is how we’ll deliver the best care for our patients, serve our communities, and stay true to CNWL’s core values.

With best wishes,

Claire