Website of the Department of Health

National Leadership Network

The National Leadership Network for Health and Social Care was established as a successor to the NHS Modernisation Board which successfully advised and supported Ministers through the first phase of reform. Ministers have been reviewing the NLN as a route for engagement recently, learning from its experience since its establishment in December 2004.

The Secretary of State has decided to put some alternative stakeholder arrangements in place and important new structures for joint-working and feedback have been delivered including the Reform Reference Groups, the over-arching reform advisory group and the Health Summits, focusing on securing clinical leadership in improvement and reform. In addition, the new NHS Management Board brings together DH and SHA leaders.

At present, the National Leadership Network is being repositioned as an umbrella group of senior leaders and experts both nationally and locally. We are reviewing its membership to ensure that it is fit for its continuing purpose and hope it will serve as a pool for members for task groups on emerging policy and on its delivery. The aim is for it to work smartly by making increasing use of virtual working and to remain an important forum for leaders from all parts of the health and social care system to provide rapid and frank feedback and early advice on emerging policy.

For further information, please contact the Network by email at

• Nationalleadershipnetwork@dh.gsi.gov.uk (opens new window)