UCLH chair Baroness Julia Neuberger to stand down

Baroness Julia Neuberger will stand down as chair of UCLH at the end of her term on 30 September 2026, after more than seven years in the role.

Throughout her career, Baroness Neuberger has made an extensive contribution to healthcare policy and management. During her tenure at UCLH, the Trust has opened two new hospitals: the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals which Queen Elizabeth II officially opened in February 2020, and the Grafton Way Building which the then Prince of Wales officially opened in March 2022. Under Baroness Neuberger's leadership, UCLH has also implemented an electronic patient record system, navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and received multiple top rankings in national patient and staff surveys.

Baroness Neuberger said: “It has been an honour to serve as chair of such a fantastic and impactful organisation. To work alongside so many talented colleagues, who care deeply about our patients and improving healthcare for the wider population, has been inspirational. From small acts of everyday kindness to world firsts in clinical research, UCLH is a wonderful team to be part of and I am very sorry to be leaving.

“The NHS is facing some tough challenges, but I am confident UCLH will continue to move boldly in delivering its mission and I look forward to following its continued success.”

UCLH chief executive David Probert said: "I would like to thank Julia for her outstanding leadership during her time at UCLH. It has been a privilege to work alongside such an inspirational leader whose contribution to the Trust, and the wider health sector over her career, has had a huge impact.

“Julia has led with compassion and clarity of purpose over the past seven years for which we are hugely grateful. As well as being an inspiring colleague, Julia is also a trusted friend to many at UCLH and she will be sorely missed.”

Baroness Neuberger will also be stepping down from her role as chair of Whittington Health NHS Trust in September 2026.

Following careful consideration, and with the support of NHS England, UCLH and Whittington Health have decided to recruit two new separate chairs, given the exciting and demanding agendas of both organisations.

Our two organisations remain committed to continuing to work closely together under the UCLH and Whittington Health collaboration agreement, the purpose of which is to use our collective strengths to improve the health of our communities and deliver excellent patient care for our combined local population.