Exclusive: Labour launches clearout of DHSC non-execs

HSJ understands that most of the department’s six non-executive directors are to be replaced. NEDs sit on departmental boards and are expected to provide independent advice and challenge to ministers and officials.

They include Doug Gurr, a former McKinsey partner and president of Amazon China, and Sam Jones, a former NHS England director and Downing Street official.

Other NEDs thought to be at risk are Will Harris, a marketing executive who has worked for the Conservative party and as an adviser to Steve Barclay when he was environment secretary, and ex-senior civil servant Roy Stone.

The sixth adviser, former M&S boss Steve Rowe, was appointed by the previous health secretary Victoria Atkins earlier this year. Ms Atkins said the supermarket executive was being brought in to help “turn around” the health service and deliver an “M&S moment”.

Mr Rowe had previously advised the department on efficiency savings.

However, audit committee chair Richard Douglas, who chairs South East London Integrated Care System and previously held a string of senior civil service roles, is likely to be staying on.

The Times reported today that non-executives appointed by the previous government have been dismissed at the Department for Business and Trade, the Cabinet Office and one other unnamed department. HSJ understands that, unlike in other departments, existing DHSC NEDs will stay in post until their successors are appointed.

The DHSC advertisement says appointees will receive a salary of £15,000 a year in exchange for two days’ work a month.

A DHSC spokesperson said: “It is normal practice for incoming Ministers to make decisions on their own departmental boards, including their membership. Appointments will be made to bring fresh scrutiny and external perspectives to departmental boards and Ministers.”