Chief of ‘outstanding’ trust announces retirement

John Lawlor, who heads Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust, will step down at the end of January after more than seven years in the role.

Mr Lawlor, who in 2019 was chosen to lead an NHS England ‘taskforce’ to improve mental health, learning disability and autism services for young people, told governors today [28 September] that being chief executive of the trust “has been the best job I’ve ever done in over 37 years of public service”.

After joining the then Northumberland, Tyne and Wear trust in June 2014, Mr Lawlor oversaw the transfer of mental health services in North Cumbria into the enlarged trust, and has seen the trust awarded ‘outstanding ratings’ by the Care Quality Commission in 2016 and 2018.

Before moving into the mental health sector, Mr Lawlor had worked as chief executive of Harrogate hospital trust, Leeds primary care trust, and as an area director for NHS England.

Mr Lawlor, whose last day will be 31 January 2022, said in a message to governors: “I turned 60 earlier this month and I feel the time is right after seven years leading such a wonderful organisation. It has been a difficult decision for me personally because, as I often say to people, being chief executive of CNTW has been the best job I’ve ever done in over 37 years of public service.”

“I have been privileged to lead our fantastic workforce; to work with our council of governors and board of directors; to expand and improve our services with partners; and to oversee the delivery of high-quality care for our service users and carers in their hour of need.”

He said the response of the trust’s staff to the pandemic over the last 18 months “has been truly outstanding”. In a message to staff, he added: “I am immensely proud of what you all do, day in and day out, for those we are here to serve.”

Ken Jarrold, chair of the trust’s council of governors and board of directors, described Mr Lawlor is “one of the best chief executives in the NHS” who has made “a much valued wider contribution in the region and at national level”.

He added: “John has inspired service users, carers, colleagues, and partners by his openness about his own mental health issues, his humanity, commitment, and dignity at times of trouble.

“John will be remembered and missed as a leader, manager, colleague and friend.”