NHS England’s national director for human resources and organisational development has confirmed to HSJ she is leaving the organisation.

A statement announcing Jo-Anne Wass’s departure was sent to staff this afternoon. In a move described by NHS England as a “secondment”, she is to become an organisational development consultant at the University of Leeds.

Before she joined NHS England, Ms Wass worked for Sir David Nicholson as his chief of staff at the Department of Health for several years. Her departure comes as Sir David is due to retire next month as NHS England chief executive. Ms Wass has worked in the NHS for over 20 years in HR and communications, mainly across Yorkshire and the North West.

In a statement she said: “I have made this decision with mixed emotions. Having worked in the NHS for 25 years, my dedication and commitment to it remains strong.

“However, my close colleagues will tell you that I have always been passionate about the power of education to change lives, create opportunity and social mobility, and ultimately improve health. In the end, I concluded this was too good a chance to let pass. I am immensely grateful to [NHS England chair] Sir Malcolm Grant and Sir David Nicholson for enabling me to take this opportunity.”

Sir David paid tribute to her. He said: “Jo-Anne Wass has been an excellent and dedicated member of both the board and executive team within NHS England and was instrumental in establishing the organisation. This secondment presents not only a good personal career development opportunity for Jo-Anne, in a sector which she is passionate about, but is one that will draw upon her considerable skills and knowledge for the benefit of both the NHS and the University of Leeds. I would like to thank Jo-Anne for all of her work on behalf of NHS England and to wish her every success in this new role.”

Since it was created in 2012, NHS England and its predecessor body the NHS Commissioning Board have seen three national executive directors, including Ms Wass, leave. NHS England said an announcement on arrangements for covering her role would be made shortly.

Simon Stevens, previously Tony Blair’s health adviser, will become the organisation’s chief executive on 1 April.

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