Troubled CCG appoints interim chief

Sheffield CCG’s deputy accountable officer Brian Hughes announced this month that Lesley Smith would step in as interim accountable officer.

“Lesley is currently accountable officer for NHS Barnsley CCG and she will continue in her role there as well as work with Sheffield,” Mr Hughes said.

Ms Smith has been chief executive of Barnsley CCG since 2015 and has spent 12 years as a chief executive in the NHS across Yorkshire and Scotland.

HSJ reported last month thatSheffield CCG’s AO Maddy Ruff would resign at the beginning of June to join Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership. Ms Ruff had previously been off work on sick leave since 21 March.

HSJ also reported earlier this month that the CCG’s chair Tim Moorhead would step down in September after seven years in the role. The CCG is in the process of selecting a new chair, it said.

The CCG is currently working on an improvement plan, which is intended to address concerns over leadership, culture and bullying allegations following a critical independent investigation of the organisation.

The investigation identified issues of poor behaviour by senior CCG staff, as well as dissatisfaction over the handling of bullying and harassment cases, a lack of a clear strategy and poor relationships between members of the governing body.

The plan is expected to be published next week to coincide with the July board meeting.