NHS Employers has named its new director after months without a permanent head.

NHS Employers joint acting director Sian Thomas has secured the post on a permanent basis.

Ms Thomas has spent the past year working with joint acting director Alastair Henderson.

Under their leadership, the organisation has started negotiations with the Department of Health to agree a new contract starting in April 2010.

It is also developing new commercial products and services aimed at benefitting employers.

Ms Thomas said: “I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to lead NHS Employers at an exciting time for both it and the NHS Confederation.  “NHS Employers has achieved a great deal in the past four years and I know we can accomplish even more. 

“Excellence in employment in the NHS is paramount to improved patient care and I look forward to playing my part in helping employers achieve this.”

Before joining NHS Employers, she worked in various roles, including human resources, for nearly 10 years across mental health, primary care and acute organisations.

NHS Confederation chief executive Steve Barnett said: “I am delighted to have appointed Sian to the post of director of NHS Employers.  We had a strong shortlist but the panel were unanimous in believing that she demonstrated all the skills needed for this high profile and exciting role.“

NHS Confederation chair Bryan Stoten said: “It is excellent that we have been able to appoint such a strong candidate to the post and I look forward to working closely with Sian in the future.”

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