• Sheffield CCG AO Maddy Ruff to join Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership
  • Ms Ruff has been off sick since 21 March
  • The CCG is currently working on an improvement plan amid concerns over leadership and bullying allegations

The accountable officer of a clinical commissioning group accused of having a “toxic culture” has resigned and is moving to a job with a sustainability and transformation partnership.

The CCG confirmed Maddy Ruff would be leaving her post to join Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, the STP covering Humber and east and north Yorkshire. HSJ has asked what role she is taking up, but has not yet received an answer.

A CCG spokeswoman said the process to recruit an interim accountable officer would get underway shortly, with Brian Hughes, the current deputy AO, continuing to “provide leadership”.

A source with knowledge of the situation told HSJ Ms Ruff was expected to leave on 9 June.

HSJ reported last month that Maddy Ruff had been off work on sick leave since 21 March.

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.

Meanwhile, multiple sources including current and former staff have told HSJ the culture in the CCG was “toxic” with bullying, favouritism and harassment widespread.

The CCG’s medical director Zak McMurray was put on “special leave” with full pay for more than a year after he raised whistleblowing concerns, after Ms Ruff “demanded” to be told the names of applicants for a senior post in the Sheffield system, according to multiple sources.

HSJ revealed last month the CCG had hired former primary care trust chief executive Mike Potts as an independent development director who would oversee the production of an improvement plan for the CCG.