We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Chief Executive Designate of the future organisation, Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB). The appointment is part of the transformation of the Somerset Integrated Care System (ICS) to become a statutory body by April 2022.
Earlier this year, the government announced new legislation to enshrine ICSs in law, which will take the form of an Integrated Care Board (NHS) and Integrated Care Partnership (all health and care partners).
Following a robust nationally led recruitment process, Jonathan Higman, has been selected as the Chief Executive Designate of the future Somerset ICB.
Jonathan Higman became Chief Executive of Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in November 2017. He has also held a number of Director level posts, including Director of Strategic Development and Director of Operations at the Trust. Jonathan has lived in Somerset for over 20 years’ and has experience working in a variety of roles in both hospitals and commissioning across the NHS in the South West and South East of England.
From April 2022, Jonathan as ICB Chief Executive will oversee greater partnership working between the NHS, county and district councils and voluntary sector partners, leading the way to improved health, care and wellbeing for everyone in Somerset.
Paul von der Heyde, the newly appointed Chair Designate of Somerset ICB, said: “I look forward to working with Jonathan to develop the Somerset Integrated Care Board which will deliver the leadership required for the achievement of a truly integrated health and care system.
“We are fortunate to have such a collaborative health and care team in the county. Together we can understand, plan and deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for the people of Somerset. Our mutual objective will be to build an exceptional system in Somerset and I am confident Jonathan will be an ideal Chief Executive to lead the task.”
James Rimmer, current Chief Executive of Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and ICS system leader will remain in post until the ICB comes into effect in April 2022. The CCG would like to thank James for his hard work and dedicated leadership during his time as Chief Executive.
Paul, James and Jonathan will be working closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to the ICB and to plan the way forward.
Jonathan Higman, Chief Executive Designate of Somerset ICB, said “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive designate for the Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) and look forward to working with Paul and James over the coming months to establish the new organisation. I am passionate about the delivery of joined up care and the opportunity that the ICB provides to work with the Local Authority and other partners to put prevention at the heart of all we do, enabling communities to work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Somerset.”