NHS Chief Operating Officers Forum
23 June 2026
11:00 - 17:00
In-person
10 Union Street, 10-18 Union Street, SE1 1SZ
Leadership
Delivery and performance
Overview
Connect with operational leaders at our inaugural forum meeting
Bringing together chief operating officers and directors of operations from NHS trusts, this inaugural forum is your opportunity to explore national developments and their impact on your organisation, share learning and network with peers.
Please note, due to a technical issue, the timings shown at the top of this page are incorrect. Please refer to the timings in the agenda below, for the correct schedule.
Why this matters
Building on NHS Providers' Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officers Network, this forum will provide an important safe space to hear the latest policy developments, explore shared challenges and learning with peers.
Operating under Chatham House Rule, this member-only forum will provide you an opportunity to:
- Share ideas and exchange learning.
- Hear presentations from operations experts on the latest work in the sector.
- Engage in interactive sessions to ask questions and share your thoughts.
- Have open and honest discussions with peers in breakout sessions.
A really assuring and transparent space to learn and share different viewpoints on collective challenges and planning.
Agenda
Tuesday 23 Jun
10:00Registration, refreshments and networking
10:30Welcome
Chair's introduction
Forum chair
Lucy Davies
10:55Session 1
Strategic policy update
A presentation on strategic policy issues and developments, sharing analysis on what these may mean for the provider sector, with opportunity for Q&A and discussion throughout.
11:45Comfort break
12:10Session 2
TBC
More details will be available soon.
13:00Lunch
14:00Session 3
Breakout session
Facilitated thematic discussion in tables exploring topics including workforce challenges and learning, digital operations and innovation and opportunities and struggles with single point of access.
14:45Session 4
Leadership in a challenging time
Join us for an honest conversation about the realities of senior leadership - from sustained operational pressure and workforce challenges to financial constraint and system-level complexity. Through candid reflections, this session will explore what has helped leaders navigate challenge, what continues to be difficult and the key lessons they are taking forward.
15:35Closing comments
15:45Post-event
Networking opportunities
The main room will remain open until 16:00 for colleagues to stay back and engage in further networking opportunities. Please do take advantage of this extended time to connect with peers, share insights, and build valuable connections. Refreshments will be available.
Please note, our agenda is still in development for this event so session timings may be subject to change. We will share more details over the coming weeks of further sessions and speakers.
Forum chair and speakers
Lucy Davies
Chief Operating Officer
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
How to book
Attendance is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive event details ahead of the forum.
If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the mailing list to hear about future events and resources, please contact the Forums team.
Who should attend
This forum is open to operational leaders at NHS trusts and foundation trusts, including:
- Chief operating officers
- Directors of operations
- Site operational directors