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NHS Strategy Directors Forum

1 June 2026

11:00 - 13:00

Online via Teams

  • Leadership

Overview

Join the inaugural NHS Strategy Directors Forum

Designed for strategy leaders within the NHS, this forum is your opportunity to hear the latest health policy updates, share learning and connect with peers at our first strategy forum as The NHS Alliance.

Why this matters

Formally known as NHS Providers' Strategy Directors Network, this event will continue to bring strategic leaders together to discuss the important work you do. 

A space to explore good practice and discuss shared challenges, this forum aims to inspire you to shape strategic narratives that strengthen and positively impact outcomes for your communities. 

Operating under Chatham House Rule, this forum is your opportunity to:

  • Share ideas and exchange learning.
  • Gain insights from government and national body leaders on key issues impacting your organisation and role.
  • Hear case studies on the latest innovative 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.

Always a helpful event. I leave with knowing I'm not alone in the issues I'm struggling with, helpful ideas for things to try and a renewed sense of optimism.

Previous attendee

Agenda

Monday 1 Jun

  1. 09:45Registration

  2. 10:00Welcome

    • Introduction and chair's welcome
      • Group Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

        David Williams

  3. 10:05Session 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. 

  4. 10:35Session 2

    • Session title TBC
      • Assistant Director, Provider Policy, NHS England

        Patrick Fraher

  5. 11:20Session 3

    • IHO and the New Delivery Model
      • Director of Strategy and Partnerships, System Architecture – System Development, NHS England

        Jennifer Dodd

  6. 11:55Session 4

    • Closing Comments
      • Group Director of Strategy and Partnerships, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

        David Williams

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.

Network chair and speakers

Patrick Fraher

Patrick Fraher

Assistant Director of Strategy and Policy, Financial Reset and Accountability Directorate

NHS England

Jennifer Dodd

Jennifer Dodd

Director of Strategy and Partnerships, System Architecture – System Development

NHS England

David Williams

David Williams

Head of Policy and Strategy

NHS Providers

David Williams

David Williams

Head of Policy and Strategy

NHS Providers

David is our head of policy and strategy. He has shared leadership of NHS Providers’ policy team, and oversees our policy work on finances, system working, integration and governance. He joined NHS Providers in 2018, initially as our policy advisor for finances. Prior to that he worked as a journalist, specialising in health policy.

How to book

Attendance is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive joining instructions to access the network. 

If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the mailing list to hear about future events and NHS Providers resources, please contact the Forums team.

Who should attend

This network is designed for:

  • Directors of strategy and transformation 

  • Directors of planning and performance