Mark Friend appointed as new Chair-in-common of CNWL, CLCH and West London NHS Trusts

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH), and West London NHS Trust (WLT) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Friend as their new Joint Chair, effective immediately. 

Important timing 

Mark Friend arrives at a pivotal time for the three trusts, which have been deepening their collaboration through shared governance and integrated care initiatives. The appointment follows the departure of Tom Kibasi in May 2025, who was the first postholder of the joint chair role across the three trusts.  

Mark Friend brings a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, governance, and strategic transformation. His appointment signals a continued commitment to strengthening ties across community and mental health services, ensuring that patients across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey receive seamless, high-quality care. 

“I am honoured to take on this role and build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessor,” said Mark Friend.  

“The opportunity to lead three outstanding NHS organisations in their journey toward greater integration is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to working closely with staff, service users, and our partners to deliver compassionate, joined-up care that meets the diverse needs of our communities.” 

Partnership working 

The three trusts have already made significant strides in partnership working through Provider Collaboratives, with shared priorities in mental health, community services, and workforce wellbeing. Under Mark’s leadership, the trusts will continue to develop their board-in-common model, which meets regularly to align strategy and governance across the organisations. 

Mark Friend continued: “I’d also like to express my gratitude to Amanda Rowlatt, Dick Sorabji and Dr Mohini Parmar for their work as interim chairs of each trust over the last six months. They have helped continue the drive for innovation, improving outcomes and ensuring that our staff are supported to deliver the best possible care.” 

Looking ahead 

Mark Friend’s appointment is expected to accelerate efforts to integrate services across boroughs, enhance partnerships with local authorities and the voluntary sector, and improve access to care for all residents. His strategic vision and inclusive leadership style will be key to navigating the evolving healthcare landscape in London. 

James Benson, Chief Executive Officer at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, said: 

“I am delighted to welcome Mark as our Chair in Common and I look forward to working with him closely to benefit our communities, patients and staff. Mark’s extensive experience in public sector digital transformation and healthcare leadership will help the three trusts to build our close collaboration with each other and partners at a pivotal time for community healthcare services. I would like to thank Dr Dick Sorabji for acting as CLCH’s Chair since May, and for continuing to provide me and the Trust with his wisdom and support.” 

Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London said: 

 “Mark is a strategic leader, with a strong understanding of mental health and community services and a track record chairing multiple health organisations. He will be a great asset here in London, with his appointment coming at a crucial time as we focus on integration and neighbourhood working in our delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan." 

About the Trusts 

Between them, CLCH, CNWL and WLT provide community services, mental health services and many specialised services such as sexual health, HIV, children’s services, support for people with autism and learning disability and addictions as well as leading forensic services, in medium and high-secure settings, and in prisons. 

The Trusts work across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey, from a range of locations including hospitals, clinics and within the community. 

Across the three trusts: 

• We employ over 18,000 people 

• Care for a population of 7.2 million across 5 counties and 17 London boroughs 

• Turnover £1,647m 

Websites: 

• Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust 
• Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust 
• West London NHS Trust  

For media enquiries, please contact:  

Richard Mountford, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Email: richard.mountford1@nhs.net  Phone: 0779 0027419