Celia Ingham Clark MBE appointed as FMLM Chair

Image

FMLM is delighted to announce that Celia Ingham Clark has been appointed Interim FMLM Chair. 

Following open recruitment and a full interview process of several candidates of exceptional quality, a panel Chaired by NHS England Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis selected Mrs Ingham Clark as FMLM’s new Chair.

A former surgeon, Mrs Ingham Clark began her career at the Whittington Hospital, going on to become its Medical Director. Alongside her surgical work she took opportunities to develop her leadership experience as Director of Medical Education, Clinical Director, Associate Medical Director and interim Director of Operations before being appointed as Executive Medical Director in 2004.

She has since held various leadership roles with NHS England, most recently as Medical Director for Professional Leadership and Professional Standards. Celia is an FMLM Founding Fellow and in 2012 received an MBE for her contributions to the NHS.

Mrs Ingham Clark said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to take up the role of Chair of FMLM at such an exciting period in the Faculty’s development, and at a time when its mission has never been more important across healthcare.

“The last few years have reinforced the importance of good clinical leadership – how it can save lives, improve quality of care and staff satisfaction – and the potentially appalling consequences of its absence. FMLM has a vital role to play in setting the standards for clinical leadership and management, and helping develop the skills of staff to enable the NHS to deliver on its objectives. 

“I look forward to collaborating with the Board, leadership team, staff and members to build on past success, navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead, and deliver improvements for our members and patients.”

Professor Rich Withnall, FMLM CEO, said: “I am delighted that Celia has been appointed as FMLM’s new Chair. She brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and experience, along with strong governance skills and strategic vision, that will help develop FMLM further and add value for our members. 

“As a Founding Fellow, she brings a deep commitment to our mission of improving clinical leadership for the ultimate benefit of patients. I am confident that she will play a pivotal role in guiding FMLM through its next chapter of growth and success, and I look forward to working with her. 

“I’d also like to thank our interview panel, chaired by Professor Sir Steve Powis and including Professor Nick Harding who represented FMLM’s membership, for their support and work during this process; work that has resulted in a great outcome for the Faculty and its members.”  

Mrs Ingham Clark takes up office for a year and will work with the new Board of Trustees to help guide the Faculty through its ongoing development. A full AGM will be held in 2025 where the future role requirements of a permanent Chair will be outlined, alongside revised Articles and Standing Orders. 

She succeeds Professor Sir Mayur Lakhani as Chair, whose successful term concluded on 31 December 2024 as previously announced. 

On behalf of FMLM we congratulate Celia on her election as Chair and look forward to benefitting from her experience and drive in improving medical leadership and management across healthcare.