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Wednesday 5 November Agenda
Sir David Sloman
Former Chief Operating Officer at NHS England
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"Leadership at the Centre: Clinical Leaders Shaping the NHS"
With a distinguished career spanning senior roles across NHS Trusts and national leadership as Chief Operating Officer at NHS England, Sir David Sloman brings unparalleled insight into how the health system operates at every level. In this keynote, he will reflect on his experience leading both provider organisations and regional systems, and his time overseeing national operations during one of the most challenging periods in NHS history. He will explore the ambitions and implications of the current NHS Long Term Plan, and how clinical leaders are essential to turning national priorities into local action. From quality improvement to system collaboration.
Dr Nikki Kanani, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer
Aneira Health
“From the Frontline to the Future: Reimagining Clinical Leadership in a Changing NHS”
In this fireside-style session, Dr Kanani will reflect on her journey through NHS leadership — from GP to national clinical director to co-founding a women’s health start-up. The session will explore how clinical leadership is evolving, why it needs to be reimagined, and how future leaders can influence policy, innovation, and equity in healthcare. Dr Kanani will share lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the shifting digital landscape, and the work she’s now leading at Aneira Health — including what it takes to move from ideas to action in complex systems. The session will give you practical takeaways on staying grounded, agentic, and values-led in high-pressure environments.
Terry Roberts, Chief People Officer
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
"People Power: Tackling the Workforce Challenge in the NHS"
This session, led by Terry Roberts, will explore the complex and pressing workforce challenges facing the NHS today. From recruitment and retention to long-term workforce planning, participants will gain a strategic view of the key issues affecting not only clinical staff but also the wider NHS workforce. The session will also examine themes such as equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I), and how these intersect with broader workforce dynamics. Attendees will be encouraged to consider their role as clinical leaders in shaping supportive, inclusive working environments and driving sustainable workforce solutions at team and organisational levels.
Fiona Wheeler, Deputy Chief Executive
Barking Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust
"Inside the NHS Boardroom: Leading Through Uncertainty"
During the session, Fiona will offer a candid perspective on executive leadership in the NHS. Drawing on her experiences in the boardroom, the talk will explore how strategic decisions are made amid operational pressures, financial constraints, and political scrutiny. Through the session you will gain an inside view of the challanges, trade-offs, and leadership dilemmas that shape executive-level decision-making — including balancing competing priorities across patient safety, workforce, and performance. The session will highlight the critical role of clinical voices at board level and provide practical insights on how future leaders can navigate complexity, influence, and lead with purpose in challenging times
Mark Foy, Associate Director Performance & Planning
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
In this session, a senior NHS planning and performance lead will demystify the world of NHS targets and performance metrics. Aimed at clinical staff who may be less familiar with operational detail, the talk will explain what key targets mean, why they exist, and how they shape patient care and organisational priorities. Participants will gain insights into some of the most challenged performance areas in NHS hospitals today, such as elective recovery and emergency care. The session will also introduce the annual planning process, helping attendees understand how activity targets are set and how Trusts determine the volume of care they are expected to deliver. This session will equip clinical leaders with the knowledge to better engage with performance discussions and contribute to service improvement efforts.
"Making Sense of the Money: NHS Finances Demystified"
In this session, Damien will provide a practical overview of how funding flows through the NHS — from national allocations to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and individual Trusts. Participants will gain insights into the current financial pressures facing the NHS, the key drivers behind these challenges, and the strategies some Trusts are using to navigate them. The session will explore the role of clinical leaders in financial decision-making, offering practical guidance on how clinicians can engage with finance teams, influence resource allocation, and drive value-based care within their services. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of NHS finances and feel more confident in contributing to financial discussions in their leadership roles.
Dr Asif Mazumder, Consultant Radiologist and Deputy CCIO
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
