We are delighted to announce that Andrea Young will become Chair of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust from 1 April 2026, following the completion of David Walker’s term at the end of March.

Andrea has been a valued non-executive director on our board since 2022 and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role. She began her NHS career in 1977 as a student nurse and later trained and practised as a midwife.

Andrea went on to hold a range of CEO roles in the NHS at regional and local level, culminating in her appointment as chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, a position she held until her retirement in 2020. She recently stepped down after 4 years, from the governing Board at the University of West of England and held the role of Chair of Bristol Health Partners for six years.

Andrea is currently a member of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, advising Ministers on NHS service changes. She is also an accredited coach and mentor, and volunteers with the Samaritans. Andrea lives in Oxford with her husband.

Andrea said:

“I am thrilled and humbled to step into the role of Chair of Oxford Health. These are vital and critical times for the NHS, particularly in mental health and community services. I look forward to working with our outstanding partners and staff to deliver the best in public services.

“The Trust is finalising its new strategy and I hope everyone is energised by the opportunities this and the 10-Year Health Plan present, including our partnership with Oxford University to develop new models of care at Warneford Park.

“I am grateful to David for his excellent stewardship of our organisation and his enduring advocacy for mental health users and their families.”

David Walker said:

“I am delighted at Andrea’s appointment. She already brings to the board her vast knowledge of the NHS, especially in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, her experience as a chief executive and her work in the voluntary sector with the Samaritans and others.

“Now, with Grant Macdonald our chief executive, she will lead the trust in delivering the NHS 10-Year Health Plan. As chair of our Quality Committee, she has brought to bear her clinical training and her deep understanding of regulation and performance measurement.

“I will be sad to stand down as chair, but assured the trust will be well led.”

Grant Macdonald said:

“On behalf of the Trust, I am delighted to welcome Andrea Young as our new Chair. Andrea’s experience and deep understanding of the NHS has already benefited the Trust in her current role and will be invaluable as we look to the future and the opportunities and challenges we will face. I look forward to working closely with her to build on our successes and shape an exciting future for our Trust.”

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Walker for his outstanding leadership and dedication as Chairman since 2019. David has guided the Trust through significant developments and challenges, and his contribution to Oxford Health and the wider NHS has been invaluable.