A new chairperson has been appointed to lead two ambulance services as a combined entity.
Colin Dennis will take up the role at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust from this spring, bringing unified non-executive oversight to both trusts.
The appointment was confirmed by the Councils of Governors from both organisations on March 27, after receiving backing from the joint appointments panel.
Chas McGill MBE, lead governor at SCAS, and Andrew Latham, lead governor at SECAmb, said the selection process made clear that Colin brought a valuable combination of experience, forward-thinking approach and sound understanding of the challenges and opportunities lying ahead.
Both governing bodies agreed he showed the drive, leadership qualities and perspective needed for this important role, and that he would prove an excellent choice as the first Group Chair to guide both organisations through their next stage of development and continued efforts to deliver outstanding patient care.
Mr Dennis takes the helm at a significant moment as the trusts expand their collaboration in areas such as digital systems, workforce planning, environmental strategies and operational support across the region.
He said he felt honoured to have been chosen as the first Group Chair for South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
Both organisations play a vital role in delivering urgent and emergency medical care to millions of people, and he had already been deeply impressed by the professionalism, dedication and compassion shown by staff across both trusts.
He looked forward to working with the Boards, Governors, partners and above all the workforce to provide clear direction, stability and a coherent strategy.
Together, they would strengthen collaboration, support their front-line teams and drive innovations that deliver real improvements for patients.
By doing so, they would build solid foundations for a safer, more sustainable future for everyone who relies on their services.
Anne Eden, NHS England regional director for the South East, said she was delighted that Colin had chosen to join the South East region to share his expertise in developing a new Group model and further improvements, both for staff and to benefit the patients and communities they serve.
Karen McDowell, chief executive of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex ICB, said they were pleased to welcome Colin as the first Group Chair spanning South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
This was a particularly significant milestone for both organisations, and Colin brought substantial experience to oversee and advance their ambitions, offering strong leadership, clear focus on delivery and genuine concern for the combined workforce across their ambulance services.