Leeds hospitals trust begins search for new chief executive amid maternity inquiry
The trust promised “cultural change” in the organisation
An NHS trust is recruiting a full-time chief executive as the city’s hospitals face an inquiry into maternity care.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals, which has come under scrutiny over failings in the treatment of mums and babies, is hiring for the top job.
The trust, which runs St James’s University Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, has been led by an interim chief executive, Brendan Brown, for the past year.
Applications for the substantive chief executive role are being invited until October 1.
An NHS job advert posted on September 17 said: “This is one of the most significant leadership opportunities in the NHS.
“We are seeking an exceptional chief executive to lead the trust through its next phase of improvement, transformation and growth.”
The Leeds trust is subject to an independent review into maternity and neonatal services, led by expert midwife Donna Ockenden.
It was launched following concerns raised by families and a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection which rated maternity services as “inadequate” in June 2025.
There was further criticism in a CQC inspection of how well-led the trust was later that year. Safety concerns were also raised over the care of black and Asian women in a separate NHS England report in November.
The trust said it was making improvements and promised “cultural change” in the organisation.
Mr Brown joined the Leeds trust from Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust in September 2025.
He replaced Prof Phil Wood, who’s retirement after more than 30 years in the NHS was announced last July.
The job advert said the salary for the new chief executive role would depend on experience.
The trust’s latest annual report shows Prof Wood was on a salary scale of £275,000 to £280,000 during has last full year in charge.
The job advert said: “The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality and safest treatment and care to every patient, every time.
“Our vision is to provide the highest quality specialist and integrated care.”