The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) has welcomed James Sumner, Chief Executive of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, to its Board of Directors.

The NHSA is a not-for-profit health and life sciences partnership representing 20 leading research-intensive universities and NHS trusts across the North of England.

James will represent the alliance’s NHS Trust members on the board alongside Chair, Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool, and Professor Mark Kearney, Executive Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Leeds.

Within his position on the Board, James will provide strategic leadership and oversight to the NHSA as it drives forward its mission to harness the collective strengths of the North’s health and innovation assets for the benefit of the people and economy.

James has worked in the NHS for over 20 years in primary and secondary care, system improvement and Integrated Care roles across the North West of England. Before his current role as Group Chief Executive at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, he held senior roles at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.

Speaking about his appointment, James said: “After more than two decades working within the NHS across the North of England, I have watched the Northern Health Science Alliance develop into a powerful force for regional collaboration and innovation, and I have seen first-hand the positive impact that research-active hospitals have on patient outcomes. Its impact on health, research and policy has been transformative. I am delighted join the Board and to contribute to shaping the NHSA’s continued progress and positive influence across the communities we serve.”

Professor Louise Kenny, NHSA Board Chair, said: “The NHSA is honoured to welcome James Sumner to the Board of Directors. James is a respected authority across the North with decades of experience within the health care system. He will bring a valuable perspective to the NHSA Board and we are looking forward to working together to shape the organisation’s future and build on its momentum.”

Hannah Davies, Chief Executive at the NHSA, said: “We are thrilled to welcome James to our Board. James’s expertise and fresh perspective will be instrumental as we continue to drive health research and innovation and deliver impact across the North.”

The Board announcement comes after the core NHSA team also welcomed Rosina Read as Communications and Public Affairs Officer. Rosina, a recent graduate from The University of Manchester, has experience working in policy engagement within academic institutions.