Daniel Mortimer on the right leadership qualities

NHS leaders and managers have a crucial role to play in the future success of the health service. But what qualities, experience and values do these people need to have?

People want to work for a leader they believe in, one they can trust, one that listens and one they have confidence in to lead the workforce.

Having an engaged leadership team has proven links to increased staff engagement and high quality patient care.

The HSJ Top Chief Executives recognises individuals in the NHS who demonstrate these qualities and who are role models for other leaders.

They are passionate about making a difference for their people, patients and communities. They are prepared to change and adapt, and to trust in the talent of their teams. They support new and emerging leaders, and are prepared to see through change for the benefit of the citizens they are demonstrably proud to serve.

‘They are prepared to change and adapt, and to trust in the talent of their teams’

However, these leaders are also clear that they are not isolated, heroic figures.

Simply put: without an army Napoleon was just a bloke in a hat.

The people who appear on this list have all, in one way or another, demonstrated that they have the qualities required to lead their workforce into the future: congratulations to each and every one of them.

Daniel Mortimer is chief executive at NHS Employers