Publish date: 24 October 2025
West London NHS Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Friend as their new Chair, from 17 November 2025.
Mark brings a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, governance, and strategic transformation. He has been Interim Group Chair of Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, as well Senior Independent Director at North East London Foundation Trust.
At West London, he will lead the Board in delivering its strategy to ensure that the Trust continues to provide excellent care for its communities.
In addition to his role at West London, he will also become Chair of Central and West London NHS Foundation Trust and Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
Important timing
Mark Friend arrives at a pivotal time for the three trusts, which have been deepening their collaboration through shared governance and integrated care initiatives. The appointment follows the departure of Tom Kibasi in May 2025, who was the first postholder of the joint chair role across the three trusts. Since then, Dr Mohini Parmar took over the role as Interim Chair at West London NHS Trust.
His appointment signals a continued commitment to strengthening ties across community and mental health services, ensuring that patients across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey receive seamless, high-quality care.
“I am honoured to take on this role and build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessor,” said Mark Friend.
“The opportunity to lead three outstanding NHS organisations in their journey toward greater integration is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to working closely with staff, service users, and our partners to deliver compassionate, joined-up care that meets the diverse needs of our communities.”
Partnership working
The three trusts have already made significant strides in partnership working through Provider Collaboratives, with shared priorities in mental health, community services, and workforce wellbeing. Under Mark’s leadership, the trusts will continue to develop their board-in-common model, which meets regularly to align strategy and governance across the organisations.
Mark Friend continued: “I’d also like to express my gratitude to Amanda Rowlatt, Dick Sorabji and Dr Mohini Parmar for their work as interim chairs of each trust over the last six months. They have helped continue the drive for innovation, improving outcomes and ensuring that our staff are supported to deliver the best possible care.”
Looking ahead
Mark Friend’s appointment is expected to accelerate efforts to integrate services across boroughs, enhance partnerships with local authorities and the voluntary sector, and improve access to care for all residents. His strategic vision and inclusive leadership style will be key to navigating the evolving healthcare landscape in London.
Maria O’Brien, Chief Executive of West London NHS Trust, said: “I’m really pleased to have someone of Mark’s calibre join us as our new Chair. It’s an exciting time at West London - we have just refreshed our strategy so we can build on the strong foundations we have already set, and I look forward to working with him to continue delivering care we’re proud of.
“I would also like to thank Mohini for her leadership as Interim Chair. Her counsel and guidance to me and the rest of the Board over the last six months has been invaluable and I am grateful we’ll continue working together as she resumes her role as Vice Chair.”
Dame Caroline Clarke, Regional Director for the NHS in London said: “Mark is a strategic leader, with a strong understanding of mental health and community services and a track record chairing multiple health organisations. He will be a great asset here in London, with his appointment coming at a crucial time as we focus on integration and neighbourhood working in our delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan."
About the Trusts
Between them, CLCH, CNWL and WLT provide community services, mental health services and many specialised services such as sexual health, HIV, children’s services, support for people with autism and learning disability and addictions as well as leading forensic services, in medium and high-secure settings, and in prisons.
The Trusts work across North West, South West and North Central London, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Surrey, from a range of locations including hospitals, clinics and within the community.
Across the three trusts:
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We employ over 18,000 people
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Care for a population of 7.2 million across 5 counties and 17 London boroughs
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Turnover £1,647m
Websites:
Home :: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust