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Paul Baumann, Chief Financial Officer, to leave NHS England

After 11 years with the NHS, Paul Baumann CBE is to leave the Health Service in November to take up the post of Receiver General of Westminster Abbey. Paul agreed to delay confirming a start date for his new role until the long-term NHS financial settlement was confirmed this week.

Paul is Chief Financial Officer for NHS England, a post he has held since it was created in 2012. Paul has managed the NHS finances during one of the most financially challenging periods in its history, and during this time he has also provided leadership to a number of wider programmes, including specialised commissioning and devolution to Greater Manchester, London and Surrey. Paul joined NHS London, the Strategic Health Authority for the Capital, as its first Chief Financial Officer in May 2007 and took up his current position in May 2012.

Paul Baumann said: “It has been a privilege to work in the NHS, both in London and nationally. This has been a time of exceptional challenge for the service, and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and professionalism of colleagues across the NHS and within NHS England who have worked so hard to secure the best possible value – for patients and for taxpayers – with the public money under our stewardship.

“With a long-term financial settlement now in place, I wish the NHS well as it moves forward from its 70th birthday to the next phase of its distinguished history of constant innovation and dedicated service.

“The creation of a single leadership team for the NHS nationally will help the service capture the many opportunities which lie ahead, and I wish my successor every success as I move onto my next challenge.

“Like the NHS, Westminster Abbey occupies a unique position at the centre of our national life, and I am delighted to be taking up the role of Receiver General at a time when the Abbey has unprecedented opportunities to build on its 750 year legacy of excellence in ministry and service.”

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, said: “Paul has done a sterling job in the wider NHS for 11 years and at NHS England since it was founded. As we approach the 70th anniversary of the NHS, Paul has done far more than just help steady the ship during a period of intense funding pressure. He has helped drive major gains for both patients and taxpayers both nationally and locally, helping ensure the NHS is now well positioned to develop a long term plan for the decade ahead.

“Looking to the future and the closer working of NHS England and NHS Improvement, we will shortly be advertising for a joint Chief Financial Officer across both organisations.”