The chief executive of NHS England launched a new multi-disciplinary Centre for Health and Social Care Leadership at the University of Birmingham earlier this month.

Simon Stevens opened the Centre that builds upon the Health Service Management Centre and the wider university’s strong reputation in leadership.

Professor Judith Smith, Professor of Health Policy and Management and Co Director of the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham, said: “I am proud to introduce the Centre for Health and Social Care Leadership alongside Simon, Anita and many other colleagues from the sector.

“The NHS and adult social care are at a critical point in their history, and skilled leadership will be essential to their future. Leaders of the highest quality from clinical and non-clinical backgrounds and whose work draws on cutting edge research, will be central to the success of the NHS’s forthcoming ten-year term plan and the extended social care green paper.”

The Centre will become a major regional, national and international interdisciplinary hub for training and educating leaders in health and social care and conducting research into leadership and management within these sectors.

Dr Robin Miller, Co-Director of the Centre and incoming Head of Social Work and Social Care at the University of Birmingham, said: “Health and social care are complex sectors that have long recognised that success requires leadership across professions, organisations and communities.

“This exciting new Centre will provide a catalyst for discussion, learning and action to deliver the outcomes that people deserve, and society needs.”

There will be a strong external focus on addressing the needs of local communities and health and social care leaders and professionals.

External and community advisory groups will also provide critical challenge and support to the Centre.