Health watchdog policy chief to take charge at charity coalition

Health and social care charities coalition National Voices has named Jacob Lant as its next chief executive.

He joins in May from Healthwatch England, the independent statutory body that supports patient involvement in health services.

At the watchdog Lant is head of policy, public affairs, research and insight.

Lunt replaces interim chief executive Sarah Sweeney. The role was last held on a permanent basis in October 2022 by Charlotte Augst.

“We are delighted to welcome Jacob to the National Voices team,” said the charity coalition’s chair Helen Buckingham.

“As we navigate some of the most challenging times any of us have ever experienced, ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience are listened to by decision-makers has never been more important. Jacob’s passion to make a real difference to people who use health and care services shines through everything he does, and we know he will lead National Voices from strength to strength.”

🧵

We have a very exciting announcement! 🎉 @jacoblant, who is currently Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research and Insight at @HealthwatchE, will be joining the National Voices team as our new Chief Executive in May!

👉 https://t.co/nFlwPjfeEc pic.twitter.com/HE0cjorCfo
— National Voices (@NVTweeting) February 28, 2023

Lant added: “I have had the pleasure of working alongside National Voices for many years, collaborating to put people with lived experience at the heart of some of the biggest decisions in health and care. I have seen first-hand the impact the team are having, reshaping the culture in our NHS to increasingly value the experiences and input of those receiving care. So, it is a genuine privilege to be joining as the new chief cxecutive.”

“I want to extend my thanks to Sarah for having led the organisation so brilliantly through this period of change, and to Charlotte Augst for having built National Voices into the force it is today. I look forward to bringing my own determination and energy to the role and to building a powerful coalition to champion the interests of people accessing health and care.”