Chief Executive announces retirement

Published: 17 September 2024

Our Chief Executive, Liz Davenport, has announced that she will be retiring from the NHS at the end of this year.

Liz has been our Chief Executive for six years and has worked for the NHS for more than 40 years, starting her occupational therapist training in 1983. She joined us in 2014 and was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in January 2015. As Chief Operating Officer, she took a key role in leading the implementation of the integrated care model, including the development of community services.

Our Chair, Professor Chris Balch, said: “Liz has been a tremendous Chief Executive for Torbay and South Devon, working tirelessly to deliver our vision of better health and care for all.

“She joined us in time to lead the implementation of our pioneering integrated care model, bringing together adult social care, community and acute services – work which has built our reputation both nationally and internationally and, more importantly, led to better experiences and outcomes for our people and communities.

“She has led us through the pandemic and its aftermath with compassion and courage. Her passion for service improvement and commitment to partnership working has benefited not only our organisation but the wider health and care system. She has made a significant contribution to the development of system working as the provider representative on the Devon Integrated Care Board and as senior responsible officer for the Peninsula Acute Sustainability Programme she has set the direction for increased collaboration in the provision of acute services across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“On a personal level she has provided immense support to me in the months since I became Chair and I am very grateful for this. On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deep gratitude and thanks to Liz for her service to the NHS.”

Announcing her retirement, Liz said: “After 40 years in the NHS, I have decided that the time is right for me to retire. It has been a real privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, talented and compassionate people throughout my career.

“It has been an honour to lead Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust for the past six years and I am hugely proud of the achievements of our teams and their commitment to compassionate care and integrated working.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of my colleagues for their dedication and commitment and also thank our volunteers, partners and the people of Torbay and South Devon for their kindness and support during my tenure.”

Liz will retire in December 2024. The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive will begin shortly.