MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Health and Social Care
This statement updates Senedd Members on the Independent Review
of NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) accountability
and governance arrangements, and separately the appointment of an
Interim Chief Executive for Velindre University NHS Trust.
In April 2025, the former Director General of Health, Social Care
and Early Years and NHS Wales Chief Executive commissioned an
independent review of NWSSP's governance and accountability
arrangements. NWSSP is an NHS organisation, hosted by Velindre.
These arrangements have been in place for 14 years. During this
time, NHS Wales has undergone significant change, including the
pandemic, and NWSSP has grown substantially since its creation in
2011.
The review engaged Velindre, NWSSP, and other NHS stakeholders.
The recommendations were shared with the Chairs of Velindre and
the Shared Services Partnership Committee, who have shared their
joint feedback. The final recommendations and response will be
published to ensure transparency, and implementation will follow,
through a collaborative programme between both organisations and
Welsh Government to strengthen governance and accountability.
I would like to address the allegations that have been made
concerning criminal activity within NWSSP. I want to state
unequivocally that Welsh Government has neither seen nor received
any evidence to suggest criminality.
Appointment of an Interim Chief Executive for Velindre
University NHS Trust
On 18 November, Welsh Government was informed that the employment
of the former Chief Executive, David Donegan, had been
terminated. Carl James has been appointed as Interim Chief
Executive. Carl has previously undertaken this role on an interim
basis, and his appointment will provide stability to the
organisation at this time.
NHS Chief Executives are employees of their respective
organisations. Any matters relating to their employment are the
responsibility of their Boards and organisations.
The Welsh Government had no involvement in the termination of the
former Chief Executive's employment. This decision, made by the
Velindre Board, was wholly independent of and not influenced by
the Independent Review of NWSSP governance and accountability
arrangements.
As part of my regular meetings with the Chair, I will continue to
seek assurances on the culture, leadership, and management of the
organisation to ensure it has the support needed during this
transitional period.
