New employer chair of the NHS Staff Council appointed
Bridget O’Kelly, chief people officer at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, has taken over the role of NHS Staff Council employer chair from today (1 October 2026). She will work closely with trade union colleagues on the Agenda for Change terms and conditions and national pay.
Bridget has spent 16 years working across the NHS, having joined the service after an earlier career that took her from teaching into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in the UK and overseas, before she moved into HR and made the NHS her long-term home. She has been a member of the NHS Staff Council since 2023, and colleagues describe her as a passionate advocate for NHS staff, with a deep commitment to fair pay and good employment practice for the people who keep NHS services running every day.
She succeeds Steven Ned, chief people officer at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who has served as employer chair since March 2026 and retired from the NHS in September 2026.
Ahead of his departure, Steven shared the following reflections and farewell message:
“It has been a privilege to be involved in the work of the NHS Staff Council for 10 years. The NHS has changed in that time but the onoing need for partnership working between employers and trade unions remains as critical as ever. Working to create the best conditions for staff is central to supporting the delivery of high-quality care to patients in the NHS. I would like to thank all colleagues that have been part of the NHS Staff Council during my time with a particular mention to colleagues at NHS Employers who provide invaluable support to the workings of the NHS Staff Council.”
As she begins her tenure as employer chair, Bridget said:
“Firstly I’d like to thank Steven for the contribution he has made as employer-side chair. I'm proud to take on this role at such an important time for the NHS workforce. In 16 years in this service, I've seen first-hand how much fair pay and good employment practice mean to the people delivering care every day, and I know how much difference the right decisions at national level can make on the ground. I'm looking forward to working with trade union colleagues and the whole Staff Council to get this right for NHS staff and ultimately the people we care for.”
Find out more about the NHS Staff Council, which includes member details and a short video to find out more about their role.
