Niall Dickson has been appointed the new chief executive of the NHS Confederation, replacing Stephen Dalton in the post.

Dickson has just completed seven years as chief executive of the General Medical Council and prior to that he was chief executive of The King’s Fund. He was also the BBC’s social affairs editor for many years.

NHS Confederation chairman Stephen Dorrell said: “This appointment is a major coup for the NHS Confederation and will add enormous value to the myriad of skills and experience we already possess at this organisation. 

“Niall will help ensure the NHS Confederation remains the first port-of-call when the health service needs a voice, binding in the highest levels of experience and influence across the full spectrum of health and care services.

“He brings with him a diverse range of skills and experience including superb leadership, a strong record of innovation and delivery, and a raft of invaluable contacts and carefully nurtured relationships in key areas.

"The NHS Confederation has made enormous progress under the interim stewardship of Stephen Dalton who has expertly navigated us through a period of change and uncertainty. Stephen Dalton is a massively respected and admired colleague who receives the best of wishes from everyone at the Confederation.”

Dickson starts his new role on 1 February 2017.