The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) has appointed Sue Killen as interim chief executive and registrar, effective 30 July.

Killen was chief executive of St John Ambulance until last September, when she stepped down after 10 years with the charitable organisation. Before that, she held a range of senior roles in the civil service, including as a director general.

She also led an independent review of palliative care for children and young people for the Department of Health, as well tackling the impact of the misuse of drugs while director of drug strategy at the Home Office. Her other government roles spanned transport, energy and the Treasury, including work on nuclear safety and transport accident investigation.

In mid-May Jackie Smith announced she was stepping down from the role of chief executive and registrar after six years in the job. A permanent replacement is currently being sought by the NMC.