Elaine, who will take up the role on 14th September 2026, was most recently Group Chair of the Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group. She previously held senior NHS leadership roles including Chair of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust and Chair of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Before moving into healthcare leadership, Elaine had a long career in policing, which culminated in her appointment as Assistant Chief Constable. She was awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM) in 2005 for distinguished service to policing. She has also held board positions with third-sector organisations and served as Chair of the Lincolnshire Adults Safeguarding Board.

Her appointment follows a recruitment process led by NHS England and comes at a significant time for NUH as the Trust continues its improvement programme following the publication of the Independent Maternity Review.

Elaine said she was "delighted" to be joining NUH and recognised the importance of the Trust's role in providing care for communities across Nottinghamshire and beyond.

She said: "I am looking forward to getting started and meeting staff, patients, families and partners over the coming months. Together, we have an opportunity to build on the progress already being made, continue to strengthen confidence in the Trust and ensure we deliver the high-quality, compassionate care that our communities deserve."

NUH Chief Executive Anthony May welcomed the appointment, highlighting Elaine's experience of leading organisations through improvement and transformation.

He said: "Elaine's experience, leadership and unwavering commitment to public service will be invaluable as we continue our work to improve services for our patients, strengthen our culture and deliver on the commitments we have made following the Independent Maternity Review."

Current Interim Chair Karen Tomlinson will remain on the Trust Board as a Non-Executive Director. Anthony May thanked her for providing "stability, challenge and guidance" during a key period for the organisation.

Elaine succeeds Nick Carver, who became NHS England Regional Chair for the East of England after more than four years as Chair of NUH.