Members of the department board provide independent advice and expertise to inform the department's strategy, performance and governance. The lead non-executive member provides additional support to the secretary of state for health and social care in his role as chair of the board.

Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary, said: ‘Alan made the reforms which helped deliver the shortest waiting times and highest patient satisfaction in the history of the NHS.'

He added: ‘His unique expertise and experience will be invaluable, and he has an outstanding track record of delivering better care for patients.'

Milburn said: ‘Having spent three decades working in health policy, I have never seen the NHS in a worse state. Big reforms will be needed to make it fit for the future.

‘I am confident this government has the right plans in place to transform the health service and the health of the nation. I'm looking forward to working with them to achieve that mission.'

Milburn replaces Samantha Jones, who has been non-executive director since February 2023.