Sylvester started writing about politics in 1996 and was a lobby correspondent on The Daily Telegraph before becoming political editor of The Independent on Sunday. She joined The Times in 2008. In addition to her role as a columnist, Sylvester chaired The Times commissions on health and education and is currently chairing its Crime and Justice Commission. 

She replaces Branwen Jeffreys, the BBC's Education Editor, who stepped down after serving as a foundation governor since 2015. 

Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive at the Health Foundation, said: ‘Rachel's forensic analysis of government policy and clear understanding of what needs to be done to tackle the issues facing the health and care sector, as demonstrated through her work chairing the Times Health Commission, will be invaluable to us.'

Sylvester added: ‘I am very much looking forward to taking on this role for the Health Foundation at such a profound moment of change in our political landscape. The foundation plays a crucial role in holding governments to account and informing the policy debate.'