In September, Porter was announced as the chair of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB, in addition to his existing role as chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB. 

With his new additional responsibility for the Hertfordshire and west Essex area, Porter now chairs all three of the East of England ICBs, which are expected to be legally established as Central East ICB in April 2026.

Porter said: ‘It is a privilege to be appointed to lead Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB – which is expected to form a significant part of what will become one of England's largest Integrated Care Boards, serving 3.5 million people in one of the most diverse, vibrant and fast-growing areas of England – where I am proud to be a resident.

‘I have already begun to meet, listen to and learn from NHS colleagues, local government leaders, partner organisations and residents across the area. I am thrilled to be a part of the mission to reshape health and care services and implement the government's three big priorities in its 10-Year Plan for Health: shifting the emphasis from a sickness service to a service that supports people to stay healthy, moving NHS support out of big hospitals and into local neighbourhoods when that's in patients' best interests, and creating modern, digital, services which are fit for our residents now, and in the future.'

The three current ICBs that Porter chairs will legally remain in place until proposed changes are enacted in April 2026.

Clare Panniker, regional director for NHS England in the East of England, said: ‘I'm delighted that Robin will be the chair, bringing his wealth of public sector experience in both the NHS and local government to benefit patients in the area, and our wider region.

‘His appointment will play a pivotal role in helping us deliver the bold and ambitious 10-Year Health Plan here in the East of England.'

Porter takes over from Professor Gurch Randhawa, who will now step into the role of deputy chair.