Lynch currently serves as vice chair of integrated community and mental health provider North East London NHS Foundation Trust and was previously its senior independent director. He is also chair of Locala Health and Wellbeing, a social enterprise delivering independent, NHS and local authority commissioned community health and wellbeing services across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

Lynch will take up the role on 1 July 2026, following the completion of the terms of office of Dr Jackie Craissati, chair of Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust from 2021 to 2026, and John Goulston, chair of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust from 2018 to 2026.

Lynch said: ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to work closely with two progressive NHS organisations, to support more ambitious and effective transformation across mental and community health services in Kent and Medway. developments within places and Neighbourhoods, for instance, offer so many opportunities.'

Sheila Stenson, chief executive of Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Colin as our joint chair. His experience, values and strong commitment to system working and cultural development will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen governance, improve consistency and work more closely with our partners to deliver joined‑up care for local people.'

Mairead McCormick, chief executive of Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Colin as our joint chair. He brings a breadth of experience across community physical and mental health, with a real understanding of the ambitions of helping communities thrive. He also demonstrates a real interest in people, values and behaviours, which will be instrumental in continuing to build on our collaborative approach to delivering health care.'