Taylor has led the NHS Confederation since June 2021 and in that time has been a strong advocate for the health and care system across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including during its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, industrial action, and in the run up to the General Election.

Under Taylor's leadership, the NHS Confederation has developed and grown its membership, with networks in England spanning integrated care systems, primary care, mental health and acute care.

Working with them, he pushed for increased capital investment, further decentralisation and for better collaboration between health and social care. This includes through integrated care systems, the development of place-based partnerships and more recently, in the growth of neighbourhood health teams.

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, said: 'I was pleased to appoint Matthew as chief executive nearly five years ago when in the wake of the pandemic, the NHS needed a powerful voice to enact change. Matthew has been an outstanding leader in that time and an unparalleled advocate for our members, steering them through numerous challenges while presenting a hopeful and insightful vision for the future.

'The organisation that Matthew will leave is vastly different to the one he joined and on behalf of my Board of Trustees, I would like to thank and commend Matthew for his vital contribution.'

Taylor said: 'By the time I step down, I will have had five fantastic years at the NHS Confederation. During this time, we have reasserted the role of the NHS Confederation as a constructive and influential voice in shaping health policy and practice on behalf of our members, while also empowering local health and care organisations to innovate and collaborate for the benefit of their local communities.

'I am proud of what we have achieved together and honoured to have served the organisation and its members during this period.'

The NHS Confederation's Board of Trustees will meet in October to consider succession planning and the organisation will update its members, partners and staff in due course.