Bailey began her career in the 1980s as a registered nurse and midwife. She also qualified as a family planning nurse before completing an MSc in Health Care Policy and Organisation at the University of Nottingham.

She has since worked at board and chief executive level, including as accountable officer for NHS Nottingham West and Rushcliffe Clinical Commissioning Groups, director of health improvement and planning within a primary care trust, and general manager at Principia – Partners in Health.

Bailey has also contributed nationally to health policy and improvement. She was appointed by the secretary of state for health to serve on the NHS Future Forum, co- chairing the Public Health group whose recommendations informed legislative change.

In addition, she has held a number of governance and assurance roles as a non-executive director at University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust, as a member of the Council of the University of Nottingham, and with the Local Government Association.

Bailey said: ‘CityCare plays a vital role in supporting people to live well in their own communities, and I have long admired the organisation's commitment to compassionate, high-quality care, strong partnership working and valuing its people. I'm really looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and communities as we build on CityCare's strong foundations together.'

Nic Atkinson, chief executive of Nottingham CityCare Partnership, added: ‘Vicky brings a wealth of experience from across the NHS locally and nationally, alongside a strong values led approach to leadership. Her deep understanding of community services, governance and partnership working will be a real asset to the organisation, and I am very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to deliver high quality care for the communities we serve.'

Bailey succeeds Sherry Malik, whose term as chair concludes at the end of March.