Bradley started working for the NHS began in 1980 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

In his previous tenure, as chief executive at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, he led one of London's most significant successful mental health development schemes.

Bradley was one of the founders of the South London Mental Health and Community Partnership, an alliance of three London NHS trusts that, after being established in 2017, has transformed outcomes for people with specialist, often complex mental health problems.

Jane Bailey, chair of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘David Bradley's retirement marks the end of an era for our trust and the wider NHS. His unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and authentic commitment to equity have left an indelible mark on our organisation and the communities we serve. David's legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward, building on the foundations he has laid.'

Bradley said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve the NHS and to work alongside so many talented and compassionate individuals. I am proud of what we have achieved together, particularly in advancing mental health services and championing equity.

‘As I prepare for retirement, I am confident that the trust will continue to thrive and innovate, always keeping the needs of our communities at its heart. I want to thank our dedicated staff, our patients and their carers for their unrelenting dedication and support to improving mental health services.'

Bradley will step down at the end of this year.