Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Liz Davenport to the substantive post of Chief Executive. 

Liz has been carrying out the role on an interim basis since January 2018, having previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer for over three years, as well as being Deputy Chief Executive since 2016.

During her time in Torbay, Liz has pursued her passion for service transformation and workforce and culture change. She led the operational integration of Torbay Hospital with community services and adult social care, and worked with staff across the system to transform urgent and emergency care services, supporting improvement in the CQC rating to ‘good’ for these services. 

Liz has worked in the health and care sector for 32 years, following qualification as an Occupational Therapist in 1986.

She has had a varied career in the mental health, learning disability, acute, community and social care services, and came to Torbay with a wealth of previous experience at board level.

She was previously a member of the leadership team at Devon Partnership Trust, in various roles - including four years as a Locality Director, five years as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development and four years as Director of Operations. 

She was also Deputy Chief Executive at Devon Partnership Trust from April 2013 and acted as Chief Executive for a time until a substantive appointment was made. 

Before moving to Devon in 2001, Liz worked for several mental health and learning disability organisations holding professional leadership, team management and clinical roles.

Announcing the appointment, Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chairman of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were very fortunate to have some excellent candidates for this important role, which is a testament to how highly the Trust is regarded for providing innovative and forward thinking care for its local population. 

“Following a rigorous recruitment process I am delighted that Liz has been appointed to this role.  Her vast experience in many aspects of health and social care over the years, including improving and re-designing services, along with her enthusiasm, belief and passion to provide the very best care means that we have an excellent leader to take us forward in our vision.” 

Commenting on her appointment, Liz said: “I feel honoured to lead this fantastic organisation.  Our staff are passionate about doing the right thing for every individual in their care. Together, we are taking forward some ground-breaking initiatives as we work towards delivering truly integrated health and care services for the people of Torbay and South Devon.” 

The appointment to the role of Chief Executive follows the retirement of the previous Chief Executive, Mairead McAlinden, earlier this year.