LOCSU Chief Executive Leaves for Role at NHSE
22 March 2022
Richard Whittington, the chief executive of LOCSU, has announced that he is standing down to take up a role within NHS England.
Richard first joined LOCSU in 2016 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2018. He was promoted to Chief Executive two years later.
During his time as LOCSU’s senior executive, he dealt with the challenges of significant structural change within the NHS and supported LOCs through COVID-19, the biggest health crisis in recent history.
Under Richard’s leadership we have seen the development of the Optical Lead Team, the emergence of different LOC support channels (including regional forums), and a huge change in the structure of companies delivering extended services. At the same time there has been a significant increase in the number and range of services LOCSU delivers to LOCs. Most recently Richard, working with other sector bodies, played a role in negotiating with the NHS to compensate for the loss of sight test fees, and the design and delivery of the COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service (CUES). He also set up a joint initiative with Primary Eyecare Services to provide PPE.
Richard said:
“I have really enjoyed my time at LOCSU and working with LOCs across the country. We have seen the most challenging situation over the last 2 years, and I have been really proud of how LOCs have been able to respond. This provides a bedrock for the NHS reform agenda to come, something that LOCs will be at the centre of as ICSs take control of NHS delivery. I would like to thank everybody who I have worked with, and been supported by, over the last 5 years and wish the LOCs and LOCSU well for what I am confident will be a bright future.”
Mike Fegan, Chairman of LOCSU, said:
“Richard is one of the most capable people that I have come across in my time within the optical sector. He will be a big loss for LOCSU but I am sure he will make a major contribution within his new role in NHSE. Richard has brought a real sense of purpose as Chief Executive and he has been fun to work with. I wish him all the best for the future.”
Richard will take up his new position as NHS England’s Head of Speciality Pathways Redesign after Easter.
Details of the recruitment process to find Richard’s successor will be announced soon.