South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) are pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Ashton as Group Chief Executive, providing executive leadership across both organisations.
Simon’s appointment was made following a joint recruitment process and confirmation by both Councils of Governors. He will take up the role in the Autumn of this year, supporting the next phase of development for the emerging Ambulance Group and building on the strong collaborative foundations already in place across both Trusts.
As Group Chief Executive, Simon will be responsible for providing clear, inclusive leadership across SCAS and SECAmb, working closely with the new Group Chair Colin Dennis, both Trust Boards, Governors, staff and system partners to deliver safe, effective and high‑quality urgent and emergency care to communities across the whole South East region.
Simon brings nearly 30 years of NHS experience, with over a decade in executive leadership roles. Clinically trained as a physiotherapist, he has progressed through senior clinical, operational and strategic leadership positions, overseeing large scale clinical services, major infrastructure investment, financial recovery, population health partnerships and collaborative working across integrated care systems.
He is currently Chief Executive of Newham University Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, one of the largest and most complex NHS organisations in the country. During his time at Barts Health, Simon has led significant improvement and transformation across hospital and system settings, with a strong focus on compassionate leadership, workforce engagement, quality, safety and operational performance.
Simon joins SCAS and SECAmb at an important moment, as both organisations continue to strengthen joint working in areas such as workforce planning, digital development, clinical collaboration, service resilience and staff wellbeing, supporting the delivery of excellent care for patients while creating a sustainable and supportive environment for staff.
Michael Whitehouse, Chair of SECAmb, said: “Simon brings a strong combination of clinical credibility, operational experience and values‑driven leadership. Throughout the appointment process, he demonstrated a clear understanding of the pressures facing ambulance services, alongside a strong commitment to collaboration, compassion and improvement. We are confident that Simon will provide the visible, inclusive leadership our people and communities need as we take forward our Group model.”
Professor Sir Keith Willett, Chair of SCAS, said: “This is a significant appointment for both organisations. Simon’s track record of leading complex NHS services, improving performance and working effectively with partners stood out. He brings the right balance of strategic focus and attention to people, and we are delighted to welcome him as Group Chief Executive at such a pivotal time for SCAS and SECAmb.”
Speaking about his appointment, Simon Ashton said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first Group Chief Executive for South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service. Both organisations play a vital role in their communities, and I have been hugely impressed by the professionalism, skill and dedication of staff across both Trusts.
“I am excited to work with our colleagues, Boards, Governors, and partners to build on the strong foundations already in place. Together, we will continue to strengthen collaboration, support our frontline teams and improve outcomes for patients, ensuring our ambulance services are resilient, responsive and sustainable for the future.”
ENDS