Introducing our new Chair | Latest news

Elaine Baylis QPM has been appointed as the new Chair of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH).  

With more than 45 years' experience in public service, including 15 years in the NHS, Elaine was most recently Group Chair of Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group.

With a background in policing, Elaine's career culminated in her holding the role of Assistant Chief Constable. In 2005, she was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for her distinguished service to policing. She has also served on the boards of several third-sector organisations in Lincolnshire and spent three years as Chair of the Lincolnshire Adults Safeguarding Board.

During her NHS career, Elaine has held several senior leadership roles, including Chair of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, Chair of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and, most recently, Group Chair of the Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals Group. In this role, she led the coming together of the two organisations, supporting closer working and improving care and experience for the people of Lincolnshire.

Elaine said: “I am delighted to be joining Nottingham University Hospitals as Chair at such an important time for the Trust.

 “NUH plays a vital role in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across Nottinghamshire and beyond, and I have been impressed by the commitment of colleagues I have met to improving services and delivering the best possible care for patients.

“I am looking forward to getting started and meeting staff, patients, families and partners over the coming months. Together, we have an opportunity to build on the progress already being made, continue to strengthen confidence in the Trust and ensure we deliver the high-quality, compassionate care that our communities deserve.

“I recognise that there is still much work to do, including responding to the recently published Independent Maternity Review and embedding lasting improvement across the organisation. I am committed to supporting the Board and Executive Team as they continue that important work.”

Elaine's appointment was confirmed following a recruitment process led by NHS England. She will officially take-up her role on 14 September 2026.

Anthony May, Chief Executive of NUH, said: “I am pleased to welcome Elaine to NUH. She brings a wealth of experience from across public service and the NHS, together with a strong track record of leading organisations through improvement, transformation and partnership working.

“As we continue our work to improve services for our patients, strengthen our culture and deliver on the commitments we have made following the Independent Maternity Review, Elaine's experience, leadership and unwavering commitment to public service will be invaluable. I look forward to working closely with her as we build a stronger future for NUH.”

Karen Tomlinson, who is currently serving as Interim Chair, will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

Anthony added: “I would like to thank Karen for her ongoing leadership and support as Interim Chair. She is providing stability, challenge and guidance during a significant period for the Trust and has played an important role in supporting our improvement journey. Her continued role on the Board will be a great asset to the organisation.”

Elaine succeeds Nick Carver, who was appointed NHS England Regional Chair for the East of England after more than four years as Chair of NUH.