North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed Edwin Ndlovu MBE as its new substantive Chief Executive.

Edwin is currently Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, at East London NHS Foundation Trust and brings a deep understanding of, and connection to, the diverse communities we serve, alongside strong and established working relationships with senior colleagues across the organisation. Edwin’s calm, thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, which will be important as we continue to lead the Trust through the next phase of our journey.

Edwin started his NHS career in 2000 as a staff nurse on Bevan Ward, at what was then City and Hackney Community Mental Health Trust.

Edwin was appointed Chief Operating Officer in June 2021, having previously served as Director of Operations from January 2020 and Interim Chief Operating Officer from October 2020. He was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in November 2023.

Edwin is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) by professional background, with clinical and operational leadership experience across a range of complex care settings, including forensic and adult mental health services. His career reflects a progression from point of care clinical practice into senior system leadership, maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety and service improvement. 

Interim leadership and driving forward improvements

Jan Ditheridge our Interim Chief Executive will continue to maintain momentum on our priorities and ensure a smooth and seamless transition as Edwin prepares to take up the role in the autumn.

Eileen Taylor, Chair:

“I am delighted to welcome Edwin Ndlovu as our new Chief Executive. Edwin brings a deep understanding of the diverse communities we serve, alongside strong relationships across the organisation and a calm, thoughtful leadership style.

He has a clear passion for the areas that matter most to us at NELFT – including patient and carer involvement, clinical leadership and continuous quality improvement – and a strong commitment to our values. This was reflected in the feedback we received from colleagues during the recruitment process.

I look forward to working with Edwin as we continue to build on our progress and deliver high-quality care for the people and communities we serve .”

Edwin Ndlovu MBE:

“I am honoured to be joining NELFT as Chief Executive. It is a good trust with a relational, compassionate culture and real ambition, serving communities I know and care about deeply. I'll start by listening, but listening isn't waiting. From day one I will hold with purpose what can't wait, and I will protect what's precious about NELFT's culture while I learn.

I also bring a clear commitment: to lead relationally and to deliver, because compassion and accountability are not opposites; to equity as a standard we measure rather than a sentiment we express; and to building strong, honest relationships with colleagues, partners and communities.”