David Bradley Announces Retirement | News

David Bradley, Chief Executive of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), has announced his retirement at the end of this year, following more than 40 years of dedicated service to the NHS.

David began his career in 1980 at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and has since held pivotal leadership roles across mental health, acute and community services. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to improving care and championing equality for patients, carers and staff. 

Since joining SLaM in 2019, David has led a period of transformation, including the development of the Trust’s strategy Aiming High, Changing Lives and the creation of the Pears Maudsley Centre – a £65m world-class facility for children and young people’s mental health, opening in 2026. Previously, as Chief Executive of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, he oversaw one of London’s most significant mental health redevelopment programmes, including a new £180m hospital and a £1bn site transformation at Springfield, Tooting.

David was a founding member of the South London Mental Health and Community Partnership, a pioneering provider collaborative that has delivered improved outcomes and reinvested £29m into new services. He also championed fair pay as NHS London lead for the Living Wage, increasing the number of accredited Trusts from eight in 2020 to 24 today.

Under his leadership, SLaM has become a national leader in anti-racism and community transformation, launching its first anti-racism strategy and piloting the Patient Carer Race Equality Framework. His vision for accessible, 24/7 community support helped secure £2m for SLaM as one of six national community transformation pilot sites.

Earlier this year David stepped down as a Chair of the Cavendish Square Group after holding the position for nearly four years, where his collaborative approach strengthened partnerships across London’s mental health trusts and drove system-wide improvements.

On behalf of the Cavendish Square Group, we thank David for his exceptional contribution and wish him all the very best for the future. 

Jane Bailey, Chair of SLaM, said:
“David Bradley’s retirement marks the end of an era. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to equity have left an indelible mark on our organisation and the communities we serve.”

 

Reflecting on his career, David said:
“It has been a privilege to serve the NHS and work alongside so many talented and compassionate individuals. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident the Trust will continue to thrive and innovate.”