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Mental Health Leaders Network, March 2026
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Network

Mental Health Leaders Network

5 March 2026

11:00 - 12:30

Online via Teams

  • Leadership

  • Delivery and performance

  • Mental health

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Overview

Explore common challenges and opportunities within mental health trusts and services

As the NHS continues to undergo changes, this network event is your opportunity to discuss your current priorities with fellow leaders in mental health trusts.

Why this matters

This networks provides you an opportunity to hear from key stakeholders and colleagues from across health and mental health services.

As the NHS is rapidly evolving, it's important to step back from the day-to-day and reflect on the key challenges facing your role, team and trust. Operating under Chatham House Rule, this member-only network will provide you an opportunity to:

  • Share ideas and exchange learning.
  • Hear presentations from communications leaders experts on the latest innovative work in the sector.
  • Engage in interactive sessions to ask questions and share your thoughts.
  • Have open and honest discussions with peers in breakout sessions.

 

Very informative and engaging session.

Previous attendee

Agenda

Thursday 5 Mar

  1. 10:45Waiting room open

  2. 11:00Welcome

    • Introduction and chair's welcome

      • Karen Taylor

  3. 11:05Session 1

    • Strategic policy update

      A presentation on strategic policy issues and developments, sharing analysis on what these may mean for the provider sector and considerations for mental health leaders.

      Following the presentation, you'll have opportunity to engage in an interactive Q&A.

      • Rebecca Gray

      • Dr Buki Adeyemo

  4. 11:40Session 2

    • Shaping the Mental Health sector narrative

      Join fellow leaders for an interactive session focused on co‑creating a refreshed, collective narrative for the mental health sector. Together, we’ll explore what the sector stands for today, what it aspires to become and how a stronger shared story can support boards, influence systems and drive meaningful change.

      Your insights will help shape a narrative that truly reflects the needs, pressures and ambitions of mental health leaders across the country.

  5. 12:25Closing comments

Network chair

Karen Taylor

Karen Taylor

Chief Executive

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Leaders co-chair.

Rebecca Gray

Rebecca Gray

Director of Mental Health Network

NHS Confederation

Dr Buki Adeyemo

Dr Buki Adeyemo

Chief Executive

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Dr Buki Adeyemo

Dr Buki Adeyemo

Chief Executive

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Dr Buki Adeyemo was appointed North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust's chief executive in December 2023, having served as interim chief executive from December 2021, and medical director from 2012. Dr Adeyemo graduated from the University of Lagos and started work in the NHS in 1997, working in North Staffordshire. She is a dual qualified old age and adults' psychiatrist and became a consultant old age psychiatrist in 2007. During her career, Dr Adeyemo has specialised in medical education and psychological therapies. She is chair of the Mental Health Network Board at the NHS Confederation.

How to book

Attendance is free, however you will need to book in advance to receive joining instructions to access the network. 

If you have any questions, or would like to be added to the mailing list to hear about future events and NHS Providers resources, please contact the Networks team.

 

Who should attend

  • Chairs and chief executives of member foundation trusts or trusts providing mental health services.
  • Interim, acting, assistant, deputy directors or non-executive directors are also welcome to attend.
  • This event is open to any board director from a mental health trust. Please do share this invitation with colleagues interested in attending.