New Chief Nursing Officer for south east London
Diane Jones will join NHS South East London as Chief Nursing Officer in January 2026.
She’ll start on 6 January on a short-term secondment from NHS North East London, where she’s been Chief Nursing Officer since July 2022.
The Chief Nursing Officer leads on nursing standards across south east London’s health and care system. They’re responsible for:
- keeping patients safe
- making sure you get high-quality care
- improving services based on patient experience
- developing the nursing, midwifery and allied health professional workforce
- safeguarding vulnerable people
Diane will work with partner organisations across the area to develop a shared plan for clinical services.
Diane has worked in the NHS since 1990 as a nurse and midwife. She continues to work in clinical practice across local NHS trusts.
She’s passionate about supporting women and vulnerable groups, particularly people who are seldom heard. She focuses on race equity and community health.
Diane has been a consultant midwife and director of midwifery. She’s also worked as a specialist advisor for the Care Quality Commission on governance, maternity and safeguarding.
Gwen Kennedy has been interim Chief Nursing Officer throughout 2025 on a part-time basis. Her time in the role ends on 31 December 2025.
She’ll return to work full time at NHS England London region. The ICB is very grateful to Gwen for her work in this role.
The ICB is going through a period of transformation. We’re designing new structures, and Diane’s appointment supports us during this time of change.