Local leader, Emma Bennett, has been appointed to the Board of the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) as local authority partner member.
Emma Bennett is the Chief Executive of Walsall Council, following her appointment to the role in October 2023. Prior to this, she was the Executive Director of Families for the City of Wolverhampton Council.
She has a professional background in children’s social work, having undertaken a wide range of frontline practitioner and management roles across children’s social care, and has over 26 years’ experience in local government. Emma brings with her extensive experience in system leadership, with a belief in a co-production approach to enable resilient communities and more sustainable public services.
Emma has now joined the NHS Black Country ICB as local authority partner member, replacing Kevin O’Keefe, Chief Executive of Dudley Council, who retired earlier this year.
Emma said: "I am thrilled to be joining the ICB board as the local authority partner member. Our shared commitment to the wellbeing of Walsall aligns perfectly with the ICB's priorities.
“By working together, we can enhance health and social care outcomes, address inequalities and ensure that every person in our community has the best start in life.
“This partnership will be key in meeting the needs of the Black Country population and building a healthier and happier future for all."
Anu Singh, Chair of the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Emma as our newest local authority partner member. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, which will undoubtedly add further quality to the work we do as a Board.
“It’s vital that we have local authority representation in our leadership team to share knowledge and experience of the sector and to ensure that we continue to work collectively to help improve health outcomes for local people.
“We also thank Kevin O’Keefe for his support over the last two years and wish him a very happy retirement.”
