South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) are pleased to announce the appointment of Colin Dennis as the first Group Chair, providing unified non-executive leadership across both organisations.
Colin’s appointment was made by both Councils of Governors on 27 March 2026, following recommendation from the joint appointment panel.
Colin will take up his new role in Spring 2026 and, as Chair of both organisations, will lead both Trust Boards through a pivotal year of transition, stability and development as the two organisations continue strengthening their collaborative work and prepare for the appointment of a permanent Group Chief Executive.
Colin brings extensive leadership experience from across the NHS, social care and public sector. He is currently Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, where he has been overseeing major service modernisation. His earlier roles span senior non‑executive and executive appointments across health, social care, housing and the aviation and financial sectors, with strong experience in governance, transformation and leading complex organisations through change.
He joins SCAS and SECAmb at an important moment, with both organisations already working together on areas such as developing shared digital systems, coordinating workforce planning and staff wellbeing services, aligning their environmental and sustainability plans, and strengthening how operational teams support each other across the region.
Chas McGill MBE (SCAS) and Andrew Latham (SECAmb), Lead Governors for their Trusts, said: “Throughout the appointment process, it was clear that Colin brings a valuable combination of experience, strategic insight and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Both Councils felt he demonstrated the drive, leadership and perspective needed for this important role, and that he will be an excellent fit as the first Group Chair to guide both organisations through the next stage of our development and continued drive forward to achieve excellence in patient care.”
Speaking about his appointment, Colin Dennis said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the first Group Chair for South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service. Both organisations play a vital role in delivering urgent and emergency care to millions of people, and I have already been hugely impressed by the professionalism, dedication and compassion of staff across both Trusts.
I look forward to working with our Boards, Governors, partners and – most importantly – our people to provide clear leadership, stability and direction. Together, we will strengthen collaboration, support our frontline teams, and drive improvements that make a real difference to patient care. In doing so, we will build strong foundations for a safer, more sustainable future for everyone who relies on our services.”
Anne Eden, NHS England Regional Director for the South East, said: “I am delighted that Colin has chosen to join the South East region to share his experience to drive a new Group model, and further improvement, both for staff and in the interests of the patients and communities we serve.”
Karen McDowell, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Surrey Heartlands and NHS Sussex ICB, the lead commissioner for the new Ambulance Group said: “We are delighted that Colin has been appointed as the first Group Chair across South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. It is such a significant time for both organisations, and Colin brings extensive experience to oversee and drive forward their ambition, with clear leadership, a strong commitment to delivery, and compassion for the collective workforce across our ambulance services.
“We look forward to working with Colin and the Trust Boards to build on the strong foundations already in place and to build on these to deliver safe, effective and high-quality care for patients across the region.”
ENDS