South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has thanked Chief Executive Simon Weldon for his leadership as he stepped down from his role on Friday (17 April)
During his three-year tenure at the Trust, the organisation has benefitted significantly from his vision which has driven major progress and improvement across SECAmb.
Stepping into the role in April 2023, shortly after the Trust was rated Inadequate and placed into special measures following the Care Quality Commission’s 2022 inspection, Simon provided a clear vision through the development of a clinically led five-year strategy.
This gave the Trust a strong blueprint for the future and helped secure a major milestone when NHS England confirmed in March 2025 that SECAmb would exit special measures following a period of sustained improvement.
Under Simon’s steady leadership, CQC inspectors again recently revisited the Trust to review Urgent and Emergency Care operations and Emergency Operations Centres. While we still await the final reports, inspectors recognised a more consistent and confident organisation, with a stronger focus on delivering safe, high-quality care.
Despite ongoing system-wide pressures across the NHS, SECAmb has continued to perform strongly in national benchmarks. The Trust’s cardiac arrest survival rates remain among the best in the country and emergency response performance has remained consistently strong.
Significant progress has also been made in staff experience and organisational culture. Over the past three years, staff survey results have shown a sustained upward trend, with increased participation and more positive feedback. Colleagues report feeling listened to, supported and more optimistic about the Trust’s direction.
Under Simon’s leadership, SECAmb has also delivered important organisational change, including the introduction of a divisional operating model, enabling greater local autonomy and decision-making closer to patients and communities.
He has also paved the way for greater constructive and collaborative working relationships with trade unions, strengthening workforce wellbeing and delivered greater organisational stability.
As the Trust moves into this new Group Model, Jen Allan will step into the role of Interim CEO, ensuring strong leadership continuity at this time. Jen brings deep organisational knowledge and a steady, values‑led approach that will help carry forward the foundations Simon has built, providing stability and focus as the Trust transitions into its next phase.
Chair, Michael Whitehouse, paid tribute to Simon Weldon’s leadership and contribution:
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Simon for his exceptional leadership and service to SECAmb. He joined the organisation at a very difficult time and has led with integrity, determination and clarity of purpose.
“The progress made over the past three years reflects his leadership and, crucially, the commitment, professionalism and resilience of our staff. He leaves the Trust in a far stronger position and well placed for the future.”
Anne Eden, NHS England Regional Director, said: “Simon has led SECAmb with clarity, compassion and a deep commitment to patients and staff. The progress the Trust has made over the past three years is significant and hard‑won, and it reflects both his leadership and the dedication of colleagues across the organisation and we are very grateful for his service."
The Trust thanks Simon for his leadership and dedication and wish him every success for the future.