THE CHIEF Executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has announced he is set to step down next year.
Steve McManus has been in the role for nearly a decade, during which the trust has been recognised as one of the top acute trusts in the country.
He has been commended for a “decade of transformation” and for championing transformation, investment, and innovation.
In his tenure, Mr McManus has overseen the trust’s reputation for world-class research, leadership in patient care, and pioneering initiatives.
This includes outstanding national NHS staff survey results showing RBFT voted the third best Trust in the country by its staff, and award-winning research into stroke detection, surgical robots, digitising patient records, and an Innovation in Commercial Research Award from the European Site Spark Awards.
He started his NHS career as a student nurse at The Nightingale School of Nursing in 1987, qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in 1990.
He worked in London and Oxford, completing his BA Hons in healthcare studies at Oxford Brookes University, followed by a postgraduate certificate in evidence-based healthcare from Oxford University.
In 2002 he moved into management and completed an MBA with Nottingham University Business School in 2006.
Following leadership roles at University Hospital Southampton, Imperial College Healthcare and Basildon & Thurrock University Teaching Hospital, Mr McManus took up the role of chief executive officer at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in 2017.
In August 2020, he was seconded to work with Baroness Dido Harding during the pandemic, taking on a key national role within the Government’s Test and Trace programme. He also served a secondment as CEO of the Integrated Care Board for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB ICB) in 2022.
In December 2023 , in recognition of his contributions towards healthcare and the Berkshire community, he received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Reading.
Trust Chair Oke Eleazu said: “Steve has four decades of outstanding service to the NHS and his huge experience, expertise and dedication has been critical to the success of this Trust.
“He is widely respected across the NHS, and beyond, as a great leader, innovator and thoroughly decent man.
“He embodies compassion and commitment and empowers his staff to follow suit. He is a supreme advocate for continuous improvement, both in the care of patients and the health, wellbeing and development of our staff.”
He explained: “The Board has a huge responsibility to ensure Steve’s successor continues to drive forward the Trust’s agenda as we work to implement the Government’s ambitious 10 Year Plan.
“Steve’s skilled leadership means we’re already making real inroads in the key areas of health prevention, care closer to home and digital advances.
“I want to place on record our thanks to Steve for the truly outstanding way he has led this organisation.
“We are also appreciative of the consideration he has given us in allowing us sufficient time to ensure a smooth handover next summer.”
Steve said: “It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to lead the Trust. There’s been the inevitable highs and lows along the way, but we’re now in a very strong and sound position and the time feels right to hand over the baton.
“Without a doubt we have exceptional people here who have the determination and drive to take us from good to great to outstanding.”
“I’ll be leaving with a very heavy heart – I’ve worked with a top class leadership team and truly remarkable staff and volunteers.
“The culture and values of our Trust are amongst the best in the country – you’ve only got to look at successive staff survey results to see that.”
He explained: “I’m unbelievably proud of what has been achieved and the reputation we’ve established as an ambitious, diverse, inclusive and compassionate organisation.
“We actively embrace innovation and continuous improvement because we know the benefits it brings to our patients and staff.
“I’m grateful to the many partners I’ve worked with across the health and care sector, academia, industry, commerce, politics and further afield – these collaborations have also enabled us to explore and implement healthcare improvements and pilot ground breaking advances in treatment,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to being in post for another nine months which should give reassurance to our staff and patients that the Trust’s strong performance will continue whilst giving the Board sufficient time to carry out the recruitment process.
“My plans then are to focus on executive coaching, supporting the next generation of leaders.”
