Dear colleagues,

As you are aware, I will be stepping down as Chair of GPDF at the company AGM this Friday. The role of chair has usually been voted on immediately after the AGM by members of the new board. This provided little chance for the new board to speak to each other, and time pressure meant the decision could feel rushed.

When the new board was announced last month, I contacted all the directors and shared with them a new role description for the Chair, offering individual conversations with them all. They have been connected via email and WhatsApp, and all directors were able to submit expressions of interests for the role and prepare a presentation for the board on their priorities for GPDF in the coming months.

I am delighted to announce that Dr Phil Cox, current GPDF director for Wales, has been elected unopposed as the new chair of GPDF. Phil will demit his seat on GPCW to take up the chair in line with GPDF company articles.

Phil and I are working closely to ensure a smooth transition and handover, and I know he is absolutely committed to continuing the changes you have seen in the last 9 months at GPDF.

If you are unsure if your nominated LMC member has registered to attend the AGM, a reminder email is coming out to them today from Mi-voice. I look forward to updating colleagues on Friday and thank you for all your support up to this point.