Chief executive of NHS Foundation Trust receives honorary doctorate

The leader of one of the largest specialist providers of community health services in the UK has received an honorary doctorate (DSc) from Aston University.

Dr Richard Kirby (pictured) is the chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation, one of the largest specialist providers of community health services in the UK serving a population of more than 1.2 million people.

He received the honour in recognition of his significant contribution to healthcare leadership at a graduation ceremony held at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Wednesday 17 July, presided over by Aston University Chancellor Dr Jason Wouhra.

A graduate of the NHS management training scheme, Dr Kirby began his career working in primary care in Birmingham. After a series of posts in commissioning, strategy and performance management he moved to Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust where he led the development of new models of care and service configuration changes initially as director of strategy and then as chief operating officer.

Richard’s first chief executive post was at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, an integrated provider of acute and community services, of which its community services were rated “outstanding” in a CQC inspection in 2017.

After seven years in post, Richard took up his current role as chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC) in March 2018. As one of the largest specialist community providers in the country the Trust is currently developing partnerships with primary care, mental health and social care to deliver integrated services. In August 2023, under Richard's leadership, the Trust’s CQC rating for children and young people improved from "Requires Improvement" to "Good."

Dr Kirby said: “I am very honoured to receive this award from Aston University. At its heart healthcare is a team effort and I would like to recognise the contribution of all my colleagues at Birmingham Community Healthcare for the care they provide for our patients. Our partnership with Aston University is vital to our ‘Best Care: Healthy Communities’ strategy helping us train and develop our future colleagues and deliver innovative approaches to care in the future.”

Professor Anthony Hilton, executive dean and pro-vice chancellor of the College of Health and Life Sciences, said: “Congratulations to Richard who, along his leadership team in BCHC, has been a strong supporter of the University and the College of Health and Life Sciences for a number of years.

“This includes particular support for our new nursing programme with a focus on placements in community care.”

In addition to his chief executive role, Richard is the lead officer for the Birmingham and Solihull Community Care Collaborative, vice-chair of the Community Network supported by NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, and a fellow of the international Sciana Health Leaders Network.