We are pleased to announce the appointment of Eileen Milner as our new Chair of the Board of Trustees. The appointment follows a robust recruitment process led by our Nominations and Governance Committee.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees plays a vital role in supporting good governance at the College, working closely with Trustees and the Executive team to ensure that we continue to deliver on our mission and strategic priorities.
Eileen will take up the role on 1 November 2026, alongside her current role as Chair of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). As Chair, Eileen will lead the Board in overseeing the College’s strategic direction, supporting strong governance, and ensuring that the voices of children, young people and our members are at the heart of the College’s work.
As Joanne’s term draws to a close, we’d like to thank her for her leadership and commitment to improving the College to ensure it is in the best possible place for the future.
RCPCH President, Steve Turner said:
I’m delighted that Eileen will be joining us at the College as our Chair. Her experience, insight and commitment to our work will be strong assets and we look forward to her leadership of our Board. On behalf of all our members I’d also like to thank our outgoing Chair, Joanne Shaw, for her outstanding contribution – we are grateful for her wise counsel in steering the College through volatile and challenging times.
Eileen Milner, incoming Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
I'm very pleased to be joining the College and champion RCPCH's mission to improve the health and wellbeing of every child. I look forward to working closely with our Board and members to strengthen our collective voice and drive meaningful progress for children and young people.
Joanne Shaw, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
It has been a privilege to chair this Board, supporting paediatricians and contributing to the health of children and young people. I have very much enjoyed working with an exceptional group of trustees and with the young people of the RCPCH &Us network. I would like to thank the colleagues who have served on and around the Board of Trustees for their support for me personally and for the College, in a turbulent and rapidly changing world.
About Eileen Milner
Eileen is an experienced senior leader in both private sector and public service roles and is chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). She has considerable experience of regulation in both health and education – in the former she was the Chief Operating Officer of the CQC and in this role led work across the NHS on whistleblowing.
As Chief Executive of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Eileen was responsible for one of the largest budgets in UK public service, as well as the regulation of the Academies and Colleges landscape in England.
Eileen is also Chair (designate) of the Children and Families Trust for Bradford and District.
Further information
The Chair is appointed in line with the College’s governance framework and serves for three years, with the potential to extend by a further two years.