Michael Watson is the Executive Director of Corporate Services at NHS Essex Integrated Care Board.
Michael leads corporate services and helps ensure the organisation is well run, effective and accountable. He has extensive experience in strategy, governance, stakeholder engagement and organisational leadership across the NHS and wider public sector.
Before joining NHS Essex, Michael held senior roles in integrated care systems across Essex and Hertfordshire. These included Executive Director of Corporate Services at NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board and Chief of Staff at NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board.
In these roles, he supported boards and senior leaders to make strategic decisions, strengthen governance and improve the way organisations work together. He also helped develop long-term plans for health services and supported changes that brought decision-making closer to local communities.
Earlier in his career, Michael worked for NHS Improvement, where he supported national programmes to improve leadership, organisational culture and workforce development across the NHS. He contributed to the NHS People Plan and helped develop national improvement and leadership strategies.
Michael also has experience in public affairs and patient advocacy. He has worked with organisations including Arthritis Research UK and The Patients Association, supporting campaigns, communications and patient services.
He began his career working in Parliament and later served as a Borough Councillor on Broxbourne Council, including three years as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee.