Michael Watson is the Executive Director for Corporate Services at the NHS Essex Integrated Care Board.
Michael brings a senior leadership career spanning system strategy, policy development, stakeholder engagement and corporate governance across the NHS and the wider public sector.
Before joining NHS Essex ICB, Michael held senior leadership roles within integrated care systems, most recently as 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 this role, he advised the Chief Executive, Chair and Board on policy and strategic direction, led stakeholder engagement and governance functions, and oversaw corporate programmes. He also played a key role in the development and delivery of the system’s Medium-Term Plan and coordinated the introduction of a new operating model that delegated commissioning responsibilities from the ICB to local health and care partnerships.
Earlier in his career, Michael held several roles at NHS Improvement, including Chief of Staff for the Improvement Directorate. His work included supporting NHS provider organisations through the national Culture and Leadership Programme, contributing to the development of the NHS People Plan in 2018, and leading engagement for the National Improvement and Leadership Development Strategy in 2016.
Alongside his system leadership experience, Michael has a strong background in public affairs and patient advocacy. He has worked with organisations including Arthritis Research UK and The Patients Association, managing campaigns, communications and helpline operations, and acting as a patient advocate.
Michael began his career in Parliament, working in the constituency office of Bill Rammell. He later served two terms as a Borough Councillor on Broxbourne Council, including three years as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee.