Community Health Partnerships (CHP) has appointed Stephen Talboys, currently chief operating officer for the Campus 2030 initiative at The Open University, as its new chief property officer.

He will start officially in post from 1 May 2025 and will take on an executive role and a board director position.

Wendy Farrington-Chadd, chief executive of CHP, said: “I am delighted to announce Stephen’s appointment.

“This is a key role leading our operational delivery and Stephen will work in partnership with key stakeholders and partners across the public and private sectors to ensure the LIFT buildings continue to meet the needs of patients and the local NHS, now, and in the future.”

She added: “Stephen joins at a critical time for the NHS as it enters a reform stage.

“The LIFT estate has a key role to play in the transformation of healthcare delivery by enabling the shift of services into communities and supporting the delivery of neighbourhood health services.

“Stephen brings a wealth of skills and experience to this role and I look forward to his joining CHP to continue to drive productivity and value from our core assets.”

Talboys is an experienced property leader, chartered surveyor, and chartered engineer.

Initially working in engineering consultancy, and then in general management for British Waterways, he brings 20 years property director experience leading the development of university estates and associated services, overseeing large public-private regeneration programmes, and leading property-related activity for private sector organisations.

He is currently the chief operating officer for Campus 2030 at the Open University and is associate non-executive director at the University of Cumbria.

Prior to this he was the group head of property for Axa UK; director of technology, estates and facilities for the University of York; director of estates, facilities, and IT at the University of Salford, and director of regeneration for Bradford Council.

He said: “I am excited to join CHP and I am looking forward to getting to know the team, partners, and stakeholders, learning more about how the work of CHP supports healthcare outcomes, and applying my skills, knowledge, and experience into the new role.”