Marcus Riddell has been appointed as the new chief people officer at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
He will join Royal Papworth Hospital in June from Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, where he has been chief people officer since July 2024.
Marcus Riddell will join Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in June 2026
Marcus replaces Oonagh Monkhouse who left her position as director of workforce and organisational development at the end of February.
Oonagh, who has been at Royal Papworth Hospital since 2017, has joined NHS Employers as director of pay and reward and industrial relations.
Although the name of the position is changing, Marcus will have the same responsibilities and portfolio as Oonagh across human resources, workforce planning, learning and development, organisational development, staff wellbeing, payroll, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Eilish Midlane, CEO of Royal Papworth Hospital
Eilish Midlane, CEO of Royal Papworth Hospital, said: “I'm delighted that Marcus is joining us. It was a very competitive application process, and we had a high standard of interviews, but Marcus was the standout candidate.
“His values and vision for how we look after, develop and train our people matched perfectly with the ambition we have at Royal Papworth to make all staff feel valued, empowered and proud to work here.
“I'll be sad to see Oonagh leave after eight years of dedicated service to the organisation and as a valued and supportive executive colleague. However, I know that her skills and expertise will be put to excellent use at NHS Employers.
“I'm pleased to share that Larraine Howard-Jones has agreed to step up and lead the workforce team during the period between Oonagh’s departure and Marcus joining us.”
Marcus added: “I'm delighted to join Royal Papworth and can't wait to get started.
“The trust has a reputation for excellence, and I was impressed during the process by the desire of everyone I met for things to be better still for staff and patients. There are clearly a lot of talented people at Royal Papworth and I'm looking forward to working with you all soon.”
Oonagh Monkhouse has joined NHS Employers after eight years at Royal Papworth
Oonagh said: “Pay and reward and industrial relations are areas that I've been very interested in throughout my career. Ensuring the NHS has an equitable and sustainable approach to pay, reward and retention of its staff is essential for the long‑term health of the workforce and the service which makes joining NHS Employers such an exciting opportunity.
“I'll really miss all the amazing people who work here at Royal Papworth and wish everyone continued success in all that they do.”
Dean Royles, Interim Chief Executive for NHS Employers, said: “Oonagh brings a wealth of rich experience and impressed us with her credibility as a people leader who is driven by values as well as her commitment and expertise in partnership working.
“Her appointment comes at an important time for NHS Employers who have a unique role to play in delivering the government’s ambitious Ten-Year Health Plan. Her exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills will be pivotal in leading this work and supporting the wider success of the NHS Employers service.”