New Director of Finance, Systems and Estates appointed at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
A new Director of Finance, Systems and Estates, has been appointed at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust (HCT) as the current Director, David Bacon retires at the end of July. Frances Khatcherian, who will join the Trust from mid-September is currently Director of Financial Recovery and Transformation at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust.
Speaking about his retirement, David said:
“I feel very privileged to have spent the last six years of my 33-year NHS career at HCT, which have been the most enjoyable and satisfying of my career. It is a great place to work, and I could not have wished for a better organisation to finish my working career in. I am delighted to see Frances appointed and to pass the reins into her capable hands. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a strong track record in financial management within the healthcare sector.”
Frances has a wide range of expertise across various critical areas. These include operational finance, financial planning, income and contracts, and managerial finance and she has extensive experience in hospital and healthcare financial management, having also worked at NHS England, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and Bupa.
Speaking about her appointment, Frances said:
"I am thrilled to be joining HCT as the incoming Director of Finance, Systems and Estates and continue to develop this area, following David’s leadership of many years. I am passionate about driving transformation, championing diversity and inclusion, and supporting women's groups, and look forward to working with HCT colleagues to enhance our financial strategies and ensure that we continue to provide exceptional care to our community.”
During the interim period, between David Bacon retiring at the end of July and Frances joining in September, Simon Rudkins, HCT’s Deputy Director of Finance, Systems and Estates, will be Acting Director.
Elliot Howard Jones, Chief Executive at HCT said:
“I am delighted that Frances will be joining HCT, with her experience, and commitment to financial excellence and inclusive leadership, we are confident that she will be an invaluable asset to HCT. Her arrival marks a new chapter for our Trust as we continue to progress our financial resilience and support the delivery of outstanding care.
“A big thank you also to Simon Rudkins, for acting up during this period, his calm and steady leadership will be invaluable to ensure there is a smooth transition.
“Finally, I want to thank David personally for his years of stellar service to the NHS and to our Trust, leading our Finance, Estates and Systems directorate. His leadership in this area paves the way for the next chapter at HCT. David will be missed, and I wish him all the very best on his retirement and future plans, in this next phase of his life.”
