Tributes to Andrew Foster
Tributes to Andrew Foster
Following the sad passing of Andrew Foster this week after a short illness, we have decided to open a book of condolence so colleagues can share their thoughts and memories which we will pass on to his family. Andrew had been the Director General of Workforce for the NHS before going on to be a well regarded and long serving NHS Chief Executive.
To add your thoughts for Andrew to our book of condolence, please write them in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
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In the NHS we know that people matter and we know that those privileged to be able lead those people well can make an enormous contribution to the care of those we serve. Andrew was one of those people. I have known and worked with Andrew for around 20 years, first working together when he was Director General of Workforce at the Department of Health.
He led through the then new NHS Plan overseeing a massive expansion in the NHS workforce, medical education, the skills escalator and developing Agenda for Change and the Improving Working Lives Standard. His marketing background informed his easy communication style and simple messages on the task in hand. He summed up the far reaching NHS workforce strategy as ‘More Staff, Working Differently’.
Many colleagues will remember him for his passion at the national HR conferences where he always started the events from the main stage with a flourish! He knew, that to deliver the strategy that the NHS HR community were essential and he led from the front demonstrating HR with Attitude.
He was awarded the HPMA lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
He has truly shaped and improved our profession, helping it achieve the profile and respect it has today. He was a fantastic role model and leader and a great, compassionate boss.
I, and I know many others learned so much from him, admired and respected him. He was patient centered. He was kind, good humoured, consistent in his manner, generous with his time and always approachable. He will be so sadly missed. RIP Andrew.
Please do add your thoughts and memories by commenting below and we will share with his family.
Dean Royles
President HPMA
