The chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has been named as the chairman of NHS Employers’ new 204-strong assembly.

Speaking at the first assembly meeting, John Rostill told over 150 senior NHS managers that this was their opportunity to make a difference to the lives of thousands of NHS staff working across England.

“First and foremost we are about improving patient care. But one of the best ways of achieving this is by continuing to improve the working lives of our staff and by making the NHS one of the best employers in the country,” he said.

At the meeting, the assembly members discussed the role, responsibilities and remit of the assembly. It will meet again later in the year to discuss its future strategy.

NHS Employers is the new employers’ organisation for the NHS in England. It represents NHS employers and acts on their behalf. Assembly members have been drawn from a wide range of backgrounds and geographical areas and represent every strategic health authority area and every type of NHS trust.

The assembly has a policy board of 22 members, who will determine the strategic direction of NHS Employers and decide on policy issues. It will meet four to six times a year.

NHS Employers director Steve Barnett said: “I want the NHS to provide a working environment for its staff that is fair, diverse, challenging, flexible and rewarding. NHS Employers assembly plays a vital role, as for the first time, it will be giving employers within the NHS an independent and meaningful voice on employment issues.”