David Freeman

With over 25 years in the NHS, David is an experienced leader with a passion for improving services and outcomes for patients and communities. He is a strong, compassionate, and motivating leader to the people he works with. He has an exceptional track record of leading large-scale change, helping health and care systems navigate complex challenges and deliver sustainable improvements. He is known for his collaborative, people-focused approach. He works closely with clinical and managerial teams to build shared solutions, bring teams together, and create the conditions for success. His recent work has included leading the recovery of a multi-million-pound system deficit and supporting partners across Dorset to reshape services and improve performance.

Throughout his career, David has held several senior leadership roles across the NHS, including Acting Chief Executive and Chief Commissioning Officer positions. He has been at the forefront of advancing integrated care, redesigning patient pathways, and supporting organisations to work more effectively together. A graduate of the NHS Top Leaders Programme, David combines strategic thinking with a pragmatic, delivery-focused style. He is committed to improving population health, enhancing patient experience, and supporting staff to do their best work.

“I firmly believe that developing care and support delivered in communities, neighbourhoods and in people’s own homes is the single most important mission for health and care leaders in the next 10 years. 

“As a passionate champion for whole system, whole person integrated care, I have always worked to transform care at neighbourhood, locality, and system level. Being Chief Officer for Commissioning and Place is a great privilege and a fantastic way to accelerate plans for improving outcomes and to help make a major difference to health and wellbeing across all our communities.”