NHS Resolution’s Chair, Ian Dilks, was recently awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list in recognition of services to the NHS.
While the OBE was a great honour for Ian, he was keen to acknowledge that the award was not just a personal one. It also stands for the fantastic work achieved by every member of the NHS Resolution team. Having been Chair of the organisation for over six years, Ian has witnessed a significant amount of change during that time. NHS Resolution has changed from an organisation whose primary role was to handle litigation, as the NHS Litigation Authority, to one which seeks fair resolution for all parties in relation to claims. At the heart of the organisation’s strategy is recognition of the value that can be derived from past experience and the development of systems to learn from that experience for the benefit of improved patient safety. The National Clinical Assessment Service has been reshaped to become Practitioner Performance Advice and integrated into NHS Resolution, with the achievement of resolution becoming a goal for all of the organisation’s services. NHS Resolution has also expanded its remit into General Practice and more recently into a scheme to cover Covid-19 risks in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic that continues to test the strengths and abilities of the NHS. Today, NHS Resolution is an important partner for other key bodies within the NHS family who value the team’s skills, expertise and contribution.