Logistics expert joins ambulance service board of directors

Logistics expert, Alan Slater, has been appointed by North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust as a non-executive director in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' code of practice.

Alan Slater, from Bolton, began his appointment on 8 August 2011 and will run for four years. He will chair the finance and investment committee and sit on the audit committee. As with all non-executive directors of NHS Trusts, Alan is entitled to £6,096 per annum.

With substantial experience at board level in both the public and private sectors, Alan's knowledge spans from strategy development and implementation to marketing, IT systems and change management.

He has worked in areas as diverse as agriculture, timber, chemicals, consumer products, electronics, fashion, food and drink, petroleum, publishing and utilities.

Most recently, Alan was a visiting professor in transport and logistics at the University of Huddersfield. He also owns a logistics consultancy business.

Alan applied for the non-executive director role so that he could pass the skills he has obtained over the years to the next generation of managers.

NWAS Chairman, Mary Whyham, said: "I am delighted to welcome Alan to the board of directors at North West Ambulance Service. I am certain his enthusiasm, experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the service and the public we serve."

Alan has over 100 books, monographs and articles published on logistics, corporate planning and business development topics.

All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. Alan has not declared any political or ministerial appointments or activity.