ABPI welcome the appointment of Sir Hugh Taylor to key role in Voluntary Scheme negotiations

For immediate release: Thursday 23 March 2023

ABPI welcome the appointment of Sir Hugh Taylor to key role in Voluntary Scheme negotiations

Sir Hugh Taylor has been appointed as Chief Advisor to the government on the Voluntary Scheme Negotiations.

In his role, Sir Hugh will oversee the negotiations for the government and NHS on a successor to the 2019 VPAS, which expires at the end of 2023.

Sir Hugh was formally Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health between 2006 and 2010. In 2011 he took on the role of Chair of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital, and latterly also King’s College Hospital in 2019, before stepping down as joint Chair in 2022. He chaired the Accelerated Access Review in 2014 to bring innovative technologies to the NHS

Richard Torbett, Chief Executive at the ABPI said: "This is a positive appointment which reflects the strategic and cross governmental approach Ministers are taking to these negotiations.

“Securing a new Voluntary Scheme agreement is vital if we are to put the UK back on the path to becoming a true life sciences superpower. Doing so will require a new mindset and approach from government, system partners and industry.

“Sir Hugh brings with him enormous experience and the deep respect of stakeholders right across the public, private and healthcare sectors. We look forward to working with him to create the conditions for innovative medicines to deliver their true value as an investment in the nation’s future health, wealth, and productivity.”

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About the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)
The ABPI exists to make the UK the best place in the world to research, develop and use new medicines and vaccines. We represent companies of all sizes who invest in discovering the medicines of the future.

Our members supply cutting edge treatments that improve and save the lives of millions of people. We work in partnership with Government and the NHS so patients can get new treatments faster and the NHS can plan how much it spends on medicines.

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