To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many appointments to the position of Chairman have been made by the NHS Appointments Commission since its inception, broken down by (a) recognised medical or nursing qualification, (b) in-service professionals from medicines, nursing and other clinical or health-related backgrounds and (c) other backgrounds, experience and qualifications. [116936]

Since it was established, the National Health Service Appointments Commission has appointed 370 chairs to NHS boards. Information on the precise categories identified in the question is not available. However, 38 of those appointed as chairs have declared a medical, nursing or other background in professions allied to medicine. People who are currently employed by a health service body are statutorily disqualified from appointment as a NHS chair or non-executive director.