Dr. Sue Roberts was appointed as the first national clinical director for diabetes in 2003. In 2008, Dr. Rowan Hillson was appointed to succeed her. The post of national clinical director has proved highly effective in promoting the implementation of the National Service Framework for Diabetes. The national clinical directors have provided expert advice to the Government on hospital and community services for diabetes and leadership for everybody in the national health service engaged in delivering and improving the quality of diabetes services.