Gardiner, who takes over from Emma Ratzer, is currently part of the senior leadership team at Headway Norfolk and Waveney.

As chair, Gardiner will develop ways to capture the views of organisations, from grassroots groups to large national charities, ensuring their voices are represented within the ICS. He will also lead key initiatives, including the ICS Health Inequalities Strategic Framework and social prescribing programmes, ensuring the VCSE sector contributes to the achievement of the ICS' Joint Forward Plan and Integrated Care Strategy.

He said: ‘This is an exciting time for the VCSE sector to play an even greater role in the ICS, and I am committed to ensuring our voices are heard, driving forward collaboration, and tackling the complex issues we face across Norfolk and Waveney.'

Patricia Hewitt, chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, added: ‘We are excited to welcome Tim as our new chair and are confident that under his leadership, the assembly will continue to champion the vital role of the VCSE sector in shaping health and social care across Norfolk and Waveney.'