Howard has built his career on one clear principle: every pound spent in the NHS should make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. As Executive Director of Finance and Contracts, he is responsible for overseeing almost £5 billion of commissioned services across Norfolk and Suffolk, ensuring that funding is used wisely, transparently and in ways that improve health outcomes.
At the heart of Howard’s role is stewardship. He ensures the organisation understands where money is spent, uses that insight to make short- and long-term decisions, and maintains strong financial controls so resources are directed to where they have the greatest impact. His work supports colleagues across the system to deliver high-quality services while living within finite budgets.
His portfolio covers finance, contracts and procurement, alongside leading the development of financial strategy for the NHS across Norfolk and Suffolk. Working closely with partners, Howard helps shape investment decisions that support sustainable services, fair access to care and better value for taxpayers.
Howard brings many years of senior NHS leadership experience, including roles across Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. He has worked in financial turnaround environments and previously served as Director of Population Health Management for Norfolk and Waveney CCG, where he also led the local COVID-19 vaccination programme. He is proud to have consistently helped organisations meet their statutory financial duties and to have played a leading part in England’s highest-performing vaccination rollout at the time.
Another career highlight was the HSJ Award-winning Covid Protect programme in Norfolk and Waveney, which used population health data to support more than 40,000 vulnerable people to stay safe during the pandemic — demonstrating how finance, clinical insight and innovation can work together for public good.
Colleagues describe Howard as fair, reasonable and full of integrity — a leader who enables others to succeed and focuses on building a well-run, well-governed ICB. What matters most to him is knowing that his work contributes to better experiences and outcomes for patients and communities.
Outside work, Howard enjoys Formula 1, football, cooking, movies and walking, and he is a keen photographer. Life is happily kept in perspective by his three daughters — who, he says, provide all the grounding anyone could ever need.