Richard Kirby began his career supporting the development of GP commissioning in Birmingham as a graduate of the NHS Management Training Scheme. After a series of posts in commissioning, strategy and performance management, he moved to Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust where he led the development of new models of care and service configuration changes initially as Director of Strategy and, then, as Chief Operating Officer.

Richard's first chief executive post was at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, an integrated provider of acute and community services. Walsall's community services were rated "outstanding" in a CQC inspection in 2017.

After 7 years in Walsall, Richard up his current post as Chief Executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS FT in March 2018. As one of the largest specialist community providers in the country, the trust is forging partnerships with primary care, mental health and social care to deliver outstanding integrated community services.

Richard is vice-chair of the Community Network supported by NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation. He is also a Fellow of the Sciana Health Leaders Network.