Health Foundation


The Health Foundation is an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and health care for people in the UK.
The organisation’s aim is a healthier population, supported by high quality health care that can be equitably accessed. From giving grants to those working at the front line to carrying out research and policy analysis, they shine a light on how to make successful change happen. They use what we know works on the ground to inform effective policymaking and vice versa.
They believe good health and health care are key to a flourishing society. Through sharing what they learn, collaborating with others and building people’s skills and knowledge, they aim to make a difference and contribute to a healthier population.

History

As the second largest endowed foundation in the UK focusing on health, they spend around £30 million a year on improving health and health care.
The Health Foundation was founded in 1983 as the PPP Medical Trust with a donation of £350,000 a year from Private Patients Plan Limited. In 1998, the organisation, then named the PPP Healthcare Medical Trust, became fully independent with an endowment of approximately £540 million resulting from the sale of the PPP Healthcare group to Guardian Royal Exchange. In 2003 the organisation was renamed the Health Foundation to signal its completely independent status as a grant-making charity. The Health Foundation has no connection to PPP and is accountable only to its independent board of trustees and the Charity Commission.
Dr Jennifer Dixon is chief executive of the Health Foundation. Jennifer was Chief Executive of the Nuffield Trust from 2008 to 2013. Prior to this, she was director of policy at The King’s Fund and was the policy advisor to the Chief Executive of the National Health Service between 1998 and 2000.
The Chair of Governors is Sir Hugh Taylor.
Stephen Thornton was the Chief Executive from 2001 until October 2013 when he retired.