The boss of a controversial NHS provider has announced that he is leaving the organisation he set up.

Robert Flack, chief executive of not-for-profit health firm Locala which employs 1,400 people, will officially leave his post on September 30 – although his duties are being passed to an interim chief executive with immediate effect.

In a statement Mr Flack, whose salary last year was £123,000, said he had decided to leave “after a great deal of reflection.”

He said being chief executive had been a “huge privilege.”

“In my time the organisation has grown by over 60% and now delivers care in many areas of West Yorkshire,” he said. “We have also transformed our services by introducing better technology and improving the partnerships with fellow care providers in health and social care.

“The most important aspect of our success has been the people I have worked with who have been dedicated and passionate in their desire to deliver better care to the people we serve.

“After a great deal of reflection I have decided that now is the time to explore new career opportunities. I will miss the many friends I have made in my time at Locala.”

Locala Chief Executive Robert Flack

A Locala spokesman said: “After six years as the driving force behind Locala, Chief Executive Robert Flack has announced his departure from the role and from Locala.

“Robert has been chief executive since the formation of Locala and was the managing director of Kirklees Community Healthcare services before that.”

The spokesman said Mr Flack had made his announcement to coincide with a new chairman, Diane McKerracher, starting in post.

Locala offices at Beckside Court, Batley

She is one of Locala’s non-executive directors and will take up the role of chair from October 1, replacing outgoing chair Mark Sanders who has come to the end of his six year term as chair.

Outgoing chairman Mark Sanders said: “Robert has been the driving force behind Locala. He created the brand, the culture and supported colleagues to deliver high quality care. Locala will miss his passion and vision.”

Antonio Kaufusi, Locala Chairman, Mark Sanders and Chris Bailey opening revamped outpatients facilities at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital
Antonio Kaufusi, Locala Chairman, Mark Sanders and Chris Bailey opening revamped outpatients facilities at Holme Valley Memorial Hospital

Diane McKerracher, the new chairman, said: “I wish to thank Robert for his dedication in creating Locala and his commitment to our colleagues and patients. I have taken immediate steps to fill the chief executive role by appointing deputy chief executive Natalie McMillan to cover the role as interim chief executive for the next three months.

“This will give the Board time to consider the strategic needs of the organisation and make sure that the future leadership of Locala reflects exactly what is needed to take the organisation forward, with a focus on quality of care and developing the culture of social enterprise.”

“Robert will officially finish his post on September 30. However, his duties will be passed on to Natalie McMillan, with immediate effect.”

Mr Flack and fellow directors hit the headlines earlier this year after it was revealed they were to receive a bonus while other staff weren’t. Four directors received bonuses worth 2.5% of their salaries.