“I have known Ian for 10 years and worked closely with him on the Management Board and then Council of the ‘Staff College - Leadership in Health Care.’ His steadfast moral compass and deep rooted sense of duty powerfully combines with his hugely impressive intellect and ability for analysis. He is a man who really understands and cares about people and naturally brings them with him. He adds gravitas to any discussion and elegantly communicates and instills the sense of purpose behind any endeavor. Throw into this mix several helpings of the most mischievous sense of humour and this makes him a pure delight to work with and someone who you never stop learning from.”
-Brigadier Kevin Beaton OBE, MA, BA, BMedSci, BM, BS, psc(j), rcds, L/RAMC.
“Sir Ian is a leading figure in the modern history of the NHS. His thinking and leadership has shaped the development of a high quality, safe, and patient-centred health system. His experience, expertise, wisdom and integrity are unrivalled.”
-Professor Sir Liam Donaldson
Chancellor, Newcastle University. Former Chief Medical Officer of Her Majesty’s Government
Some of us, if we are very fortunate, will excel in the scholarship of the field we have chosen; some will have such extraordinary breadth and vision to produce scholarship across disciplines; some will broadly influence the public perception of ideas as fundamental as the health of the population; and some will have shaped government, public policy, and the professions. But few, if any of us, can say that we have had such remarkable influence in each of these venues. Ian Kennedy is a consummate scholar, public advocate, and leader.
-Lawrence O. Gostin
University Professor, Georgetown University
When he was recommended to me [to chair the inquiry into the Bristol Royal Infirmary], I knew that he was a great scholar and intellect. When I met him, I discovered that in addition he was questing and awkward, in the best sense of the word. I got the clear impression that he was extremely humane and understanding, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to ask him to chair the inquiry. My hopes and expectations, and those of everyone involved, were exceeded. He therefore deserves great congratulations on his contribution, not just to sorting out what happened in Bristol, but to future changes and improvements in people's treatment in the national health service.
Frank Dobson
Former Secretary of State for Health
Just spoken to a number of senior colleagues, all of whom have said that Sir Ian Kennedy’s lecture was one of the best they have ever heard! Praise indeed.