Thackray Museum of Medicine appoints new chair

Leeds’ Thackray Museum of Medicine has appointed Neil Clephan OBE as chair ahead of its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2027.

Neil, former head of Roundhay School and a National Leader for Education, will take up the role in November, succeeding Professor Neil Kaiper-Holmes after seven years as chair.

He led Roundhay School for 20 years, developing it into the first school in the country to provide all-through education for pupils aged four to 18.

Neil has also served as a national Pupil Premium Champion and continues to support schools and academy trusts in advisory roles.

His wider experience includes serving on the board of the University of Leeds and as a trustee of Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Leeds Heritage Theatres.

He is currently an advisory trustee for Leeds University Union and chairs a charity supporting prisoners’ families.

Neil said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed chair of Thackray Museum of Medicine as it enters its 30th anniversary year in 2027. 

“I have a long association with Leeds as a city, especially the local community and working with other local and regional organisations and charities. 

“It was more than 20 years ago that I first visited the Thackray with my family, which made a lasting impression on us as it has for generations of visitors, including my son who is now a nurse.

“Its multi-award-winning success, including recent recognition as one of the UK’s top 10 museums by Time Out magazine, is no surprise. 

“As we mark 30 years with our partners, we are entering an exciting new chapter that will shape our plans for the next 30 years and beyond, while building on the achievements of outgoing chair, Professor Neil Kaiper-Holmes.

“I am genuinely excited to have the opportunity to contribute, by using my diverse governance and professional experience with my fellow committed trustees, to support our dynamic chief executive Edward Appleyard and his excellent team, as they fulfil our charitable mission ‘to help shape a better tomorrow’, locally and nationally.”

Neil’s appointment comes as Thackray begins developing its long-term plans around its 30th anniversary.

Outgoing chair Professor Kaiper-Holmes has overseen a period that included the museum’s redevelopment and 2021 reopening, alongside recognition as a finalist for Art Fund’s Museum of the Year and a shortlisted nominee for European Museum of the Year.

Edward Appleyard, chief executive of Thackray Museum of Medicine, added: “Established with the foresight of Paul Thackray, our museum exists because of our incredible 85,000+ item collection telling the story of medicine and medical achievement. 

“In 2026, however, we are really a museum telling human stories and experiences, helping us connect, learn about and understand each other.

“As such, I am absolutely thrilled that our next chair has such a wealth of experience in doing just that, primarily through the inspiring education of young people, which has defined much of his career, but moreover this commitment to communities and supporting the people that need us most. 

“The team and I are looking forward to our next chapter, as we begin to look ahead, with 30 years of incredible experiences and lives inspired and transformed through our achievements both behind and in front of us. 

“None of this forward-thinking ambition would have been possible without the support, encouragement and leadership of our retiring chair Professor Neil Kaiper-Holmes. 

“His tenure here will long be remembered and celebrated as one of the most exciting periods in the museum’s history.”

Professor Neil Kaiper-Holmes, outgoing chair of Thackray Museum of Medicine, added: “It has been my absolute honour to serve as chair of this wonderful organisation for the past seven years. 

“As part of my 60-year career in medicine, this chapter has been incredibly fulfilling in what I have been able to help support. 

“To see the museum flourish following its redevelopment, and to see it continue to grow and push the boundaries of what an organisation like this can achieve over the past few years under its chief executive Edward Appleyard, has been a true highlight of my decades committed to healthcare and the community.

“I am especially pleased to be handing over to Neil Clephan OBE, who with his extensive experience in learning, governance and supporting cultural activities will continue to see the museum climb its trajectory of success and growth. 

“I wish him and all the team well, and express my greatest thanks to the trustees, staff and volunteers, past and present, for their unstinting commitment, support, advice and friendship.”

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