A leader from the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Wolverhampton.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the NHS Black Country ICB, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of science by the University of Wolverhampton in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing, healthcare leadership, and service to communities across the region.
Honorary doctorates are presented by the University of Wolverhampton to people who have made a significant contribution to their field of expertise.
Sally has dedicated 40 years to the NHS, much of that time serving communities in the Black Country. As well as her current roles as Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy CEO, she is also the lead Board Level Nurse for the Black Country Integrated Care System, a post she has held for the past three years. Her previous leadership positions include Chief Nurse and Director of Quality at the former Wolverhampton and Walsall Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG), and the former Black Country and West Birmingham CCG.
A registered nurse, Sally also holds qualifications as a specialist practitioner, district nurse, lecturer/practice educator, and nurse prescriber. Her wide-ranging career includes senior roles across NHS provider, education, and commissioning organisations, and she has advised on nursing practice at both regional and national levels.
Reflecting on the award, Sally said: "I was honoured and surprised to receive the confirmation of the honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton. This year marks my 40th anniversary of working in the NHS and I feel incredibly proud to have served Black Country people for the majority of that time – it’s been a huge privilege.
“The honour is not mine alone though. The NHS thrives on the expertise and resilience of nurses, and I want to acknowledge the fantastic people I have worked with over many years who are unwavering in their support and inspiring in their dedication to the NHS. Without them, I am sure this award would not have been possible."
Sally’s award recognises her long-standing influence on local healthcare and the enduring legacy of her work in championing nursing, quality improvement, and system leadership.
Mark Axcell, CEO for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved recognition of Sally’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on healthcare across the Black Country.
“Sally has not only driven improvements in care quality and safety, but she has also inspired generations of nurses and health professionals through her unwavering commitment to the NHS. We are incredibly proud, so on behalf of the ICB, I’d like to say congratulations Sally.”
