NHS chief executive recognised for outstanding contribution in King's Birthday Honours 

Samantha Allen, chief executive for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in His Majesty the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours. 

Sam has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the NHS, spanning almost three decades. 

Reacting to the news, Samantha said: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. For me it is a reflection on the brilliant people I’ve had the privilege to work with throughout my career, both here in the North East and North Cumbria and nationally.

"I care deeply about the NHS and about creating opportunities for others. I’ve always loved this work and been proud to serve the NHS. If I’ve made any difference, it is because I’ve been part of brilliant teams, all working to improve things for patients, staff and communities. I'd like say a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, friends and family who have supported me."

Sam began her career in the NHS at the age of 22 in a temporary reception role with a community mental health team in South London.

It is here that her passion for the NHS first took hold, spending the majority of her career in mental health services prior to joining the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board in 2022.

Sam played a leading role in establishing the Integrated Care Board, bringing together partners across the region to improve care and address health inequalities. Her leadership has been a driving force behind improvements in care and tackling some of the region’s biggest health challenges head-on.

From women’s health hubs and expanded mental health support, to securing major investment to help people with health conditions stay in or return to work, and better access to urgent dental care, to name a few.  

Alongside this, Sam has also held a number of influential national roles. She has championed improvements in women’s health and women leaders across the NHS, and has been a strong voice for raising the profile and standards of NHS leadership and management.

Sam has helped drive action on sexual safety across the NHS and the need for representation of women on NHS Boards. The region's ICB was one of the first in the country to adopt a sexual safety charter.

Chair of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, said: “Sam is an exceptional leader whose unwavering commitment to patients, staff and the NHS shines through in everything she does. Not only does she live by the values of the NHS, but she also actively supports and inspires others to do the same. She leads with integrity, compassion and determination and has made a profound impact not only across the North East and North Cumbria, but nationally too. I am delighted to see Sam recognised in this way. It is richly deserved and we are all very proud of her.”

Sir Jim Mackey, NHS chief executive, said: “I am delighted to see Sam recognised in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours. Sam is a highly respected leader who has made a significant contribution both in the North East and North Cumbria and across the wider NHS, particularly through her work to strengthen leadership, champion women’s health and support the development of future NHS leaders. 

"This honour is a fitting recognition of her dedication, values and outstanding service, and I offer her my warmest congratulations.”

Sam, who is from an Armed Forces family, lived in Blyth and moved away when she was young. She returned to the North East four years ago to take up her role in the ICB. She lives in Northumberland.