Ashleigh is Deputy Director Partnerships, Research and Innovation at NHS Dorset. His current portfolio also includes his role as Programme Director for Oral Health and the Medical School, in addition to leading on Creative Health and on Health for the Armed Forces Community.
Working with Life Sciences and Academia, and the Third Sector developing health on the High Street as concept in partnership with NHS Confederation and Industry has led to a collaboration with the Art University Bournemouth for the delivery of an undergraduate course in Health, Architecture and Interior Design.
He previously served for 27 years in the Regular Army, deploying to the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Oman before joining the NHS in 2020.
A former Commander Medical in 1 (UK) Armoured Division and Afghanistan. He as commanded two Field Hospitals, deploying to Iraq and Kosovo in this role. He was awarded the Order of St John in 2001. Previous appointments included Corps Colonel and Head of Careers Management for the Army Medical Services, leading strategic workforce planning and medical training.
A visiting specialist to several university’s supporting studies on leadership, innovation, health architecture and design, with a focus on community integration into planning. He is also an Honorary Visiting Fellow with the Health Services University.
With a MA in Defence Studies and MSc in Emergency Planning, he is a graduate of the Defence Staff Academy. A Fellow of the Institute of Healthcare Management, a Trustee for the Museum of Military Medicine, a local Parish Councillor and remains a member of the Army Reserve.