Derbyshire Support & Facilities Services (DSFS) is pleased to announce that Daniel Williams has been appointed as the permanent Head of Estates, following several months of successfully leading the service on an interim basis.

Daniel steps into the role with pride, enthusiasm and a strong commitment to supporting the Chesterfield Royal Hospital site, its people, and the wider community.

Reflecting on his appointment, Daniel shared: “I am excited and thrilled to permanently assume the role of Head of Estates after being interim for the last few months. It was a medium‑term goal to progress to a role such as this, but the opportunity has gratefully come about much sooner than expected.”

As Head of Estates, Daniel will lead, manage, and develop the estates service—ensuring the hospital site remains safe, legally compliant and operating to the highest standards. His responsibilities include:

• Meeting NHS targets and delivering services that offer quality and value for money
• Advising the DSFS Board on strategic and compliance matters
• Developing an estates strategy aligned with the Trust’s clinical services strategy
• Working closely with divisional leads across the organisation
• Deputising for the Operations Director when required

Since stepping into the interim role, Daniel says one of the most enjoyable aspects has been working closely with people across the hospital: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the wider Chesterfield Royal community—both DSFS and Trust colleagues—and implementing improvements for staff, visitors and patients.”

He has also taken great pride in developing the Estates team itself, helping create opportunities for staff and enhancing outputs not only for the Trust, but also for Royal Primary Care and any future enterprises DSFS may support.

Daniel brings a unique depth of experience, having joined DSFS directly after an extraordinary 29-year career in the Royal Engineers. Rising from Sapper (Private Soldier) to Warrant Officer and ultimately being commissioned as a Captain, his military service has taken him across the globe. His deployments and postings have included:

• The Balkans
• Northern Ireland
• Iraq
• Afghanistan
• The Middle East
• Africa
• And many more locations worldwide

He highlights a two‑year posting on Ascension Island—accompanied by his family—as one of the standout experiences of his career.

“I draw and reflect on my military experience almost daily in my new role. There are many technical transferable skills, but it’s the operational nature and the pure relentless activity that is the main crossover.”

For Daniel, the sense of service, public duty, and supporting communities remains central to his work at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Alongside his Estates leadership, Daniel also plays an active role in the Trust’s annual Remembrance service and in supporting the veteran and armed forces community across the site.

“Remembrance, although annual for the nation, is a daily activity for those who served and their families. Many people today have been touched by conflict—through loss, physical injury or mental scars.”

He believes strongly in the importance of keeping these networks alive and meaningful: “It’s for us to continue to be there for each other in our new careers and communities—whether that’s a coffee and a chat, or signposting to further support.”

Daniel’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for DSFS Estates, with a clear focus on safety, quality, partnership working, and continued service excellence.