Kay Mulcahy

Associate Director of National Estates Operations (Hard and Soft FM)

NHS England

Biography

As Associate Director of National Estates Operations for NHS England, Kay leads and is responsible for the National operational effectiveness of hard and soft FM, including productivity, digital transformation, and workforce.

A caterer by professional background, Kay has developed her career and has over 28 years’ experience of working within NHS Estates and facilities management.  Kay is motivated by delivering high quality services that enhance the patient experience, believing Estates and Facilities are at the heart of this care provision.

Kay joined NHS England in April 2024 after a long career in Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as their Director of Estates and Facilities where she was also Nottinghamshire ICS estates lead.  She is a proud NHS Ambassador, linking with local schools to promote Estates and Facilities careers, alongside the wider career route mapping and mentoring for estates and facilities professionals in the sector.

Kay is passionate about leadership, driving innovation and change to reduce health inequalities and raise the profile of Estates and Facilities within the NHS, whilst seeking new ideas and opportunities for service improvements.

Kay has also worked within the Health Estates and Facilities Management Association (HEFMA) over the past 16 years.  She is a former Trent Branch Chair, held the position of HEFMA’s Assistant National Secretary for 7 years and was a Board Director for 6 years.  She has just completed her 2-year tenure as National Chair of HEFMA in May 2024, being the first ever female to hold the position.