Michelle Smith

Michelle joined Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) as Director of Communications and Engagement in September 2025, bringing a wealth of experience from senior communications leadership roles across the NHS. She has previously served as Director of Communications at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and led the Insights and Communications Team at Bristol ICB, where she built expertise in system-wide engagement, behavioural insights, and strategic communications.

Alongside her Trust role, Michelle is also Co-Chair of the NHS Communications AI Network's Ethics working group. In this role, she champions the responsible and trusted adoption of AI across health communications. She leads discussions on ethical governance, transparency, and accountability, helping to ensure that as AI tools become embedded in NHS communications, they are used in ways that uphold public trust, avoid bias, and strengthen equity. 

Michelle is particularly interested in the evolving role of communications leaders as stewards of ethical AI adoption, not only as innovators, but as guardians of integrity in how technologies are applied across health and care.