Elaine Young, NJR Director of Operations, to step down

After almost 19 years in her role, with an admirable track-record of tireless dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment, the NJR announces that Elaine Young will be stepping down as Director of Operations, to retire at the end of March 2026. 

Over these years, Elaine has made an enormous contribution to the transformation of the registry from its earliest days of operation into being the internationally renowned, world-class body with over 4.5 million records that it is today. Elaine was responsible for extending the NJR’s monitoring and reporting functions across several new nations and for the inclusion of the additional joints, which has generated insights that have improved safety and surgery outcomes for countless patients.  

Elaine has led major strategic initiatives that have enabled the registry’s growth in stature and impact, including: the development of the NJR Accountability and Transparency model, a root and branch review of patient safety processes in consultation with a wide range of regulatory and specialist bodies; the inception and development of the very well-received NJR Quality Data Provider Awards Scheme for all NHS and independent hospitals; overseeing the appointment of the NJR’s first Medical Director, alongside the unprecedented implementation of cutting-edge data analyses, including personalised reports for surgeons and implant manufacturers; as well as the implementation of the NJR’s effective hospital and supplier subscription strategy; to name but a few, and all to great success. 

Elaine continuously strengthened her team’s reach and structure by introducing new strands of activity, including bringing the wide range of communication and stakeholder engagement in-house. She has always been adept at building meaningful connections with a shared purpose, alongside a culture of unity and collaboration, amongst her team and the wider community of Board and committee members, as well as with her HQIP colleagues. This was demonstrated also in her being instrumental in the development of international partnerships and instigating collaboration around sharing best practice on the use of a new component classification system. Elaine’s focussed work ethic and personal qualities will leave a lasting mark on all those that she has worked with and the orthopaedic community as a whole.  

Professor Sir Paul Curran, Chair of the NJR said, “The end of an era. Elaine has been not only the thread of continuity but also the face and heart of the NJR.  We will miss her leadership, knowledge, guidance and of course, her presence at NJR activities.  The NJR’s success has been Elaine’s unwavering purpose and so taking the decision to retire will not have been easy.  However, Elaine will be leaving the NJR with a legacy of which she can be justifiably proud.”                                                         

While we will all greatly miss Elaine’s drive, expertise and passion for the work of the registry, alongside her warmth, kindness and humour, we are also delighted for her as she commences this next chapter in her life, with the opportunity for new pursuits, personal endeavours and the adventures that will bring.

Elaine will retire formally at the end of March 2026, with a well-deserved sense of pride for her significant accomplishments during her time with the NJR and we will all wish her well. 

We thank Elaine for everything she has done for the NJR, for HQIP, and for patients. 

We are currently recruiting for the role of Director of Operations for the NJR. The closing date is 31 January 2026 – you can find further details here