Steve Roche
Term​ of office started 1 February 2018

I was born in Suffolk and have lived here most of my life, working for the last 20 years in coaching, therapy, and personal development. I am co-director of a CIC dedicated to improving ​wellbeing in Suffolk.

I am aware of the challenges facing rural and ageing populations. I am an advocate of peer support that helps people to help themselves, particularly to empower older and disadvantaged people by building peer networks to combat loneliness and isolation, and meet emotional needs like meaning, connection and community.

I have worked with a number of local charities, in recent years delivering training and running groups for Suffolk Mind.

I have first-hand knowledge of the IAPT services.

I worked at senior level in business and have strong skills in organisation, communication, reviewing, and editing. I am an excellent chair, presenter, writer, and speaker, skilled at analysing arguments and asking perceptive questions.

I aim to use my skills to benefit the trust, represent users, and support and challenge the directors.

Kathleen Ben Rabha
Term of office started 1 February 2014

I've now been elected as a Public Governor for Suffolk, having served before as a Partner Governor. I have strong connections with the community and voluntary sector. 

In my work in the Church of England in Suffolk, I'm working to raise awareness in church communities and faith groups in general about mental health. 

I am also connected with Healthwatch Suffolk and the Suffolk User Forum.​

Andrew Good
Term of office started 1 February 2014

My last management role before retirement in 2011 was as Chief Executive of Mid Suffolk District Council.

A Samaritan volunteer for 19 years and Chairman of the Colchester, Tendring and Suffolk Borders branch, I'm concerned about the impact of mental health issues on people's lives. I have first hand family experience of seeking support for someone with Alzheimer’s.

I believe that through effective engagement, service users can and should influence policy, service design and delivery. I now chair the Membership Subgroup.

Catherine Wells, Lead Governor
Term of office started 1 February 2013

I have been a public governor since 2015, which has allowed me to undertake an active process of scrutinising, questioning and – where necessary – challenging decisions within the Trust.

As an occupational therapist within Norfolk, I worked clinically in the mental health service before moving to the UEA to teach. I became a public governor following my retirement as I see the role as vital in maintaining focus on the issues which matter to the public, namely high quality, effective and safe care. My personal, clinical and educational background gives me with a good understanding of what is required to achieve this ideal for service users, carers and staff members.

I'm involved in the Education and Planning and Performance sub-groups and the Nominations Committee, and am particularly interested in high quality practice and professionalism. It is a vital time for our mental health service and my aim is to ensure the Trust provides the best possible care.

Sheila Preston
Term of office started 1 February 2014

As a governor, I hope to act as an effective interface between service users, carers, the public, and the Trust in order to monitor the design and delivery of appropriate and superior mental health services equitably among users.​

Nigel Boldero
Term of office started 1 March 2016

I’ve lived in Norfolk for nearly 30 years and over that time have been a volunteer in a variety of fields. I want to contribute to the effective governance of the Trust and to connect with the public it serves, especially in Norfolk.

Initially trained in spatial planning, most of my working life has involved policy planning, analytical and management positions in a range of local and national public bodies (including a local NHS Community Health Trust, Social Services and a Housing Association).

I have a commitment to enabling effective joint working between agencies and played a part in the transformation of old, outdated care facilities for elderly people and those with a learning disability into less institutional, community-based care.

More recently I’ve provided independent support to public, charitable and voluntary organisations on a range of topics, including social enterprise development. Following further training about 10 years ago, I set up as a Garden and Landscape Designer specialising in children’s play landscapes.

Marcus Hayward
Term of office started 1 February 2016

I qualified as a registered mental health nurse in 1982, but have interwoven my mental health career with other paths and interests including global travel, documentary making and studying comparative philosophies and cultures. Since returning to practice with NSFT in 2002, I've held a variety of clinical and management roles. I will use all of this experience in my role as a governor.

I want to make a positive difference for those receiving our services and the staff delivering them. During our current period of introspection and improvement, I believe we should be appreciating great staff, identifying examples of best practice and advocating for transformation from the ground up. In my view, no one knows better how to improve services than those delivering them on the front line.

My aim is to hold the Trust's senior leadership to account to ensure we really do all work positively and respectfully together to improve mental healthcare.

Thomas Smith, ​​​Norfolk County Council

James Reeder, Suffolk County Council