About us- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

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Help in a crisis

Meet our governors

Latest news:

Save the date for our AGM
29 Sep 2020
Become a Governor and help shape mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk
23 Sep 2020
Music to their ears
23 Sep 2020
Chief executive retirement
17 Sep 2020
New service helps 25 people find employment in first 12 months
15 Sep 2020

Upcoming events:

Council of Governors - 1 October 2020

Useful links:

Council of Governors

Public meetings

Elections

Marie Gabriel CBE, Chair

I was Chair of East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) - which is rated as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC and was the HSJ’s ‘Trust of the Year’ in 2016 - from October 2012 until 2020, when I stepped down to take up my new role as Independent Chair of the emerging north east London Integrated Care System (ICS) part of the East London Health and Care Partnership.

Before being Chair of ELFT, I was Chair of a variety of health organisations, including NHS East London and the City, North East London and the City, NHS Newham and Newham Community Health Council.

I was recognised on the HSJ’s inaugural ‘Inspirational Women’ list and made a CBE for services to the NHS in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2017.

It is a huge honour to be Chair of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and I truly look forward to continuing to work with staff, service users, carers, partners and Board colleagues, building on what the Trust does well and drawing on ELFT’s successful improvement experience.

Public Governors - Suffolk

	Sara Muzira Term of office started 1 February 2019 I hope to help the Trust to provide an excellent service for everyone who needs it. As a carer, I have experience of acute inpatient facilities community care, in Suffolk and elsewhere. This experience has given me a good understanding of the pressures on mental health services as well as the difference that good care and compassionate staff can make to a person’s life. Over the last three years, I have been attending a range of committees at the Royal College of Psychiatrists as a carer representative, giving me an insight into current challenges and opportunities in mental health. A teacher for over 30 years, I am a good communicator. As a practising artist, I am passionate about the potential of the arts and creativity to contribute to mental health and recovery.
	Ian Hartley Term of office started 1 February 2018 I have a long-standing interest in mental health going back to the 1960s when I first experienced anxiety and panic attacks. In the 1970s I was briefly hospitalised and treated with drugs and ECT. In the 1980s I began working for Mind in Suffolk, eventually becoming the CEO. I worked for Mind for almost 20 years. During that time I worked with NHS and Local Authority services in Suffolk and Mind was jointly commissioned to succesfully run housing and day services. After retiring from Mind I worked for five years in service improvement with the Care Services Improvement Partnership and Suffolk Social Services. I also became a trustee of the Suffolk service user-led organisation SUF. I follow the fortunes of NSFT, keep abreast of good practice and continue to work for services that meet the needs of those who experience mental health difficulties.
	Katharine Axford Term of office started 1 February 2019 Although I have been a carer for more than 40 years, my interest in mental health pre-dated my husband's illness and continued throughout my working life. This was a mix of paid and voluntary work within the NHS, local government and the voluntary sector, combined with looking after my family. I have worked with carers, service users and the general public, in various roles providing support, advocacy and information. I had not planned to return to paid or voluntary work but am now enjoying having a new role within the mental health services. Although governors work collectively, subject to this I want to do all I can to help ensure: - that in the face of many competing priorities, NSFT maintains a clear commitment to providing good services for those with severe and enduring mental illness (psychosis) and that carers' perspectives are understood and respected, and that work continues to address the issues which still exist, relating to communication between carers and mental health professionals.
	Dr Paddy Fielder Term of office started 1 February 2014 I'm a recently retired family doctor, having worked in the NHS since 1970. I was employed at both the Norfolk and Norwich and Ipswich hospitals and spent many years in rural general practice in Suffolk. Besides caring for patients, I also taught medical students and graduate doctors. Since retirement, I started and have been involved in a patient participation group and chair the Debenham Project for the carers of those with dementia within my community.
	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.
	Donald Campbell Term of office started 1 February 2020 I believe deeply in the work the Trust carries out. It can mend lives and save lives. I want to help the Trust fulfill its mission. I work in compliance in insurance. My job is to ensure the business meets its legal duties, and treats its customers properly. These skills transfer directly to the role of NSFT Governor. I’m also part of ‘FineNotFine’, a campaign set up by my wife and daughter to promote the mental health of young people in West Suffolk.

Public Governors - Norfolk

	Rebecca Toye, Deputy Lead Governor Term of office started 1 February 2019 I consider it a great privilege to serve as a governor and believe I can help in ensuring the Trust provides the right and effective services for everyone. Over many years, I have been a proactive member of a variety of boards and committees, having worked in mental health since 2007, in social care, auditing and management roles. I am a mental health champion who has set up programmes and training schemes in mental health awareness, carer befrienders, professional boundaries and diversity training. I bring professional skills, essential to any governor, and a passion and drive to making a difference to lives. I will work hard to make a positive impact on behalf of service users, members and carers.
	Dr Ron French Term of office started 1 February 2014 I'm experienced as a research physicist, IT director and in consultancy and, most recently, as a board member of a private university and now a trustee. I have advised a range of government bodies and other agencies, including hospitals, on efficiency and the preparation and implementation of strategic plans. I was the carer of my mother and of my wife with terminal cancer and had a bipolar son-in-law who refused help because of the stigma attached. As a new governor, I look forward to contributing to the Board and its committees for the benefit of our local community.
	Hilary Hanbury Term of office started 1 February 2015 Twenty five years in the education sector, as tutor, educational adviser and in senior management gave me a gift: to be involved in the lives of people who were experiencing mental ill health. Some had additional support needs due to learning difficulties or physical disabilities. They sometimes found it difficult, without support, to access things that others in the community found easy, like social interaction, higher education, building relationships or going to the shops. That support wasn't always available. This was wrong and I spent most of my working life helping to improve their experiences through the adult education department at the Norvic Clinic and with community mental health staff. In twenty five years much has improved, but we can still do better. My pledge is to contribute to the continuing improvement of mental health services for the people of Norfolk and Suffolk by working on your behalf. I am on your side.
	Safiyya Mair Term of office started 1 February 2020 I have a long-held interest in mental health, especially for children and young people. Prior to moving to Norwich 12 years ago, I worked in various management and strategic development roles within investment banking, spanning 20+ years. In my current work providing wellbeing services, I have seen and experienced the cultural conflicts that arise within families when considering the use of mental health services and especially their reluctance to use medication which may be necessary. Through my years of homeschooling three of my six children, I have shared many conversations with families supporting children who have, or are awaiting, ASD, ADHD, SEN diagnoses. As a mother of Afro-caribbean descent and of Muslim faith, I recognise that there is a need for a diverse representation to help support the Trust's Strategic Plan, which I hope to positively contribute to. I am also a member of the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
	Sarah Miller Term of office started 1 February 2020 I am a resident of Norfolk and CEO of Papworth Trust, a disability charity based in the East of England. My employed life has been social care for over 30 years, in the voluntary sector and public sector. I have worked in, developed and managed CQC registered services for adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs and older people. My passion is genuine involvement and co-production with users of services, and continuous learning and improvement to deliver high-quality care and support. I have an MBA, MSc in adults with complex needs and an NHS Care Management BA (hons). I have worked with trusts across my social care background, working with users and partners to enable those with complex needs to move out of assessment units into the community. I have experience of governance, as CEO and within my two trustee roles, one with a national disability charity and the other with a homelessness and ex-offender charity.
	Colin Bain Term of office started 6 February 2020 My focus is to help the Trust in its forward planning and development on behalf of service users, carers, members and the public. I am Chair of the Trustees of a Music Project, a charity set up to provide music sessions for people from Norfolk and Suffolk with disabilities. For many years, I have been involved in business and quality management and, later, as a management consultant. I aim to use my skills and experience in business management, and my increasing knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, in my role as Governor. I have a real desire to see the Trust succeed for the benefit of the people and communities it serves.

Service User Governor - Suffolk

	Maximilian Clark Term of office started 1 February 2019 As a young man, I want to represent the often surreptitious experiences of mental health faced by individuals in my peer group. I want to: Challenge labels, stereotypical thinking, and unhealthy group / tribal culture. I want to champion the notion of the individual, supporting the unique journey to recognition and recovery Use my experiences to influence continuous improvement in support for people across Norfolk and Suffolk. I work at a strategic level to facilitate meaningful co-production to bridge the gap between ‘person’ and ‘professional’. I am a firm believer in blurring the invisible lines to bring people holistic but robust support. I work for Ace Anglia, supporting the implementation of the Joint Health and Social Care Learning Disability Strategy, which includes Suffolk County Council and health services. I work with people with learning disabilities to create easy-read documents and other pieces of accessible information to assist people with learning disabilities to understand services and processes within the Trust. This is through my role at Ace Anglia, a charity working closely with health and social care in Suffolk on the transformative Joint Learning Disability Strategy 2015-20.
	Derek Sanders Term of office started 1 February 2019 Being diagnosed with bipolar as a young man, I have been hospitalised on many occasions, recently from January 2014 until April of 2015. This has been followed up with community care, which is ongoing. This has given me a good understanding of the delivery of mental health services and the challenges it faces. Being a Governor with the Trust, I will add value and commitment to deliver the best services, mental awareness and wellbeing to service users and carers A retired company executive with responsibility for the development of business alliances, I managed diverse organisations to achieve common business goals and objectives. For 12 months, I have been engaged with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Mental Health Care Pathways project and Mental Health in NHS England, Long-Term Plan. I also participate as a volunteer for Norfolk-Suffolk Recovery College. I have been a member of the Trust since 2017, which has led to my participation in the Recovery College and the RCP.

Maximilian Clark
Term of office started 1 February 2019

As a young man, I want to represent the often surreptitious experiences of mental health faced by individuals in my peer group. I want to:

Challenge labels, stereotypical thinking, and unhealthy group / tribal culture. I want to champion the notion of the individual, supporting the unique journey to recognition and recovery
Use my experiences to influence continuous improvement in support for people across Norfolk and Suffolk.

I work at a strategic level to facilitate meaningful co-production to bridge the gap between ‘person’ and ‘professional’. I am a firm believer in blurring the invisible lines to bring people holistic but robust support.

I work for Ace Anglia, supporting the implementation of the Joint Health and Social Care Learning Disability Strategy, which includes Suffolk County Council and health services.

I work with people with learning disabilities to create easy-read documents and other pieces of accessible information to assist people with learning disabilities to understand services and processes within the Trust. This is through my role at Ace Anglia, a charity working closely with health and social care in Suffolk on the transformative Joint Learning Disability Strategy 2015-20.

Derek Sanders
Term of office started 1 February 2019

Being diagnosed with bipolar as a young man, I have been hospitalised on many occasions, recently from January 2014 until April of 2015. This has been followed up with community care, which is ongoing.

This has given me a good understanding of the delivery of mental health services and the challenges it faces.

Being a Governor with the Trust, I will add value and commitment to deliver the best services, mental awareness and wellbeing to service users and carers

A retired company executive with responsibility for the development of business alliances, I managed diverse organisations to achieve common business goals and objectives.

For 12 months, I have been engaged with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Mental Health Care Pathways project and Mental Health in NHS England, Long-Term Plan. I also participate as a volunteer for Norfolk-Suffolk Recovery College.

I have been a member of the Trust since 2017, which has led to my participation in the Recovery College and the RCP.

Service User Governor - Norfolk

Kevin James
Term of office started 1 February 2019

I’m a highly motivated professional and service user for over 20 years. I am passionate about mental health and supporting service users to access services in their local area when needed, in a way that best suits their needs. For many years I have supported and advocated for service user participation and involvement which helps organisations to provide services in a safe and effective way to suit the needs of service users and to challenge the organisation that delivers them.

These skills have been invaluable in several roles, including as Lived Experience Co-ordinator, Co-Production Lead for the Faculty of the University of East Anglia, Norwich Medical School and as a trustee for a user-led disability rights charity in Norfolk that supports independent living for disabled people.

This experience and the skills I have gained throughout my professional and volunteer roles will enable me to serve as an effective governor and allow me to make impartial decisions on your behalf of service users, your friends and family and stakeholders.

Emma Reed
Term of office started 1 February 2020

I am extremely passionate about the Trust and mental health and have a wealth of skills and experience to bring to the role.

I first became involved by joining my local 'Have Your Say' group in 2013, have been a part of NSFT's Youth Council for five years, which involved speaking at mental health conferences, and have been on interview panels for the Trust.

I have also spoken at Parliament with the shadow minister for mental health.

In addition, I have been involved in starting up a mental health talking cafe and my town's mental health support Facebook page. I have also worked in two mental health wards.

Carer Governor - Suffolk

Peter Coleman
Term of office started 1 February 2019

As a carer, I have over 13 years' experience of Suffolk mental health services, including inpatient, community mental health and forensic services. Also, I have experienced out-of-area placement, and have attended CPA meetings in various settings, as well as tribunal hearings.

Attending HealthWatch Mental Health Focus Group meetings, I regularly meet service users and carers along with mental health professionals, and voluntary support organisers.

Using social media, I am aware of the views of some service users, as well as ideas for a modern mental health service.

I am a semi-retired telecommunications and IT support engineer, having worked in many diverse settings, and have been a member of Suffolk's Health Scrutiny Committee for four years.

Carer Governor - Norfolk

Christine Hawkes
Term of office started 1 February 2018

As a carer of a service user of NSFT, I am in touch with carers and carersʼ groups throughout Norfolk. I attend Trust governor and director Board meetings regularly. I care passionately that the voices of users and carers should be at the forefront of commissioning, design and delivery of mental health services.

As a teacher in charge of a specialist unit for children with autism I was involved with children, families and the Local Authority. I helped families obtain support with housing, benefits, medical and other difficulties. We worked together to ensure the child was supported under the Children and Families Act 2014.

I will represent carersʼ needs, emphasising the vital role of unpaid carers of mentally ill people.

Staff Governors

	Lisa Breame Term of office started 1 February 2019 I have worked in the Trust in many roles across the two counties for 34 years and am keen to help create an 'outstanding' trust before I retire, working on the positives I have witnessed, such as good care. Person-centred care applies to us all, not just the people we care for but also the staff, who need to be given control, choice and respect. I will do this by listening and representing the views of staff, service users and their loved ones. I have served as a parent governor, nurse, trainer and facilitator, and aim to find ways of improving systems and leadership. I want to make a difference to a service I feel passionate about.
	Jill Curtis Term of office started 1 February 2018 I am a frontline worker, who has a positive outlook and tenacious attitude, who will bring an everyday perspective to the role. People who have met me know I am forthright and honest and am prepared to advocate and support others to achieve a fair outcome. I have been employed by NSFT for 17 years and enjoy working collaboratively alongside colleagues, service users and carers. I am actively involved in culture-changing initiatives, including the Triangle of Care and the Recovery College. I have built relationships with other statutory and community services and have organised and participated in community events to listen to and gather people’s views about NSFT services. It is my hope that NSFT will continue to provide a caring service that meets the requirements of local people and the high standards expected.
	Howard Tidman, Lead Governor Term of office started 1 February 2015 I've worked in the Trust for 12 years in a number of areas and roles; currently in Great Yarmouth in the acute service. I also have an interest in carer support and am the local carers' lead. This gives me a broad understanding of the priorities of staff, service users and carers which I will represent rigorously on the Board. I am passionate about the Trust providing high quality care and recognize that well-supported staff are essential in achieving this. I appreciate just how difficult things are at present and how hard my colleagues are working currently to provide a safe and caring service for those we care for. I am a trustee of a community project and chair of a Norwich charity and strongly believe in a holistic and recovery based approach to mental health difficulties.
	Michelle O’Toole Term of office started 1 February 2020 I have worked for NSFT since January 2019, after working within the primary care sector in a GP practice. My roles in both areas are in clinical administration, a position which is vital to the smooth and safe running of any organisation. Although I have only worked within NSFT for a short time, I see the passion that staff around me commit to their working lives every day, striving to make NSFT an outstanding place to receive care.

Lisa Breame
Term of office started 1 February 2019

I have worked in the Trust in many roles across the two counties for 34 years and am keen to help create an 'outstanding' trust before I retire, working on the positives I have witnessed, such as good care.

Person-centred care applies to us all, not just the people we care for but also the staff, who need to be given control, choice and respect.

I will do this by listening and representing the views of staff, service users and their loved ones.

I have served as a parent governor, nurse, trainer and facilitator, and aim to find ways of improving systems and leadership.

I want to make a difference to a service I feel passionate about.

Jill Curtis
Term of office started 1 February 2018

I am a frontline worker, who has a positive outlook and tenacious attitude, who will bring an everyday perspective to the role. People who have met me know I am forthright and honest and am prepared to advocate and support others to achieve a fair outcome.

I have been employed by NSFT for 17 years and enjoy working collaboratively alongside colleagues, service users and carers. I am actively involved in culture-changing initiatives, including the Triangle of Care and the Recovery College.

I have built relationships with other statutory and community services and have organised and participated in community events to listen to and gather people’s views about NSFT services.

It is my hope that NSFT will continue to provide a caring service that meets the requirements of local people and the high standards expected.

Howard Tidman, Lead Governor
Term of office started 1 February 2015

I've worked in the Trust for 12 years in a number of areas and roles; currently in Great Yarmouth in the acute service.
I also have an interest in carer support and am the local carers' lead.

This gives me a broad understanding of the priorities of staff, service users and carers which I will represent rigorously on the Board.

I am passionate about the Trust providing high quality care and recognize that well-supported staff are essential in achieving this. I appreciate just how difficult things are at present and how hard my colleagues are working currently to provide a safe and caring service for those we care for.

I am a trustee of a community project and chair of a Norwich charity and strongly believe in a holistic and recovery based approach to mental health difficulties.

Michelle O’Toole
Term of office started 1 February 2020

I have worked for NSFT since January 2019, after working within the primary care sector in a GP practice. My roles in both areas are in clinical administration, a position which is vital to the smooth and safe running of any organisation.

Although I have only worked within NSFT for a short time, I see the passion that staff around me commit to their working lives every day, striving to make NSFT an outstanding place to receive care.

Partner Governors

Peter Beazley, University of East Anglia

Heather Rugg, University of Suffolk

Kim Clipsham, Norfolk County Council

James Reeder, Suffolk County Council

Vikki Versey, Youth Council Suffolk

Meghan Teviotdale, Youth Council Norfolk