Zoë Billingham announced as new Chair of NSFT
Zoë Billingham has been appointed as the next Chair of NHS mental health services in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Zoë has 12 years’ experience of making improvements in organisations through her work as Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services in England and Wales. She will join the Trust next month.
Chair Marie Gabriel, who has been with the Trust since January 2018, will be working with Zoë to ensure a smooth handover. Marie will be with the Trust until the end of December.
Zoë has long been an advocate for improving the treatment of people who have mental health illness. Most recently she published a report on tackling violence against women and girls.
Zoë, who lives in Suffolk and was born in Norfolk, said: “I am incredibly excited to have been chosen to be chair. Everyone I’ve spoken to, internally and externally, has told me that the Trust is an improving organisation, led with compassion. Your hard work is shining through.
“For my part, I am keen to work with and listen very hard to you and those with lived experience, as your collective insight will help make even better services.”
Zoë’s appointment has been made with the support of NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Ann Radmore, Regional Director of the East of England, said: “Zoe’s local knowledge, professional background and strong interest in advocating for improved services for patients with mental health conditions, make her an excellent “fit” with NSFT and its staff. I look forward to working with her in the months and years to come.”