Non-Executive Directors

I joined the Trust as Chair in January 2022. I spent much of my career inspecting public services to promote improvement. Most recently, I was Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services. I was responsible for a third of police forces in England and Wales and a quarter of fire services. This included those in Norfolk and Suffolk. I shone a light on all aspects of policing and created the new national fire inspectorate.

I am a lawyer by background and have worked in Whitehall and local government. I bring a wealth of experience in supporting public sector organisations to improve. My work on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls has challenged the police and their partners to do better. It is leading to a national sea-change in approach. I have long advocated for better care and access to services for people with mental ill health.

Born in Norfolk and now living in Suffolk, I am committed to making a difference in our communities. Family experience of mental health issues has shown me how life changing access to excellent services can be. It’s a privilege to be Chair of the Trust and I will strive with the Board to help further our improvement journey. Service users will come first and will be at the heart of all we do, shaping our services for the better.  

NED Committee Chair role

• Remuneration Committee

(Picture courtesy of Geoff Pugh Photography Limited)

I am a Human Resources professional with experience in designing organisations and managing change. Most recently, I worked as HR Director with the Norse Group. 

I am passionate about making a difference within the community. I have spearheaded initiatives to help people reach their potential. These include a project to support young people with learning difficulties go from education to employment.  Other schemes supported people to get back into work. These included:

• ex-offenders
• veterans
• people who are still unemployed after a long time
• people with mental health issues

In recognition of my work, I became the Prince of Wales’ Ambassador for the East of England in 2008. I was then made an MBE for services to the community in 2017.

Like many of the people in our community who use the services of NSFT I have lived experience both as a carer and as the parent of an adult child with enduring mental health issues who very sadly took her own life in 2008.

I joined NSFT in October 2019 and am pleased to be able to use my skills and my lived experience to benefit the Trust. I have found colleagues and the staff I have met to be compassionate and caring and I look forward to making a contribution to the Trust.

NED Committee Chair role

• People and Culture Committee

  I have lived in East Anglia – both Suffolk and Norfolk – for over 30 years and have focussed much of my career on improving public sector services.

I have previously held Chair roles at The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Foundation Trust, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust.

I also provide experience gained in CEO roles, including in Suffolk and Norfolk, across a number of public sector organisations.

I am pleased to be working with NSFT and aim to support the board in providing performance improvement, change management and transformation experience at a vital time for the Trust as it continues on its journey of improvement to deliver safer, kinder and better services to the local community.

I joined the Trust in March 2025. I am a chartered accountant with a long history of delivering executive level financial management and oversight. I am also a non-executive director at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Trust and at a local housing association.

I am passionate about improving the lives of people in our community. I have held several roles in the local housing association sector. In these roles I have been involved in creating strategies to relieve pressure on the housing crisis and preventing homelessness.

This has given me strong awareness of the mental health issues people in the eastern region face. With this insight, and my passion for improving the living standards of people in our local community, I am confident my experience will be of value as the Trust continues its journey of transformation to provide safer, kinder, and better services.

In my spare time I enjoy getting outdoors - I am a keen hill walker and enjoy outdoor challenges. I also cherish time spent with my family.

NED Committee Chair roles

• Audit and Risk Committee
• Chair Committee
• Performance and Finance (Vice Chair)

I joined the Trust in July 2020, bringing 20 years of experience in the insurance and finance industries. I was with AXA between 2007 and 2023 and was head of audit for AXA Retail and Commercial from 2019 to 2023.

I am passionate about making sure people have good access to excellent mental health services. This follows a family experience. The teams who supported them - which included staff from NSFT - did an amazing job. 

I am proud to be the Trust's Senior Independent Director helping to make sure staff have appropriate routes to safely speak up about issues and concerns, and that when they do improvements and changes are made as a result.

I am also chair of the Trust's Audit and Risk Committee.

I am keen to do what I can to help the Trust support people to live their dreams and aspirations. 

I am a martial arts black belt and enjoy arranging walks in the Suffolk countryside for my local dog group.

NED Committee Chair roles

• Performance and Finance Committee
• Audit and Risk Committee (Vice Chair)

 

I joined the trust in December 2022. My background has been a 40 year career in clinical medicine both in the NHS, New Zealand and Australia.

For the last 7 years, I was Medical Director at Royal Papworth Hospital, an experience which has provided me insights into the benefits of quality improvement and excellent care to our diverse and challenging population.

Along with many others, my family has experienced the impact of mental health issues. This is a powerful reason why I want to do my utmost to contribute to the the organisation meeting its goals in helping as many people as possible.

NED Committee Chair roles

• Quality Committee
• Mental Health Legislation Committee

I was born and raised in Suffolk, and for over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting communities across Suffolk and Norfolk. 

I currently work in the social housing sector as a managing director and as CEO of a homelessness charity in East Anglia. I’m passionate about housing and homelessness, and I’m deeply committed to improving outcomes for people in our communities by creating safe, secure, and supportive living environments. 

In addition to my professional roles, I volunteer at my local hospice and frequently fundraise on behalf of local charities—work that allows me to stay connected to the community in meaningful ways. Joining Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as a non-executive director gives me the opportunity to bring my skills, experience, and personal insight to the Trust’s mission. I look forward to helping improve outcomes for patients and their families. Making sure that our services remain accessible, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

NED Committee Chair role

• Charity Committee (Vice Chair)

I joined the Trust in April 2025. My career has taken me from clinical roles through to executive roles. I began as a nurse, midwife and health visitor before moving into leadership roles in both the NHS and local government.  

i was the director of adult social services for two Councils before early retirement led to a portfolio phase that included working in the voluntary sector, as the independent chair of a Safeguarding Adults Board and as a non-executive director at Ipswich Hospital. I chaired the Board at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust from 2019 until 2025, when I had served the maximum term.

I have lived in Suffolk for 21 years and have a lifelong family connection with Norfolk too. It has been a real privilege to be involved with my local health services since 2016. I am delighted to continue that at NSFT. 

I've had a lot of involvement with mental health services throughout my career and hope that my experience will contribute to the next stage of that journey. 

NED Committee Chair roles

• Quality Committee (Vice Chair) 
• People and Culture Committee (Vice Chair Designate)