Before I became an NHS Trust Chair, I spent many years in the world of third sector group facilitation and training. Working with national charities I was supported to develop my own skills through academic and practical learning. As a [...]
It's been a strange couple of years to be part of a board or a council of governors in the NHS. The pandemic has had several presentations, bringing different governance challenges. These have included: The unknown. In the early phase [...]
Following a bit of Twitter commentary and a revamped article from ACEVO for Chief Executives on leading in challenging times (http://www.acevo.org.uk/member_briefings/tips-for-leading-in-challenging-times/) I want to share some reflections about us Chairs and what we can – and should not – bring [...]
I’ve led a wide range of service user involvement over the last 30 years, as strategic lead for service user involvement in national charities and by working with patient and public voice organisations including the National Association for Patient Participation [...]
I remember quite a bit from when I first became a Board member and when I first became a Chair. One of my stronger memories is of my intent to learn from my own experience of other leaders – not [...]
I recently had the pleasure of chairing a day with Governors from a number of NHS Foundation Trusts, sharing experiences about their roles, and helping facilitate some joint learning. I found myself thinking about some of the factors that help [...]
The phrase “We’ll learn the lessons from…” is often used. Whether in national politics, in the aftermath of disasters, in the wake of a failure in a local service, after accidents, or when things just plain go wrong, there is [...]
First published by NHS Providers, January 2017 Governors are fundamental to Foundation Trusts. They bring an explicit connection to the communities we serve, and provide Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and Boards with an essential reference point and check and balance on [...]
First printed in Health Service Journal, August 2016 NHS Improvement would benefit from looking to the Third Sector as part of its drive for a more collaborative leadership as well as focusing on FTSE 100 leaders. Helen Buckingham of NHS [...]
A year ago I incorporated as Because It Matters Ltd – a consultancy business with the aim of Getting the best from you and your organisation. And I’ve had a busy year! I operate Because It Matters Ltd alongside my [...]