Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chair, Giles York.
Giles is currently a Non-Executive Director at SCFT. He took on the role in October 2021 and holds a number of responsibilities including Chair of People Committee and Chair of Sussex Primary Care.
Well-known and respected across the local area, Giles held the role of Chief Constable of Sussex Police from 2014 to 2020.
His 30-year career in policing saw him receive national recognition from the British Association of Women in Policing for his contribution to equality and support for diversity and inclusion of LGBT communities. He also holds the Queen's Police Medal, which is awarded to police in the United Kingdom for gallantry or distinguished service.
Giles will take up the role of Chair, on a three-year term, from Thursday 1 June. He takes over from outgoing Chair, Peter Horn, following the end of his second three-year term.
Speaking about his new role, Giles said: “I am delighted to be taking up the role of Chair with an organisation that makes such a positive difference to people’s lives every day.
“During my time with the Trust already, I have seen how SCFT's amazing staff are there for many significant and difficult times in people's lives, which is why it is vital that services continue to develop and improve to meet the needs of local people. My role as Chair is to support the Chief Executive and her team to help the Trust achieve its potential and ensure that patients, their families and carers, have access to effective, high-quality care.
“I am committed to ensuring staff are fully supported in the challenges they face and can enjoy an environment where they can be the best that they can be and have a positive experience at work. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the organisation.”
Current chair, Peter Horn, said: “I welcome the appointment of Giles York as chair of SCFT from 1 June. Having worked with Giles in his role as Non-Executive Director over the last 18 months, I know he is deeply committed to SCFT and the NHS and will lead the Board with ambition, openness and integrity. He is passionate about supporting our local communities and improving health and healthcare in Sussex. He will, I am sure, be a great advocate for our vision to provide excellent care at the heart of the community."
Siobhan Melia, SCFT Chief Executive, commented: “I am very much looking forward to working with Giles as we continue to champion the role of community services in helping people to start well, live well and age well.
“Giles follows in the footsteps of Peter Horn, who brought a huge amount of experience to the Board and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.”
