Our Governors

The statutory duties of the Council of Governors are:

• to hold the Trust's non-executive directors individually and collectively to account for the performance of the Board of Directors.
• to represent the interests of the members of the trust as a whole and the interests of the public.
• to appoint the Chair and other non-executive directors and decide their pay and conditions; to approve the appointment of the Chief Executive; to appoint the Auditors and to receive the annual report and accounts.

Southampton Constituency 

Stephanie Angell - 
I have two passions - supporting people and ensuring those who care for and support others are effective, congruent and accountable. I have worked within the health sector for over 20 years, either delivering and managing health services or performance managing others. I became a Governor to share my knowledge and experience, but also to be a voice for others.

Gloria Ede - I am registered social worker with working experience across the NHS and social care sectors. I understand the challenges across the health and social care system, and I am taking up this role to contribute my knowledge towards the service provided by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. My experience of working with unpaid carers in issues relating to patient’s care would be beneficial and contribute to the continuous improvement of the services provided by the Trust. With mediation and advocacy skills, I will represent the views of the people of Southampton in planning and service delivery.

South West Hampshire Constituency

Derek Marshall - I have a long-standing interest in health policy and the governance of large organisations and several members of my family work for the NHS. I have worked as a barrister in private practice for over 40 years and was the Head of College Chambers in Southampton until I stood down in 2020, although I continue to practice as an Arbitrator and Civil Dispute Mediator.I am the current Chair of the Board of the YOU Trust, a prominent local charity involved in social care.

Maureen Queen - I have lived in my village since 1952 and am an active member of my community. My voluntary life began as a school governor when my two sons started school.

I am a parish councillor, president of Netley Abbey Women's Institute, member of St Edwards PCC, Secretary to the Friends of Victoria Council Park.

I have my own mental health issues that I have managed (mostly) for over 40 years and my Philosophy is you shouldn't complain about something unless you are prepared to put yourself forward to help find a solution. 

North Hampshire Constituency

John Lay -  
I have 20 years private and 30 years of public sector working experience, including as a Senior Manager, Director, Chartered Accountant and Chartered IT Practitioner. 
I have extensive consultation experience, both informal and formal market research. I am a passionate supporter of the NHS and am keen to do all I can to ensure the services of the Trust are protected and maintained. 

Martyn Smith - I applied to become a Governor following decades of support from the Trust to myself and my family, from 3 births to my own stay at Frimley Park.

My objective to support the Trust provide excellent service to its public, and ensure it provides value for money for the tax payer. Governance is important for any business and I have the skills to deliver that for the Trust and its stakeholders.

South East Hampshire Constituency

Suzanne Pepper – 
I became a Governor to ensure transparency in the services that will be delivered to the highest of standards with patient needs in the forefront of everyone’s mind constantly. I will act as a critical friend and I have no issue speaking truth to power. I will investigate all issues and believe in delivering praise and encouragement as well as voicing concerns.

Phil Smith -  I am a telecoms and engineering professional with a grown up family. I am looking to help influence the Trust in making the right choices for all service users.

I have a particular interest in mental health including needs for those with psychosis, and elated conditions.

Isle of Wight 

Robert Pitts - 
I was born and raised on the Isle of Wight and lived here until I joined the Royal Air Force. Whilst living on the mainland, I was a Governor of the Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. I have been interested in Mental Health for a long time as I have a son of 53 years, who has learning disabilities. I also have a son of 49 years who is a haemophiliac.

I was a non-executive director of Healthwatch on the island for a number of years and in this role, I was involved in Project Fusion and other aspects of Mental Health here.

I applied to be a governor to continue to be able to ensure that residents on the island are represented and also to help in the development of the new Trust.

Rose Wiltshire -  I have lived on the Isle of Wight for 47 years. I am a retired Registered Mental Nurse. I worked at the local Phychiatric Hospital, I had a good and fulfilling career and i also owned my own successful business. I retired from this to care for my husband as he had been diagnosed with parkinsons. After he passed away 12 years ago it left a big gap in my life which I fulled by volunteeting. I joined link LINK (now Healthwqatch) and also became a Governor for the Island at the Univerity Hospital Southampton. I did this for two terms (six years) and found it very worthwhile.
I am happy to work for the Island and have a very good life here and am pleased to be able to give something back to the community. I can work as part of a team, am fair and open minded and look forward to my new challenge of once again representing our beautiful island.

Portsmouth

Michael North -  The dedicated services of the NHS and its valued staff has for me always been held in high regards, so I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as a public governor in our most important foundation trust. Where as your critical friend, I will proactively confirm to assist in building a strong and effective integrated health service which puts our people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight at the centre of care provision, and in so doing, tackles inequality, diversity and human rights and strengthens the bond with our Trust and local community and their important health care services where accountability, fairness and responsibility are core principles.     

Denise Perry -  We will update this section soon.  

Rest of England

Lindsay Walker - 

With over 16 years of experience in the NHS, I am deeply committed to ensuring accessible, high-quality care for all communities. My work focuses on improving healthcare services, ensuring patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

I have a strong passion for community health and have actively participated in initiatives to enhance service delivery and accessibility. Volunteering in local health-focused projects, supporting wellbeing initiatives, and fostering collaboration to improve outcomes are central to my values. This commitment to healthcare excellence motivates me to contribute meaningfully as a governor, shaping services for the benefit of all.

My passion for healthcare, combined with strong communication skills and the ability to navigate complex systems, equips me to advocate effectively for patients and staff. I am committed to promoting innovation, accountability, and equity, ensuring healthcare services meet the highest standards and evolve to meet changing needs.

As a healthcare governor, I aspire to shape services that genuinely address community needs, ensuring care that is high-quality, accessible, and patient-centred. I am keen to deepen my understanding of local challenges and priorities while fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and the public.

The staff constituency is divided into six classes based on the geographical boundaries within which the Trust operates, these are; North Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, South West Hampshire, South East Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

South West Hampshire
Sarah Reed – 

I have worked in the NHS for the last 20 years, and in Southern Health since 2015.  I have seen some changes over the years, having been through large scale organisational change a few times and fully recognise how important staff engagement is. Supporting others is very important to me – whether that be my family, friends or colleagues. I am passionate about our NHS and am keen to play a role in ensuring that all staff have an opportunity to have their say in the Trust, and know that their interests are represented at the Council of Governors. 

Having been a staff governor for the last 3 years, I can bring consistency to the Council of Governors at a time of significant change to our Trust.  I am a curious person and like to ask those questions others may shy away from, particularly when it comes to changes affecting our staff, and having the ability to influence those. As well as 20 years in NHS communications, I also have a coaching qualification which I use to support our staff.  I am a good listener and very open and honest with people.  I have made many connections on all levels within the Trust and would use this network to ensure I can represent the staff of South West Hampshire. 

North Hampshire
Anita Kilatilake - Having worked in the NHS as a Psychiatrist through several organisational changes, I am passionate about advocating for my colleagues and ensuring that their concerns, ideas, and aspirations are communicated at board level. I am eager to ensure that the views of both front-line staff and those in supporting roles are accurately represented, while remaining committed to the ongoing improvement of services within the division. I am also focused on bridging the gap between staff, service users, and senior leadership, promoting transparency, and supporting an environment that consistently works to enhance service quality through innovation.

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Southampton 
Maria Oyegbile - My interest is to listen to staff colleagues, representing the interests of various staff groups and ensuring that different perspectives are heard and considered in decision making processes. With many years background in teaching, education, and training, I qualified as a nurse in 2015, and worked as a community nurse, research nurse, Practice educator, and practice development nurse. I went on second to Health Education England (HEE/NHSE) as a Learning Environment Lead, and currently back in my role as a practice development nurse. I delight in participating in various staff networks/forums which enables me to listen to staff members and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. With my values aligned with integrity and ethical conduct, I would like to see that our Trust offers excellent services while treating people with respect and compassion.

South East Hampshire
Ingrid Mead - I have been a qualified nurse for almost 30 years with most of that spent in the community. I am dedicated to improving outcomes for our service users and ensuring that our staff feel listened to as well as connected with our strategic vision.  I hope that I will be able to act as a conduit, ensuring positive communication between the Board, our service users and staff.

Isle of Wight 

Loretta Outhwaite - I have become a Staff Governor (Isle of Wight) to ensure that all my Southern colleagues working on the Isle of Wight have their interests and views represented.   As a Deputy Director of Operations and someone with 30 years’ experience of working in the NHS, 10 of which have been on the Isle of Wight, I am well placed to listen to colleagues and to confidently represent them as a member of the Council of Governors. 

Portsmouth -

Patience Ugbo - 

It is a privilege to be elected to represent the Portsmouth Constituency. I enjoy working with people, I am an active listener, with keen interest in people’s welfare and well-being and intends to bring their issues, opinions, and viewpoints to the table. I am a duo qualified nurse (Mental Health and General Nursing) with experience of over 35 years working in difference contextual settings and in three continents.  I have been through organisational changes in the past 24 years of joining the NHS, which has been extensive, challenging and rewarding. It is my aim to foster mutually beneficial relationship grounded in trust; especially coming from the BAME Community.

I hope I am well suited to represent the interest of staff and the community we serve; making their voices heard with the Trust values at the forefront.

I am a volunteer for the past 13 years with Accension Trust as Street Pastor; we cover night economy within Portsmouth supporting people. We listen to people wishing to talk, seeking out vulnerable people ensuring they are protected and safe whilst out having fun.

We have eight Appointed Governors who are nominated by our partner organisations, (local authorities, commissioners, academic and voluntary sector). They bring expert insights which have been invaluable.

Prof David Baldwin - 
University of Southampton
As an Appointed Governor I work with the Trust and the University to further collaborative relationships between the two organisations, so helping to improve the expertise and resourcefulness of our clinical services to the benefit of patients, families and staff.

Vacancy
Carers Together
We are working with teh incoming candidate to complete their pre-appointment checks. 

Helen Callen
Age Concern Hampshire
Age Concern Hampshire is an independent registered charity working to support the ageing journey for older people in the county. As appointed Governor representing our charity, I am particularly interested in fostering collaborative partnership working and how older people, particularly those with dementia are supported by the trust.

Lois MacDonald
Unloc

My name is Lois, I’m 16 and I applied to be a youth governor after my I enjoyed my time on the southern health youth board. I am deeply passionate about serving my community, particularly its younger members and I see the Southern Health Youth Governor role as an unparalleled opportunity to effect positive change. I am fascinated by science and I am interested in a career in healthcare. I am driven by a desire to advocate for the needs and rights of young people in our region. I believe that everyone matters and that through being a youth governor, I can amplify the voices of those who may not always have a platform to be heard. I want to make a difference in the region and benefit the well being of the population through representing the views of our community and having a say in impactful decisions.

Councillor Christian Cox 
Southampton City Council

I am a city councillor in Southampton and work in the National Institute of Health and Care research and as such have a strong interest in improving services for both patients and staff, both now and for the future.

Councillor David Harrison
Hampshire County Council

Vacancy
Portsmouth City Council

Vacancy
Isle of Wight Council

The Service User and Carer Constituency is made up of members who have used services or cared for those who have used services in a period of 3 years immediately preceding the date of an application by the patient or carer to become a member of the trust. 

We are set to run elections for six vacancies within this Constituency later this year, please contact us via Corporate.Governance@southernhealth.nhs.uk if you are interested in becoming a Governor.

Vacancy
Associate Member for Young People

Appointment Committee - The Council of Governors has established an Appointment Committee to recommend the appointment of the Chair and Non-Executive Directors to the Council of Governors, including recommendations on remuneration. 

Appointment Committee Terms of Reference

Agenda Planning Group - The Council of Governors has established this Group to input into the agendas for the Council of Governor meetings, Governor Development Sessions and the Governor Induction programme. 

Agenda Planning Group Terms of Reference

Governor Elections 

We are running elections for one vacant seat in our Public South East Hampshire constituency.

If you are interested in applying, please use the following link to view our notice of election and submit your nomination: Nominations

If you have any queries relating to the role, please contact Corporate.governance@southernhealth.nhs.uk.

Governor Election Results

Please see the results below from our most recent Governor Elections:

• January 2025 - Election Report & Uncontested report 
• August 2024 - Election Report & Uncontested report
• June 2024 - Election Report & Uncontested report