New NHS Governors Attend First Council of Governors Meeting in Cornwall

Three newly elected Governors attended their first Council of Governors meeting last week, following their election by Trust members to represent local communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Foundation Trust Governors play an important role in ensuring NHS organisations remain accountable to the public. They represent the views of members and local people in key decisions, helping to shape services and priorities.

📷Sam Huczmann, Staff Governor

A Mix of Experience and Perspectives

The new Governors bring a broad range of experience to their roles, including professional backgrounds and lived experience. All have expressed a shared aim of improving healthcare across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Tia Bilkey is preparing to move into a new role within the Trust, having previously held a variety of administrative positions in mental health and digital services. With support from the Trust, Tia is studying for a chartered management degree apprenticeship.

Tia Bilkey said, “My apprenticeship sparked my interest in quality improvement and strategic development. I am passionate about increasing productivity and hope to be an advocate for this as a staff governor.”

📷Tia Bilkey Staff Governor

Representing East Cornwall

Members elected Paul Ford and Sarah Barker to represent the East Cornwall constituency.

Paul Ford returns to the Governor role, bringing experience from his career as a company director in the security industry. Since moving to Cornwall 12 years ago, he has been active in the community, serving as chair of his GP surgery’s local patient participation group and the East Cornwall patient participation umbrella group.

Paul Ford said: “The NHS’s 10-Year Plan aims, among other things, to bring care back into the community. As a Governor, I see one of my duties as ensuring the patient’s voice is heard. I am very much looking forward to my term as Governor.”

Sarah Barker said her interest in the role was driven by a commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, as well as a desire to represent people with lived experience.

Sarah Barker said: “I care deeply about inclusion, wellbeing and making sure the voices of people with lived experience are heard. I hope to bring creativity, empathy and community insight to the role while supporting the Trust to deliver the best possible care for people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

📷Sarah Barker East Constituency Governor

Staff Representation and Leadership Changes

Staff members also elected Sam Huczmann to represent colleagues. Sam was unable to attend the March meeting as he is currently travelling in New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Canada after being awarded a Churchill Fellowship.

Sam Huczmann has played a key role in delivering the Isles of Scilly’s integrated health and social care facility and is keen to bring that experience into his new position.

Sam Huczmann said: “The project to deliver an integrated health and social care facility on the Isles of Scilly has given me good insight into what is possible and how to influence change for the benefit of our patients. I cannot wait to share that knowledge with my fellow Governors as a frontline voice.”

Governors have also appointed Penny Phillips as Lead Governor. Stephanie Pomeroy, who previously held the position, has now stepped down after serving the maximum term.

📷Paul Ford Govenor for East Cornwall

How to Get Involved

Membership of the Trust is free and open to anyone aged 16 and over. Those interested can sign up via the Trust’s website, with members able to stand in future elections to become Governors.