Royal Surrey appoints new Chair to the Trust | News

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Joss Bigmore as the new Chair to the Trust from March 2023.

Joss was Leader of Guildford Borough Council (GBC) until October and is currently is Deputy Leader with responsibility for Finance and Planning Policy, having previously led on Governance. He will succeed Sue Sjuve, who leaves in February after dedicating six years across two terms of office to the Trust.

Prior to joining the Council in 2020, Joss was a Managing Director of an investment bank, trading equity derivatives, and also has experience investing in early stage companies.

Louise Stead, Chief Executive at the Trust, said: “Along with the rest of the Board, I’m thrilled to welcome Joss to Royal Surrey and look forward to working with him. I know that our Trust will benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience.

“The Chair is an important ambassador for the Trust within our local community and Joss will bring an extensive understanding of partnership working to the role. This expertise will be invaluable to us in the next few years as we develop closer ties with Surrey Heartlands and neighbouring providers.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sue for her hard work and commitment to the Trust over the last six years. She has been an outstanding Chair and we are hugely grateful to her.”

Joss said: “I know that taking on the role of Chair from Sue Sjuve is a very tough act to follow but I’m very pleased to be joining Royal Surrey.

“It’s inspiring to have the chance to try and help the Trust face the challenges of the future and I can’t wait to start. The potential for increased collaboration with our partners really interests me and I know that my experience at GBC will stand me in good stead.”

There was widespread agreement among those taking part in the recruitment process that Joss was an exceptional candidate who would bring a great deal of insight into the role of Chair.

Lead Governor, David Chuter, said: “Following a robust and comprehensive selection process, our governors, directors and stakeholders were agreed that Joss had the right blend of experience and knowledge for this important and pivotal role within the Trust. The decision to appoint him had widespread and enthusiastic support from across the governing body and among those who were involved in the selection process.”

Congratulating Joss on his appointment to the role of Chair, Sue said: “I welcome Joss’ appointment and wish him the very best in the role.

“I’m extremely sad to be leaving my Royal Surrey Family after six years. I am so very proud of what the Trust has achieved and continues to achieve, particularly in the context of the challenges of the last two years. It has been a real privilege to serve as Chair for such an innovative, caring and dynamic organisation.

“I have met a number of inspirational people while in this role and am in awe of the incredible care and commitment that staff deliver every day, making Royal Surrey the beacon of excellence that it is.”

Joss will take up his new post on 1 March 2023 and his term of office is up to three years.