New non executive director for NHS trust

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides specialist mental health and learning disability services to people in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, has appointed a new non-executive director.

Helen Wollaston will take up her post from 1st August when she will join the Trust’s other non-executive and executive directors in leading the organisation and helping to shape its future.

Helen’s appointment was formally approved by the Trust’s Members’ Council. It is through the Members’ Council that the organisation’s board of directors, including Helen, are accountable to the local community. The Council, which is made up public members, staff members and people from local partner organisations, represents local people and plays an important role in influencing key decisions affecting the organisation.

Helen has over 20 years experience delivering equality and social change projects in the public and voluntary sectors, including seven years as Director of Campaigns for the Equal Opportunities Commission. She runs a consultancy which provides professional communications support to increase the impact of equality and diversity projects and she is also chair of the YWCA England and Wales, a charity working with young women.

Helen said, "I’m delighted to have been appointed by the Trust as a non executive director and am very much looking forward to joining the organisation. I am keen to use my skills and experience to make a positive difference, particularly by helping the Trust to involve its local communities in the work it does and engage with people from a broad range of backgrounds."

Trust chair and Chair of the Members’ Council Joyce Catterick said, "We are thrilled to have Helen Wollaston formally on board. Community involvement is one of the Trust’s top priorities and Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area that will help us to make sure we continue to reach our goals. Helen is also a member of the West Yorkshire Criminal Justice Board’s Diversity Panel which has given her an understanding of mental health issues affecting people in prisons, another important area of the Trust’s work. I have no doubt that with her skills, experience and enthusiasm Helen will make an invaluable contribution to our organisation."