New executive director of finance for our Trust

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has appointed a new executive director of finance.

Mark Brooks, a chartered management accountant and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, is set to join the Trust in June.

Mark brings with him an abundance of experience, having enjoyed a successful career in the private sector and the NHS. This included a number of UK and international senior finance roles at Smith & Nephew, before joining Symmetry Medical as European chief financial officer.

Mark joined the NHS in 2009 as director of finance and corporate assurance at Humber NHS Foundation Trust, before moving on to Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in late 2013 as chief financial officer.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust plays a critical role in NHS services by enabling people to reach their potential and live well in their community across Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

The Trust provides a range of community, mental health and learning disability services to a population of more than 1 million people. The organisation also provides specialist medium secure services to the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber.

Trust chief executive Steven Michael, who is retiring at the end of March, said: “I am delighted that Mark has been appointed to lead our finance function. It’s an incredibly exciting time for our Trust with many changes afoot – all of which I’m sure will have a positive impact on the care we provide.

“These are challenging financial times for NHS organisations across the country. I’m confident Mark’s experience will help us to provide the best services possible within our means.”

Mark commented: “I am very much looking forward to joining the Trust. It already has a strong reputation for providing excellent services, and I’m excited to be part of the team helping to take it from strength to strength. I am especially looking forward to returning to work closer to home in Yorkshire, helping to ensure we deliver the best possible care to the people we serve.”

Mark was recruited by a panel chaired by incoming chief executive Rob Webster, who joins the Trust in May from his role as chief executive of the NHS Confederation.

To find out more about the Trust, visit www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk