A message from our Chair, Emma Woollett

The following message is from our Chair, Emma Woollett:

Dear Colleagues,

I’m writing to let you know that I will shortly be stepping down as Chair of Swansea University Health Board.

After a period of careful reflection, I made the decision a year ago that I would step down when my term as Chair of Swansea Bay University Health Board ends at the end of March 2024.  I will have been in post for almost seven years by then and I felt the time would be right for somebody new to take up the role. 

However, while I will still be leaving shortly, the Minister has decided to reappoint me so that I can stay on until a new Chair is appointed. I have agreed to remain in post on that basis.

Since I originally decided I would leave at the end of my term of office, our previous Chief Executive retired and Richard Evans took over as our Interim Chief Executive.  As a result, my reappointment has now been confirmed, in parallel with the start of the recruitment process for the new Chair.    

While travelling distance was undoubtedly a significant factor in my original decision to step down, the main reason was my belief that the timing would be right.  Obviously, the events outlined above mean I will now be staying on for a little while longer and I will be able to pass the baton on to the new appointee. 

Working with a wide range of partner organisations, we’ve achieved a great deal over the past few years as a Health Board, and I’m especially delighted that we now have a clear vision which reflects the views of the wide range of staff who contributed to Our Big Conversation and have managed to put our work with partners through the Regional Partnership Board on a firmer and more integrated footing.  

One of the first tasks of the new Chair will be to appoint a permanent Chief Executive who will implement our vision to be a high quality organisation – another reason why the timing is right for me to step down shortly.

With the process to recruit my successor underway, I’m sure the role will attract a strong field of candidates. 

I hope we will be able to announce the new Chair of SBUHB shortly, but in the meantime, I’d like to thank everybody I’ve worked with over the last seven years – especially our independent board members, executives, partner organisations, stakeholders and the thousands of hard working and dedicated staff - for their wholehearted commitment and support to our work.  It’s been greatly appreciated. 

 With regards,

Emma Woollett

Chair

Swansea Bay University Health Board