CONTRIBUTOR BIOGRAPHIES
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Jo Lynch | Chief Nursing Officer, SABP
Jo Lynch joined the Trust as a Healthcare Assistant in 1992. She became a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 1997 and returned to the Trust to take up her first staff nurse post. Over the years, Jo has worked in many clinical roles, set up the Early Intervention in Psychosis Services and managing a number of different operational services. Jo is really proud of her life long career relationship with SABP and is a hugely committed to developing opportunities for colleagues in SABP to progress and further their careers in nursing. Jo has been part of the Nursing Directorate for the past five years and has proactively led many initiatives to support our nursing and quality improvements. She led our Trust delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme building on the success of our flu vaccine programme which had the highest uptake of staff receiving their vaccine in a mental health Trust in the south east region. In 2022 Jo became Chief Nursing Officer for Surrey and Borders
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson | Paralympian and Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords
Tanni Grey-Thompson, is a Welsh life peeress, television presenter and former wheelchair racer. Tanni's first Paralympics was Seoul in 1988, where she won a bronze medal in the 400m. In 1992 she claimed victory in the London Wheelchair Marathon, the first of six wins over her career and then went on to the Barcelona Paralympics, where she won four gold and one silver. It was at Barcelona that Tanni became the first women to break the 60 second barrier for 400m. Tanni’s Olympic career came to an end in 2004, finishing with two gold medals taking her medal tally to 16 golds, 8 silvers and 4 bronze medals across her sporting career. Tanni has continued to be involved in sport and physical activity. She is a Board Member of the London Marathon, the Sportsaid Foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Join In. In addition to this she is also a Board Member of several organisations including Transport for London, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the London 2017 Organising Committee. Tanni has received numerous accolades and awards in recognition of her Paralympic and sporting achievements, including an MBE and OBE. In 2010 Tanni became an Independent Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) where her title was conferred as Baroness Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe in the County of Durham. As a working peer Tanni uses her experience and knowledge during debates in the House and she has spoken on a range of issues including Disability Rights, Welfare Reform, and of course, Sport.
Graham Wareham | Chief Executive, SABP
Graham was appointed as Chief Executive in 2022, having previously been our Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Executive. His ambition is for the Trust to go from ‘good to great’, and that much of what we need to do to reach that goal is simply about changing our approach to problems and slightly adjusting our thinking. It will lead to better clinical care, a happier workplace and fewer people finding our services difficult to access. Graham joined the Trust in February 2015 from Leonard Cheshire Disability, a charity which provides support for disabled people, where he was Chief Financial Officer. During his time as Chief Financial Officer, Graham worked very closely with the Chief Executive in developing future plans and managing day to day performance of the charity. He started his career in 1995 with British Airways and then with food retailer, Safeway, working across a wide number of finance roles including supply chain, retail, operations and change management and has played a significant role in implementing efficiency projects.
Dame Ruth May | Chief Nursing Officer, England
Ruth enjoyed national appointments with NHS Improvement and Monitor, as well as regional and trust leadership roles, before becoming the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England in January 2019. In June 2022, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours, Ruth was awarded a DBE for her services to nursing, midwifery and the NHS since she started her nurse training in 1985. Upon receiving her Damehood, Ruth recognised the expertise of nursing and midwifery colleagues in caring for people at every stage of their lives and the vital role that the professions and care staff played during the pandemic. Ruth has led the nursing, midwifery and care professions’ response to COVID-19 in England and led collaborative work with UK CNO colleagues, the NMC and trade unions to ensure agreement and consistent messaging on key issues. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of NHS nursing and midwifery leaders and encouraging professional development opportunities. This includes advocating for improved mental health awareness, championing volunteer activity to support the frontline workforce, and she is a vocal supporter of the WRES agenda and increased diversity across the NHS. Proud mum to her wonderful daughter, Ruth is a great believer in a healthy professional and home life balance for all.
Colette Lane | Professional Lead for Lived Experience Development and Connect Network Co-Chair
I work as the Professional Lead for Lived Experience Development within the Community Mental Health Transformation Project. I have worked at SABP for 10 years, working within several different teams, using my lived experience of MH difficulties, firstly in a peer support worker role, then as senior recovery coach in the Recovery College, working with PICT and now in the Community Transformation Project. I have realised how important it is to have people around me that understand what it is like to balance work and mental health. I co-chair Connect, our network for colleagues who experience emotional and psychological needs – for example mental ill health, neurodiversity, or trauma – that may affect them in the workplace. I hope that Connect provides a place where staff can come and share their experiences about what helps them manage whilst at work.
Ashley Uffindell | Managing Emotions Programme Senior Clinician and Connect Network Co-Chair
I have lived experience of complex trauma with associated emotional dysregulation, and I have neurodiverse traits. I also happen to be a mental health nurse! My early life experiences undoubtedly contributed to my eventual choice of profession, yet also, my work as a nurse has hugely influenced my personal journey of “recovery”. I therefore don’t see my experiences as separate; my lived experience is part of my nursing, and being a nurse is part of me. This was one of the major reasons I co-founded Connect with Colette Lane, as a way of giving voice to the many colleagues who are living with their own mental health challenges, in a profession where it can still be taboo to acknowledge this. Connect welcomes all colleagues with emotional and psychological difficulties that impact you at work, such as mental ill health, neurodiversity or trauma.
Dr Miriam Mavia-Zajac | Senior Chartered Psychologist & Co-Chair of SABP Women's Network
About
Rodean Vafa | Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Business Partner for SABP and LGBTQ+ Network Chair
I have over 10 years’ experience in mental health and the NHS. I began my career in mental health by studying Psychology at school, of which I was the only male in the class. I carried forward my education to university, where again I was underrepresented being one of the few males and ethnic people in the cohort. I noticed this trend in my professional career in psychology, where my colleagues were predominantly female and white-British. The only time I saw myself reflected in the demographics was in forensic mental health hospitals and in-patient services which was overrepresented with people who had similar demographics to me. I also noticed I had an ability to connect with the people who were using these services above and beyond my colleagues as we had similarities in our life experiences. This began a multi-year journey for me in looking at why people who shared similar personal characteristics as myself ended up in forensic services rather than other available ones such as talking therapies. I also embarked developing how I can expand my own personal experiences, knowledge, and skillset to be able to works with people from demographic’s that differ from my own and increase my cultural competency to provide the same level of service I was able to provide people who I could personally connect with. Currently I have the privilege of representing the Trust as the Equality diversity and Inclusion Business Partner where I get to work with all our teams and services, including nurses, to help us work better together as a diverse workforce and provide a more culturally competent service for the community. Part of that role includes supporting our staff networks, including the LGBTQ+ network. The LGBTQ+ community in particular, has had a horrific and traumatic history with health services in the past. Even today there is much disagreement and differences on how best to provide mental health services certain demographics from the community. Hence why I believe it is important to have staff networks to help facilitate discussions and build on all our cultural competencies so we can continuously build towards being a more inclusive service provider and place to work.
Rev. Dr Josiah Anyinsah | Head of Pastoral and Spiritual Care and Spirituality Forum Lead
Josiah is the Head of Pastoral and Spiritual Care and chair of the Spirituality and faith Forum, SAFFNetwork at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Josiah has provided pastoral and spiritual care to people living with Learning Disability and Mental Health problems for over 24 years. He is a UK Board Accredited Chaplain/Spiritual Care Practitioner and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Josiah has an interest in the interface between spirituality and mental health, psychosis and spirituality and workplace spirituality, and he has overseen designing mental health and spiritual care training programmes for faith communities, and devoted to working with faith communities and educating their members and leaders about the relationship between mental health issues and spirituality. As the chair of the SAFFNetwork, Josiah looks to encourage and promotes the importance of faith, belief, and general spirituality as part of an inclusive workplace, and advocate for people to bring their whole self to work. Josiah enjoys listening to a selection of Highlife African music, and a variety of Western and Country movies and gospel songs.
Ali Khan | Senior Medical Education Manager and BME Network Chair
About
Julie Gaze | Director of Governance & Planning and DAWN Network Lead
Julie joined the NHS in 1992 as a graduate management trainee and has since held multiple operational and strategic roles. She started with Surrey Hampshire Borders, our founder Trust, as Service Development Manager in 1998 and when the Trust merged with North West Surrey and Surrey Oakland’s (to form Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust) Julie was responsible for the merger and integration. Julie was Director of Corporate Affairs until November 2011 when she took the role of Assistant Chief Executive. Since April 2017 Julie has been the Director of Governance and Planning, and her responsibilities in this role include our Board and Council, as well as our corporate governance structure and the strategic planning for our annual operational plan. Julie has a degree in English Literature and Language from the University of Reading and holds a certificate from the Institute of Health Management. Areas of responsibility: - Company Secretary - Corporate Governance - Board Assurance Framework - Board of Directors - Council of Governors - Strategic Planning - Project Management - Office - Disability Network
Hetal Maniar | International Recruitment Lead
About
Idris Gbadamosi | Physical Health Site Practitioner
Idris is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for bridging the gaps in mental health support and physical well-being. Originally from Nigeria, Idris embarked on his nursing journey in 2013 and gained qualification as an RGN IN 2016. Driven by a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of others especially those with mental health challenges, Idris decided to specialise in mental health nursing and qualified as an RMN in 2019. Marking the beginning of his mission to advocate for and support individuals with mental illness and the challenges they face. In 2021, Idris joined Surrey and Borders NHS FT as an inpatient RMN, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups. As everything evolved, and witnessing how people with mental health problems and learning disability experience inequality in accessing quality physical health, Idris decided to join the trust physical health team in 2023. In his role, Idris focuses on addressing the unique health needs of individuals with mental illness and learning disabilities, striving to ensure they receive equitable access to physical health care services like the general population. Idris's dedication to supporting underrepresented groups is evident in his work both within and beyond our trust. As a former International Recruitment Fellow at NHS England, Idris spearheaded initiatives to support international nurses, advocating for their career progression and promoting inclusivity within the healthcare sector. Through campaigns, masterclasses, and forums, Idris empowered international nurses to thrive in their roles and contribute meaningfully to patient care, one of the feats that earned him a special invite to King Charles birthday last year. Idris's commitment to fostering inclusivity extends to his innovative approaches to support and mentorship. Notably, he has championed the use of the buddy system within our trust internationally recruited nurses, providing a supportive network for international nurses to navigate their roles and integrate seamlessly into the organization. Driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of empathy, collaboration, and advocacy, Idris continues to make strides in his mission to bridge the gap in mental health support and promote holistic well-being for all. His unwavering dedication to his patients and colleagues alike serves as an inspiration to those around him, embodying the spirit of compassion and equity in healthcare.
Mette Laszkiewicz | Director of Education, SABP
Mette has overall responsibility for all Education and Training at SABP (non-medical). This includes Apprenticeships, Clinical Education, Statutory and Mandatory training, Leadership and Management development, and all associated funding. Mette is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (qualifying in 1996), an Executive Performance Coach and Leadership Mentor. Mette works in partnership with local universities, the NHS Leadership Academy and Health Education England to ensure education, training and development is successfully provided to staff locally. Mette has been involved in Healthcare Education for the best part of 25 years and strives to ensure equality, cross boundary and across agency education for all. Mette manages extensive education contracts linked with organisational training needs analysis. She pioneers on new ways of working and new roles in the NHS ensuring the skills of staff are matched to the changing needs of people who use our services. As a change management expert, Mette has a history of successfully leading NHS Trust-wide leadership programmes with a focus of ensuring the CQC achievement of outstanding well-led organisations.
Sally Heath | Director of Business and Innovation
Sally joined SABP 5 years ago and leads on strategy, business development and transformation. Sally brings 25 years’ experience working in the health and social care field working across the NHS, private sector, central and local government in a range of diverse roles including strategy, transformation, management consulting, commercial development, commissioning, research and development and operational delivery. Sally leads and supports a range of transformation programmes across the Trust and system which includes the development and implementation of the Mind and Body Provider Collaborative which aims to drive forward the integration of physical and mental health pathways to improve outcomes, flow and experience of people with mental health needs, their carers and families attending acute hospitals in Surrey. Mind and Body has brought together partners from across health and social care, including commissioners, SABP, adult social care, VCSE partners, and acute hospitals -including Royal Surrey, Surrey and Sussex Hospital, Ashford & St Peters, Epsom General and Frimley Park.
Cathie Sammon | Project Director for Enhanced Nursing Mental Health in the Acute Trusts
Cathie has been a mental health nurse since 1992 and specialised in Older Peoples Mental Health. She was appointed a consultant nurse in 2001 in the first wave of appointments to the role of consultant nurse. As a consultant nurse, whilst working clinically within the field of older people’s mental health, Cathie has led a number of service redevelopment and transformation projects across Surrey, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex, and was also the National Institute of Mental Health Executive - South Eastern Region Older Peoples’ Mental Health Lead. Since retiring in 2019 Cathie returned to work initially as the consultant lead for care homes in the Guildford and Waverley locality then, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I became the Strategic lead Nurse for Care homes and SABP frailty lead. Currently, Cathie is the project Director for Enhanced care across acute trust in Surrey.
Ruby Wax | Comedian and Best-Selling Author
Ruby Wax is a comedian, performer, and best-selling author. From completing a master’s degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy from Oxford University to being a visiting professor in the School of Mental Health Nursing at the University of Surrey, Ruby is a passionate mental health campaigner. Ruby holds an Honorary Doctorate from the School of Psychology from The University of East London and University of Staffordshire and has also been awarded a City Lit Lifetime Fellowship, ambassador for the British Neuroscience Association, MIND, SANE and is the president of Relate and Chancellor of Southampton. In the field of mental health, Ruby has brought support for mental health to a whole new audience discussing complex neurological theory in an accessible and often hilarious way but always with a serious point that we need to reframe the conversation and remove the stigma that mental health illness still carries.
Sue Waterhouse | Non-Executive Director for SaBP
Sue has worked in the NHS since 1982 initially starting as a nursing auxiliary in older age. She is a dual registered nurse in both mental health and physical health. She has predominantly worked in mental health covering a wide number of clinical areas. She has held a number of clinical positions and leadership roles with the latest being Director of Mental Health in the Essex area. Sue has a passion for fairness, justice and equality. She has worked regionally and nationally focusing on equality and diversity. She was the Programme Lead for gender equality in mental health for the South East region. She moved on to work nationally holding the position of National programme lead for gender equality before taking on the role of deputy director for all equality strands nationally. These roles focused on the implementation of national policy. Whilst working nationally Sue was seconded into the Home Office to work with other government departments on a cross-governmental strategy focused on violence and abuse against women and children. Sue joined Surrey and Borders Partnership Trust in January 2023 and will focus on quality and equality. Qualifications: Registered Mental Health Nurse; Registered General Nurse; Diploma in Nursing (Higher Award); Non-medical prescriber (V300); Master of Business Administration
Aruna Mehta | Chair, SaBP
Aruna was appointed as Trust Chair in 2024 for a term of three years. She brings to the Trust a host of boardroom experience, both as an executive and a non-executive, with particular expertise in governance. She has had a 25-year career in banking and finance, with responsibility for global risk and control, developing particular expertise in the implementation of governance, risk and compliance frameworks. She was Managing Director and Global Head of Operational Controls at JP Morgan and is a Senior Associate at The Value Circle, which provides governance, leadership and strategy development across a range of sectors. Through a decade of experience as a non-executive director, Aruna has experience from a variety of different sectors including housing and education. She continues to serve as a non-executive director at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust having also previously served as a non-executive director at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group. Qualifications: BSc in physics and computer science from Kings College London- 1st class honours degree - commonwealth science prize Aruna was born in Sri Lanka and educated in India and the UK.