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Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 23 April

April 23, 2021

We hear a great deal in the news and on social media about public service. Very rarely does the concept of what public service is, get explained. Therefore we all have our own interpretation of what it means and what a public servant is. I am going to venture some of my own thoughts about this, given next week is the last week in the Trust for our Chair, Richard Samuda. Richard is retiring after 9 years as our Chair. Richard is a public servant and I want to pay testament to that through my exploration of the role of a Trust Chair:

Firstly, there is a big difference between a Trust Chair and a Chief Executive. Put simply, the CEO runs the organisation. The Chair leads the Board. The Board is the body which sets the strategy of the organisation and is accountable for assuring itself that the populations we serve, are getting the best possible service from the resources we secure. So the roles are distinct and the Chair has to hold the CEO to account, but not try to run the organisation him/herself. This is a difficult balance to achieve and not everyone gets it right.

In leading the Board, our Chair has to sponsor a culture of openness and honesty and be the conscience of the people of Sandwell, Ladywood & Perry Barr, representing their interests in every conversation and in every decision. The Chair must also uphold the NHS Constitution principles and also uphold the Nolan principles of standards in public life and public service:

  • Selflessness – working only in the public interest, not self interest
  • Integrity – never to be influenced by personal gain from any decision and to declare conflicts of interest openly when they occur
  • Objectivity – to make decisions based on evidence and not emotion or bias
  • Accountability – to be prepared to have any decision scrutinised openly and publicly
  • Honesty – be truthful and not deceitful
  • Leadership – promote the above principles in others

Richard has upheld these principles diligently in a part time role, which he has discharged for a nearly unprecedented three, 3 year terms of office. He had a successful career as a chartered accountant and partner at KPMG before stepping forward to be a public servant, first as a non-executive director at Heart of England NHS FT and then as Chair with our organisation. I have not worked with him long but have observed him from a distance and met him many times over the years, often in forums in which he and Toby Lewis formed a formidable partnership, always pushing boundaries, always in the just cause of doing what was right for the people we serve.  Not for them was keeping their head down and toeing the party line.  Richard’s keen professional interest in economic regeneration and social responsibility, helped the Trust develop a unique approach to this locally, when compared to other Trusts.

Richard is clearly valued by the staff of this organisation. He has been a visible and approachable Chair, working tirelessly on behalf of the staff, patients and public of our patch. He can now enjoy a well deserved retirement. This is public service. We would be lost as an NHS without it.

Thank you to all who marked Stephen Lawrence Day yesterday, remembering the legacy following Stephen’s tragic, unprovoked attack and untimely death, and the steps that Stephen’s family have taken to campaign for justice and equality within our country and its institutions. I, along with others, are committed to ensuring that our organisation embraces change, stamping out racism so that we can provide equal opportunities for all.

Congratulations to our Star of the Week, Claire Jones. Claire is an infection prevention nurse who joined us in March 2019. During the pandemic Claire has been working with Sandwell’s public health tem to support care homes in management coronavirus outbreaks. She has developed training on specific infection prevention and control precautions for care homes and has been instrumental in developing a care plan for residents with COVID-19. Thank you, Claire for your efforts which undoubtedly have saved lives and given valuable help and support for those looking after some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

This week I began my weekly morning coffee slots where I will pop along to a different coffee shop on our sites each Wednesday at 8am. This is an opportunity for colleagues to come and talk to me informally about any issues / ideas / highlights or simply to say ‘hello’. You can see where I’m going to be in the daily Communications bulletin.

Have a good weekend.

Richard