Trust Board - September 2025

The Trust’s new organisational strategy is set for Board approval in November. Janet Clarke (Vice Chair) and Gill Harrad (Company Secretary) are departing, with the Company Secretary role being restructured rather than directly replaced. The Board also approved the Board Assurance Framework (BAF), aligning it with the 13 priority programmes for 2025/26.

The Orchard Service was celebrated for its compassionate, personalised care, and won the Palliative/End of Life Award. Kay Fisher received the Barry Reynolds Award for her continued excellence in ECT. The Trust earned the National Preceptorship Quality Mark, reinforcing its support for newly registered clinicians.

The Trust was placed in NOF segment 3 due to a minor financial deviation, though performance otherwise suggested segment 2. Winter planning was praised for its robustness, and inappropriate out-of-area adult mental health placements were avoided in August, with all beds transitioning to the Trust’s estate by October.

Unannounced CQC visits to Oak House and Cromwell House were positive and confirmed completion of previous actions. The Trust managed July’s junior doctor strikes with minimal disruption. NHS England reviewed the Adult Mental Health rehabilitation redesign, and a full Community Hospital Transformation will be scoped with partners in October.

The new 0–19 Public Health Nursing model launched in August, featuring skill-mixed teams and targeted investment in breastfeeding, SEND support, and smoking reduction. The CAMHS LD service is operating under a temporary model due to staffing shortages. Children and Young People services continue to receive a disproportionate number of complaints which mainly relate to long waits around ADHD and ASD pathways.

The launch of Care Opinion across nearly all services marked a major milestone, with over 42,000 story views. The final Improvement Plan report highlighted achievements post-CQC inspection and outlined future priorities. Duty of Candour compliance work is underway, and a new mortality dashboard will enhance oversight. Internal audit confirmed significant assurance on CQC “must do” actions.

Turnover and sickness absence have improved year-on-year, with better quality applications for mental health nursing. Appraisal rates and first-year retention remain concerns. The Trust is strengthening wellbeing support and inclusion efforts, with encouraging signs in WRES and WDES reports. EDIE remains an area of focus and work continues to improve declaration rates of protected characteristics.

The Freedom to Speak Up annual report acknowledged progress, with cultural change expected to take time. Staff and patient anxiety linked to civil unrest and racism incidents is being addressed through the expectation of open dialogue and support.

Performance metrics in the new NOF will be aligned to relevant committees. Charitable funds will no longer support application for promotional materials such as pens and banners and a new logo has been approved. A pilot role to support the charity is under consideration.