Royal Trinity Hospice has appointed Professor Suzanne Shale as Chair of the Board of Trustees following a thorough recruitment process. Suzanne, who returns to Trinity having previously volunteered as a bereavement support counsellor for five years, will take over from Adrian Williams who steps down as Chairman in June after nine years.

Suzanne is an independent ethics consultant with extensive experience advising organisations including charities on the ethical dimensions of their work and governance. She has also worked with policing bodies to help uphold principles of justice, fairness, and legitimacy. Importantly, she brings over twenty years of Board experience for a range of charities, including as Chair of the national charity Action against Medical Accidents.

In addition to her consultancy role, Suzanne has three continuing leadership roles, as a Non-Executive Director of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; as Chair of the London Policing Ethics Panel and on the governing body of the General Medical Council.

Outgoing Chair Adrian Williams said: “I am looking forward to welcoming Suzanne, who has been appointed as my successor by the board following a comprehensive external recruitment process. Suzanne has a strong track record in health and social care, and I am sure she will, with the board and senior management team, guide Trinity successfully in the years ahead.”

Royal Trinity Hospice Chief Executive Emily Carter said: “I am so pleased that Suzanne is joining Trinity. Suzanne’s appointment ensures that our Board continues with a strong and experienced leader at the helm. Her professional expertise and insight based on her personal experience of volunteering at Trinity will be of huge value across all of the different aspects of our work.

“Adrian Williams’ contribution over the past nine years has included Trinity’s first ever ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC and successfully navigating the crisis we faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have benefited in so many ways from Adrian’s vision and passion for the hospice. On behalf of everyone at Trinity, I would like to say how grateful we are for his expert input and dedication.

“Adrian is passing the baton to Suzanne at the start of an exciting period of change as we begin to transform our model of care, ensuring we reach every person who needs us across central and south west London. We are looking forward to welcoming Suzanne and benefiting from the wealth of experience that she will bring”.

Professor Suzanne Shale said: “I am delighted to be joining Royal Trinity Hospice as its new Chair. It is an immense privilege to be invited to participate in shaping the future of this exceptional organisation.

“I am greatly looking forward to meeting all the people - our staff, volunteers, supporters and donors - whose commitment and care make Trinity the kind and compassionate place I know it to be. I am excited at the prospect of working with the Board of Trustees, alongside the Chief Executive and her team, to support Trinity through the next phase in its existence.”

Read about the rest of the Board of Trustees