Welcome to our new Non-Executive Directors

Published 13 March 2023

A warm welcome to two new Non-Executive Directors who join our Trust Board this week, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge from outside the NHS

Claudia Sykes joins us after ten years as chief executive of a Kent social enterprise, where she led many programmes helping vulnerable people in the community. Claudia was awarded an OBE in 2021 for her services to social enterprise and social care

Claudia Sykes

Richard Oirschot

Prior to this, Claudia, a qualified accountant, worked in senior management roles in the private sector, including Shell and BT.

Claudia will chair our Charitable Funds Committee and serve as a member of the Integrated Audit and Governance, and Nominations and Remuneration, committees.

Richard Oirschot joins the Trust after a long financial career, bringing with him over twenty years’ experience in corporate recovery working for accountancy firms.

He established and managed the Barclays Ventures Turnaround Investment Fund, leading multiple investments and was the fund's representative on many smaller company boards.

He has served as a non-executive board member at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and The Insolvency Service.

Richard will chair our Finance and Performance Committee and serve as a member of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

Trust chairman, Niall Dickson CBE said: “We are delighted to be joined by two such senior and well-regarded figures. Claudia and Richard will bring great insights and experience to the Board, as together we tackle a very challenging agenda over the next few years.”