Meet your governor – Nigel

Nigel was elected as a public governor in 2022 and represents the communities of Warrington and Halton, where he has lived with his family for more than 30 years.

With over 20 years of board-level experience across both the public and private sectors, Nigel has built his career around improving services, shaping strategy and working in partnership with communities to support vulnerable people.

His professional background spans major retail organisations, national government programmes and local public service transformation, giving him a wealth of experience in understanding what matters most to the people who use services.

His commitment to the NHS is also deeply personal. Nigel and his wife, an NHS key worker, have seen first-hand the difference healthcare services can make through the support provided to their two daughters, who have both lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood.

These experiences have strengthened his belief in the importance of high-quality, joined-up healthcare and ensuring local people have a voice in shaping the services they rely on.

As a governor, Nigel is passionate about helping North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust deliver safe, effective and community-focused care, while supporting greater public involvement in the future of local health services.

Q&A with Nigel

1. What first inspired you to stand for election as governor in 2022?

After a successful career working for large, complex organisations in both the private and public sectors, developing consumer-facing brands, services and business value, I found I had more time available and wanted to contribute my skills and experience locally. With a strong interest in health and wellbeing in the community where I have lived with my family for more than 30 years, the governor role seemed a natural fit.

2. You have a strong background in both the public and private sectors. How has that experience helped you in your governor role?

My experience has taught me the importance of focusing on the things that will make the biggest difference. I often describe it as concentrating on the ‘elephants rather than the mice’ – prioritising the issues that will have the greatest impact.

Throughout my career, I have championed the use of consumer insight and ‘citizen journeys’ to help shape services and improve outcomes. I developed these skills through leadership roles with Next and Marks & Spencer, helping to build brand value and improve customer experiences through multi-channel retailing and the integration of new technologies and services.

I later transferred those customer-focused skills into public service, initially working with Pension, Disability and Carers Services, where I led a government priority programme aimed at tackling pensioner poverty and addressing unmet needs among vulnerable citizens across the UK. I remain particularly proud of that work, which received positive recognition in an independent National Audit Office review.

Following its success, I was seconded to support local authorities across the North West in delivering transformation programmes designed to join up services across communities, including health and wellbeing services. Along the way, I completed an advanced leadership programme at Oxford University and qualified as a business and personal coach.

These experiences continue to shape my approach as a governor. They help me focus on representing our communities while supporting and holding the Trust’s non-executive directors to account for ensuring safe, effective and efficient healthcare services.

3. Your family has benefited from NHS care over many years. How has that shaped your commitment to the trust and the communities it serves?

Both of my daughters were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during childhood, with my youngest diagnosed at just nine months old. The children's diabetes team at Warrington Hospital played a vital role in supporting and guiding them through many years of care into adulthood.

Today, both are doing incredibly well, and the NHS is now supporting our eldest daughter through her first pregnancy, which is a very exciting time for our family.

My wife has also dedicated much of her career to supporting community healthcare, including roles with Diabetes UK, the Stroke Association and, currently, a local GP practice.

These experiences have given our family a deep appreciation of the NHS and reinforced my desire to help ensure local people continue to receive high-quality care when they need it most.

4. What has been the most rewarding part of being a governor so far?

Working alongside an enthusiastic team of governors with such diverse backgrounds and experiences has been incredibly rewarding.

I have also valued the opportunity to support and challenge our non-executive directors to ensure attention remains focused on the priorities that matter most for delivering effective care to patients and communities.

Meeting patients and staff across hospital departments has been particularly insightful. We are fortunate to have so many highly skilled, dedicated and compassionate people working across our services.

5. Looking back over your time as a governor, what achievement are you most proud of?

I am particularly proud of helping to influence the development of the trust’s membership proposition, promoting greater public participation and involvement in the trust’s work.

Initiatives such as member newsletters and engagement events provide opportunities for people to become involved, share their views and help shape the future of local healthcare. I believe strong membership engagement can become a cornerstone of community-based and preventative healthcare.

I am also pleased to have helped bring greater focus to the priorities for non-executive director engagement through the assurance questions discussed at Council of Governors meetings.

6. You have spent much of your career working alongside local communities. What have these experiences taught you about the importance of listening to local people?

The best services are built on a strong understanding of the people who use them. There is no better source of insight than listening to current patients, service users and local residents about their experiences and where improvements can be made.

I have learned that understanding the full customer or patient journey across organisational boundaries is essential if we are to allocate resources effectively and deliver joined-up services rather than operating in individual silos.

7. What do you think has been the biggest change at the trust since you became a governor?

The recent integration with Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to form North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust is perhaps the most significant change since I became a governor.

It presents a major opportunity to deliver more joined-up care across hospital and community services and to support a greater focus on prevention, early intervention and population health.

We have also welcomed new executive leadership, including a new chief executive and, more recently, a new chair, both of whom are committed to continuing the journey towards a stronger community health focus.

8. If you could encourage one more person to become involved with the trust as a member, what would you say to them?

Becoming a member gives you access to information, engagement opportunities and involvement in the trust through regular newsletters and events.

I am a particular supporter of the Expert by Experience programme, which enables patients, carers and families to use their own experiences to help shape current and future services. It is a practical and rewarding way to ensure the patient voice is heard.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about getting more involved in supporting their local NHS?

Firstly, become a trust member.

From there, volunteering may be a great option, particularly for people who enjoy working with and supporting others. There are also many opportunities to volunteer with community organisations that work alongside NHS services and help connect people with the support they need.

Getting involved is a fantastic way to make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of your local community.