RD&E welcomes new Non-Executive Directors

Simon Knowles and Steve Kirby are joining the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust’s Board as new Non-Executive Directors. Both Non-Executive Directors took up their positions on the 1st September 2017.

Independent Non-Executive Directors, together with Executive Directors, are responsible for all aspects of the operation and performance of the Trust and for its effective governance. The two new NEDs joining the RD&E this autumn bring a wealth of expertise in health and business sectors and will use this experience to ensure the Trust continues to be run efficiently, economically and effectively.

Dr Simon Knowles has considerable experience within the healthcare sector, with his most recent permanent appointment working out of Musgrove Park and Yeovil District Hospitals (2002 - 2014). He is a Fellow of both the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal Australasian College of Pathologists and worked extensively in womens’ and infants’ health in Australia and the UK. He has a particular interest in clinical quality improvement. In addition to his clinical work, Simon has also been a Specialist Advisor to the CQC (2013 - 2017); a Non-Executive Director with South Devon & Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (2011 - 2016); and is a member of the Rotary Club of Exeter Southernhay. He is Past-President of the Association of Clinical Pathologists.

Steve Kirby retired from his role as a Partner in Ernst & Young’s Local Government and Healthcare divisions, and latterly as a Managing Partner in their Government & Public Services division, in 2013. Amongst his later commissions he was part of the team that was involved in the administration of the Mid Staffs NHSFT. Earlier consultancy jobs were with as a Partner at KPMG and with International Hospitals Group (IHG), having previously worked in management roles in the NHS and IHG. Steve has also served as a Non-Executive Director of the Oxfordshire Ambulance NHS Trust for six years (1995 -2001) and was Chair of the Audit Committee.  He also brings substantial previous experience of both working for and consulting with the healthcare sector.

The Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust would also like to thank outgoing Non-Executive Director David Robertson, the Chairman of our Audit Committee, whose term on the Board ends next month.  

James Brent, Chairman of the RD&E, said “I am delighted to welcome Simon and Steve to the Board of Directors. Both bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise which will enable us to further develop health services for local people across Devon. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David for his commitment, hard work and constructive challenge at the Trust over the last 7 years.”