You may be aware that we have been undertaking a range of trustee recruitment as both Robin Goater, our treasurer and I have come to the end of our 6 year terms of service this year. I am pleased to share that after extensive selection processes, we have now successfully appointed to both roles.

Claire Lowe joins us as our new Chair of Trustees. Claire is currently the Chief Executive of the Inspire Learning Partnership; a multi academy Trust based in the New Forest and Southampton. Claire has also served on the Department for Education Advisory Board, the Governing Body of a local sixth-form college, and is the Chair of her local General Practice Patient Participation Group. She and her family live in North Baddesley and she brings much insight of the mental health needs of our communities from both her professional and personal experience. 

John Carter joins us as our new treasurer. John is an experienced chartered accountant and has spent 25 years working in the commercial banking sector. Before retirement, John held some local finance roles, including a group of schools, a government science centre and a food bank. He has also undertaken treasurer & audit roles on the board at Two Saints, the Housing Association and also Hampton Trust Charity, a charity working with the perpetrators of domestic abuse. He brings much knowledge of finance in both the commercial and charitable sectors, along with a strong personal commitment to social justice.

We are now starting to arrange the induction for John and Claire, and both are keen to get out to see our services and meet as many people as possible. We anticipate them joining the board from September and Claire will take on the full reins as chair from November, when I step down.

I am sure you will join me in welcoming both Claire & John to Solent Mind.

John Wilderspin

Chair of Trustees, Solent Mind