We are excited to introduce Amanda and Paul as new Chair and Vice-Chair of the Healthwatch Essex Board.
The Board is made up of trustees who are volunteers that share the responsibility for Healthwatch Essex, help make decisions and give guidance on projects and how the organisation is run.
Amanda Cherry will take on the role of Chair of Trustees after sitting on the Board for a year. Amanda brings a wealth of experience from the health, care and volunteer sector after retiring last year from her role as Chief Executive of an Essex-based care organisation.
Amanda said, “During my time as a trustee so far, I have got to know the team and understand the value and impact of all the work that they do. They improve the understanding of the needs of people living across Essex and influence the quality and accessibility of health and social care for everyone.
“Coming out of the pandemic will pose many challenges and opportunities to health and social care providers, yet I am in no doubt that Healthwatch will continue to be at the forefront, working in partnership with stakeholders to continue to improve health and social care for all.”
We are also welcoming Paul Findlay in his new role as Vice-Chair. Paul has worked with Healthwatch Essex over the past
year as a trustee as well as actively participating in projects such as ‘What Matters to Veterans’.
Paul, originally from Scotland, started his career serving in the armed forces at just 16. While in the military Paul became an amputee after losing his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan.
Since leaving the military, Paul has become an Ambassador for Help for Heroes, a Trustee with Haig Housing, Support Officer with BLESMA, The Limbless Veterans and is now the Volunteering Manager with the Football Association (FA).
Paul said, ‘’I am delighted to have been appointed as Vice-Chair for Healthwatch Essex. Having been a trustee for only a year, I have been impressed by the amazing standard of work the team do on a daily basis.
“As we look to come out of lockdown, Healthwatch Essex will be at the forefront of ensuring the residents of Essex continue to have their voice heard, and I look forward to supporting the CEO and wider team moving forward.’’
You can see all our Healthwatch Essex Trustees here.