Following the open recruitment process undertaken last month, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lis Dunning as our new Executive Director of Finance.
Lis is motivated by a commitment to be more closely involved with patient care and frontline services, through strategic leadership. She joins us from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and North of England Care System Support (NECS) and brings a wealth of experience in system recovery, financial management, commercial negotiations, and board-level leadership.
Lis said: “I am thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of Finance and am committed for the long-term to support the vision of the organisation. The Trust’s five ambitions—focused on quality, person-led care; an exceptional culture and one that promotes inclusivity; fostering innovation, engaging with communities, and ensuring financial sustainability—resonate deeply with my professional values.
“As a mental health trust working, like others, in a tough financial environment, it is going to be a challenge to meet the change requirements of the new 10 year Health Plan and remain sustainable. I know that we must make careful and informed decisions. We need to ensure that we work closely with North East and North Cumbria partners and we must collaborate fully internally across passionate and dedicated teams to drive positive change and support the Trust’s mission.”
We are working through identifying a start date for Lis and in the meantime, I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Lis to the Trust.
James Duncan
Chief Executive