Cathy Elliott takes up her role today (16 September) as the new chair of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.   She was previously non-executive director (NED) for Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust in Greater Manchester.

As chair, Cathy brings extensive experience to the role, with a Ministerial appointment as the independent chair of Community and Business Funds for the Government’s High Speed 2 (HS2) project and a leading social policy advisor.

Cathy works with a range of not-for-profit organisations, particularly the national Power to Change Trust that supports community businesses, and the international Savannah Wisdom Foundation that tackles social inequalities.

Brent Kilmurray, Chief Executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m delighted that Cathy has joined our Trust. She brings a wealth of experience leading multi-agency projects and networks to transform the lives of local communities, and has a strong track record of collaboration and community engagement work. We are delighted to welcome her to the Trust board, working together with our local and regional partners to better connect communities to the care they need.

“I would also like to thank Mike Smith for his service and significant contribution to our organisation.”

Prior to her current roles, Cathy was chief executive of Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside, and a trustee of UK Community Foundations. She was also interim chief executive of the national Cohesion and Integration Network charity, overseeing its start-up in 2018/19, working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Commenting on her appointment, Cathy Elliott said: “I am thrilled to take up the role of chair with the Trust. I am passionate about enabling communities to be healthy and thriving, and I am inspired by the Trust’s strategic plan for ‘better lives, together’. To support the Trust in achieving its ambitions, I particularly bring to the chair role my experience of operating in an NHS integrated care system with a drive for learning and improvement.

“I am committed to working with the Trust’s staff, board and partners to deliver plans and connect people to the best quality care across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven and Wakefield district, as well as West Yorkshire. I’m looking forward to working with them all.”

Cathy succeeds Mike Smith who has completed his second term of office in the role.