Group Chair confirmed across Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals | News

Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts have confirmed Joss Bigmore as Group Chair, following the completion of governance processes at both organisations.

Joss was recently appointed Chair of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and continues in his role as Chair of Royal Surrey. The Group Chair arrangement strengthens leadership continuity and builds on the strong partnership already in place between the two trusts. It also supports closer joint working where this adds value for patients, staff and services.

Both trusts will continue to operate independently, with their own boards, governance and decision-making responsibilities.

Group Chief Executive Louise Stead welcomed the confirmation, highlighting the benefits for staff, patients and system working.

She said: “I am delighted to welcome Joss as Chair of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. He brings a strong track record of leadership, a deep understanding of the NHS, and a clear commitment to collaboration and quality of care.

“Confirming this Group Chair arrangement strengthens leadership continuity across both trusts. Ultimately, this is about creating the right conditions for our staff to succeed and for patients to receive the best possible care.”

Jenny Partridge, Royal Surrey’s Lead Governor, added: “Governors at Royal Surrey were involved in the decision making and governance process to appoint Joss as Group Chair, along with our counterparts at Ashford and St Peter’s.

“Governors of both trusts will continue to be fully committed to representing the interests of our members, local communities and staff, and to provide the governance assurance needed as the collaboration develops in the future."

Joss Bigmore, Group Chair, said: “It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, continuing my Chair role at Royal Surrey and to take on the role of Group Chair across both organisations.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with colleagues, governors and partners at both trusts. By building on the strong foundations already in place, we can continue to strengthen collaboration, support our staff and improve outcomes and experience for the communities we serve.

“I would also like to thank John Machin for his leadership during his time as Acting Chair at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. His contribution has been invaluable, and I am pleased that he will continue to support the trust and myself in his role as a Non-Executive Director.”