Non-executive members

David has worked within the NHS for over 46 years. He is a qualified public finance accountant and has been finance director for 10 NHS organisations. He was acting chief executive for the North East Strategic Health Authority for several years and was non-executive director at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for nine years.

Sir Pali, Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University, was formerly dean of medicine and President of the British Medical Association. With experience in general practice and hospital care his particular focus is on integrated care for patients and in the challenges facing professionals in our fast evolving environment. He was previously a non executive director in a mental health trust.

Richard has a 40 year career in the NHS involving senior leadership roles in both operational and strategic settings. He retired as Regional Director of NHS England (North) in 2024. He is a Non-executive director for the Care Quality Commission and serves on the governing body of University of Sunderland.

Having lived most of his life in the north east, Richard is passionate about improving the health of our population. Outside of work he is a season ticket holder for one of our premier league football clubs and a keen veteran runner, regularly competing in races across the north east. 

Jill led a high-profile housing association for over nine years and has expertise in strategy, governance, assurance, risk and regeneration. She also founded a veterans’ homelessness charity, served as President of the Chartered Institute of Housing, held non-executive roles across housing, business and the NHS, and supported a national child poverty charity.