Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust appoints new chief people officer and chief executive officer

The Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) , which provides mental health and learning disability care for people across the two counties, has appointed a new chief people officer and chief executive officer.

Cath Byford has taken on the new role and is moving across from her position as chief nurse at NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group.

Cath has nine years experience of working in senior roles in the Norfolk and Waveney Health and Care System.

Over the last two years, Cath has significantly influenced the Covid-19 pandemic response across Norfolk and Waveney, working organisations at pace and scale to ensure patient safety remains a top priority.

Cath will start her new role, which completes the NSFT board, before summer 2022.

Cath said: “I am delighted to have been offered this post and really looking forward to meeting and working with staff, service users and carers to support the trust to make dynamic and innovative changes to how the Trust works with patients to improve the lives of people in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“It’s an important time to make a positive, sustained difference and I am pleased to be able to be part of this transformation journey."

Stuart Richardson, CEO of NSFT, said “We are pleased to welcome Cath to the Board, whose energy and commitment to the Norfolk and Waveney system is well-known.

"Our focus continues to improve services for the better on behalf of the service users, their carers and those people who work at the Trust."