Appointment of new Executive Director of People and Culture strengthens Board

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has strengthened its leadership team by appointing a human resources expert as its new Executive Director of People and Culture.

Sean Leahy, who has more than 20 years’ experience as an HR director, has joined the EPUT team from Post Office Ltd. He started work at Trust headquarters this week.

Apart from HR, Sean will be responsible for organisational development, training and development, workforce planning, medical staffing and payroll.

Communications, Freedom to Speak Up, complaints, equality and diversity and faith communities will also be in his portfolio.

One of Sean’s key challenges will be ensuring the Trust maintains and develops its workforce to meet the needs of services and patients now and in the future.

Announcing the new executive’s appointment to staff, Trust Chief Executive Sally Morris said: “Sean will be helping us on our journey to an outstanding and an empowered organisation, and I am sure you will join me in welcoming him to the Trust.”

Sean’s referees describe him as a modern influencer who is “approachable and hands-on” with “the ability to quickly build strong internal and external relationships at all levels of an organisation”.

“He is a change agent who rapidly earns credibility through his professional knowledge, lively, enthusiastic, engaging and positive persona with a strong work ethic and high levels of energy, honesty and integrity,” they add.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Sean has held senior positions with Key Criteria Group, Netstore PLC and Fidelity International Investments Ltd. His career started at British Airways.

Sean said he was “delighted” to join the EPUT team, adding: “It’s an honour to be working with such a committed and dedicated organisation.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working closely with the individual teams to ensure the Trust continues to develop its provision of the excellent services our patients expect and deserve.”

Sean’s appointment restores the Trust’s 15-strong Board to full strength.