EPUT Appoints New Non-Executive Directors

Two new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) have been appointed by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Dr Alison Rose-Quirie and Dr Rufus Helm started in their roles by attending the Trust’s Board Meeting today, 25 July 2018.

Starting her career as a Prison Governor, Alison was the first operational female at Wandsworth Prison and the youngest Governor of a male prison on transfer to the independent sector. Alison later became the Managing Director of GSL (now G4S) prisons and immigration, and advised on international development projects.

Alison changed careers and worked in Secure Mental Health as the Managing Director for the Priory Group and later Care UK where she led the development of innovative rehabilitation services. Alison’s philosophy of care is to always put the service user at the heart of the business. She was elected twice to Chair the Independent Mental Health Alliance and championed the cause of the sector and service users. Alison is involved in Parliamentary Groups, Ministerial Advisory Groups and co- authored, “The Pursuit of Happiness, a new ambition for our Mental Health Services”, in 2014.

Alison was the CEO of the multi award winning Swanton Care and Community. She is on the Board of Care England and a founder trustee of Learning Disability England. She is the Chair of an architectural practice and proud to be Chair of her son’s event management business, Alliance Events, and a Visiting Chair for the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Alison holds a Law Degree, a Masters of Business Administration and a PhD.

Rufus Helm originally trained as a doctor, specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology before making the transition to management consultancy. Starting his consultancy career with Arthur Andersen Consulting, he helped establish Andersen’s Consultancy, offering in healthcare before moving on to commercial roles with Serco and Circle Health. It was in these roles that he concentrated on the design and implementation of new service models, focusing on improving the management of long term conditions and, in particular, the link between acute and community settings.

Rufus joined the British Medical Journal (BMJ) as their Head of Business Development in 2012 where he focused on how digital resources can drive clinical improvement in areas such as clinical decision support, shared decision making and the delivery of evidence based medicine. More recently, he helped Health Navigator implement its innovative tele-coaching model as their Chief Operating and Medical Officer and now provides freelance consultancy to healthcare organisations throughout the country.

Professor Sheila Salmon, Chair of EPUT said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Alison Rose-Quirie and Dr Rufus Helm to the Board. They bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge and will provide an invaluable support to our existing team and help us to continue to deliver high quality care for the people of Essex.”