Appointed governors
Our Trust has 4 appointed governors who represent their respective organisations from around the county.
Each of our appointed governors seeks to represent the views from their appointing organisations, which include:
- Gloucestershire County Council
- Healthwatch
- Gloucestershire Age UK
- One stakeholder vacancy
Gloucestershire County Council: Rebecca Trimnell
Rebecca has a background in health and social care and local government. She spent three years as a Dementia Adviser for a national charity supporting people living with dementia and their families and has also worked as a Senior Carer and Support Worker. These roles have given her a strong understanding of the importance of compassionate, person-centred care.
Rebecca has experience as a Political Researcher and holds qualifications in adult care, political science and political philosophy, including a PhD.
As a Trust Governor, Rebecca is committed to ensuring patients, families and local communities have a voice in shaping NHS services. She is passionate about high standards of care, public accountability and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, kindness and respect.
Healthwatch Gloucestershire: Debs Andrew
Before my recent retirement I worked for over 35 years as a Registered Nurse in the NHS. 25 years was in Gloucestershire NHS Trust in ophthalmology, I also worked as a Research Nurse at the University of Bristol and in Australia, as well as other Trusts in the UK.
I represent Healthwatch Gloucestershire who champion patient experience in health and social care.
The NHS has been a big part of my life, and I am keen to ensure that patients can feedback their experience, both good and bad, to aid in effecting the best care.
Gloucestershire Age UK: Helen Bown
Helen has lived and worked in Gloucestershire since 1981 and held a number of roles within health and social care, initially as a qualified Occupational Therapist, and latterly with a wider remit for joint commissioning services for older people. During this time Helen led the strategic planning for services for people living with dementia and their carers. Prior to formal retirement, Helen spent time working with Barnwood Trust supporting work to expand the opportunities for people living with disabilities and those with mental health challenges.
Working across both the County Council and NHS has given Helen a good overview of health and social care policy and strategy, and plenty of experience of change management.
Helen has been a Trustee of Gloucestershire Age UK since 2019.