Governor biographies

The NHS is facing unprecedented consequences as a result of the current pandemic, as well as a slew of other challenges, including a shortage of medical professionals, funding, and facilities, particularly to address the current backlog and provide quality services to covid – 19 patients without jeopardizing non-covid patients. I've worked in hospitals and other healthcare settings for over a decade (24 years). My schooling in Health and Social Care Management, Accounting & Finance, Project and Human Resource Management provided me with applicable skills that will assist me in bringing new skills and ideas to the NHS Trust in this role.

We are facing major changes in health and care services following the impact of and recovery from COVID-19, the implementation of integrated care systems and a focus on tackling health inequalities. Homerton is in a very strong position to be leading the way, making this an exciting time to join the governing body. With such major change afoot, it is crucial that the clinical constituency has strong governing body representation, both for the delivery of best clinical care and outcomes and for the support of the clinical workforce. With 30 years of consultant level clinical and academic experience at Homerton I believe I am in a useful position to deliver that representation. I have the courage to uphold and argue for best practice that will deliver best outcomes for people and populations. Working less than full time I have the capacity, energy, and enthusiasm to contribute fully and productively. I have non-executive board level experience (Chair, National AIDS Trust, past Chair, British HIV Association) and I understand how to use committee structures effectively. As co- chair of Public Health England’s External Advisory Group for Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV (2016 –) I have worked to provide independent advice and challenge to PHE’s national strategic direction, experience that will help me contribute to the Trust’s governing body’s work of scrutiny and challenge.

Julie is a registered mental health nurse. After working in community mental health services specializing in substance use problems and homelessness, Julie joined City, University of London in 1997.

Julie is an Associate Dean and Associate Professor; she is responsible for the education of students studying radiography, nursing, midwifery, speech and language therapy and optometry, many of whom undertake placements during their courses at the Homerton University Hospital.

The Homerton NHS Trust is my local hospital, it has given me treatment and care, not often but at critical times over the last 30 years. I would like to put the rich and varied experiences and skills of a now retired teacher into serving the Trust, its staff, and patients. I feel that I can make creative and useful contributions to the discussions, decisions and policies that will take place. Furthermore, I would very much appreciate being of use and would enjoy and value being with diverse groups of people who are working together to improve health outcomes.

I am a Barbican resident, working at board level as a Corporate Governance professional in the financial services industry. As a Public Governor for the City of London, my role is to represent the interests of members and the public and help the Board ensure that this highly rated hospital continues to be a key facility for the local and wider community. 

In February 2020 I was elected to be Lead Governor by my fellow Governors and am using my experience to facilitate the development of a structured framework that should ensure that it is clear how the Governors fulfil their statutory duties and comply with good governance practices.

I strongly believe in the value of local representation and participation in the governance of our health services. I have lived in Hackney for 39 years.  My family and I have been cared for by Homerton Hospital for both emergency and specialist services over all this time and we all feel we have a valued relationship with the hospital.

Having trained and worked in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist, with experience in out-patient, in-patient and Primary Care mental health services, specialising in psychotherapy and organisational services in my training and work at the Tavistock Clinic. As Clinical Director of the London Clinic of Psychoanalysis for 14 years, I have first-hand experience of listening to and consulting with service users and clinical staff.

I would like to use my personal and professional experience in an active way to represent the interests of the local community in scrutiny of Trust activity. I have a keen interest in the future of the NHS and serious concerns about inequalities in health and wellbeing, and the impact of Government policy on provision of health care for all.

Sharon Ellis - Director of Research, Enterprise and Partnerships Queen Mary University of London.

The Director of Research, Enterprise and Partnerships plays a key role in delivering the University’s strategic research ambitions. Dr Ellis leads a team of staff who support high-quality research and ensure Queen Mary maintains and enhances its competitive position. Working in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust, Dr Ellis also has responsibility for the Joint Research Management Office which provides research, governance and trials support for clinical trials and research across both the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Trust.

In her previous position as Director of International Science and Innovation at BEIS, Dr Ellis led on European Policy related to science and innovation programmes, including the UK’s future relationship with the EU, and international relations with other countries. She was the senior official responsible for BEIS’ Global Challenges Research Fund and the Newton Fund, which aim to support research and innovation to address global challenges and improve the wellbeing of developing countries. In addition, she had responsibility for Government policy in relation to the Meteorological Office, National Physical Laboratory and the UK National Academies.

Sharon Ellis holds a PhD in Climate Change from the University of Birmingham. She is a graduate of the UK Civil Service’s Senior Leaders Scheme, an accelerated development programme for leaders, and a current University of Cambridge policy fellow.

Dr Ellis joined the Civil Service in 2001 starting at Department for Food and Rural Affairs and then moved to Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as Deputy Director for the Research Council and Funding Unit in the Science and Research Directorate

Hello, My name is Ibrahim Hafeji. I am a team member of medical engineers and non-clinical staff governor. I am proud to be a member of this organisation, which provides excellent service to the patient and community.

The NHS has been under considerable pressure in the recent year due to COVID-19. I am acutely aware of the effect that this pressure has had on patient experience and staff morale.

I would be a voice of hardworking staff members who play an ultimate role in providing this high-quality and compassionate role.

Sharing innovative ideas is essential to me. Experiencing this role as a governor has given me a great opportunity and will continue to get involved and share knowledge to support staff members and community at large to ensure the organisation's core values are met.

I have been a member of the Homerton for 10 years: I've lived in Hackney all my life, have been a Councillor/ Chair of School Governors'/Chair of a Tenants' Assn and I am a Welfare Benefit Advisor and have a Law Degree. I feel I can bring the skills of assisting people and helping to resolve problems and assist in commitment to the Homerton. I have been a Patient in Barts in the past and took part in the save Barts Campaign in the 1990s. I am very passionate about the NHS and support our staff and would give 100%.

I am a retired chemist and have latterly worked in journalism and research.

As a public governor, I am passionate about healthcare and during these challenging times I believe residents require someone who’s willing to scrutinise in a constructive manner to ensure the resources go where they are most needed. This includes holding the Non-Executive Directors to account.

I have the time and commitment as well 24 years’ experience gained as a Hackney Councillor, during which I also served as Mayor twice. I am honoured to continue to serve you.

In 2013 I was honoured to receive Freedom of the Borough from Hackney Council in view of my contribution to community services in Hackney.

Health plays such an enormous role in life. Excellent healthcare is crucial in supporting this, as are carers, family and community! I personally have received excellent, life saving treatment from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, for which I remain most grateful.

Having served as a Governor for a first term, I have learnt a great deal. I really hope to continue this contribution. This is the reason I am standing as a Public Governor again. I love this hospital and community service! The Care Quality Commission recently rated it outstanding!

The duty of Governors is to hold the Non-Executive Directors individually, and collectively, to account for the performance of the Board of Directors; and to represent the interests of members and public. Governors also appoint (or remove) the Chair and Non Executive Directors, are presented Finance reports, and provide views when the Trust is preparing its Forward Plan.

I have witnessed improvements in how services are organised, as a direct result of patient feedback. I particularly want to help grow the membership to represent members and the public, in order for their voice to be heard.

I have been a nurse for over 30 years, and trained nurses in a number of settings and specialities, and bring transferable skills to this role. I really hope for a chance to build on the skills I have gained and continue to serve as a Governor.

A non-practising solicitor and, since 1992, City resident, I have been Chair of the City of London Parents’ Group and a Trustee of the Barbican Playgroup and of the Friends of St Giles’ Cripplegate.

I was a HUHNHSFT Governor from 2007/2010 where I followed my book, Is there a Father in the House? A handbook for health and social care professionals (Radcliffe Medical Press, 2003), with a project providing information and support to fathers attending antenatal services.

During this term, I would like to address men’s health inequalities within further assisting the overall good functioning of the Trust.

I believe with my business, governance, networking and community experience I can make an effective contribution as a member of the Council of Governors; Help the Trust live its values, be responsive and accountable to its patients, the local community, staff and partners; Act as a link between the Trust and the community and bring a local and outer area perspective to the planning and development of the services the Trust provides; Contribute to the Trust’s priorities, strategic direction and policies; Hold the executives to account for the performance of the Trust and compliance to statutory regulations.

Councillor Carole Williams was first elected as a Hackney Councillor in 2002 and has stood and won each election since.

In 2016, Councillor Williams was appointed by the Mayor of Hackney of Hackney as the borough’s first ever Cabinet member for Employment, Skills, and Human Resources. Her portfolio is broad ranging, covering adult learning, volunteering, vulnerable migrants, trade unions and refugees and, in 2019, Hackney's response to the Windrush scandal - making her the first lead member for Windrush across the country.

Having led the equalities portfolio since 2016, Councillor Williams is at the forefront of the council’s anti-racism work and the Review, Rename, Reclaim work to make Hackney’s public spaces more representative of the communities that live here.