Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust have announced the appointment of Michelle Westwood as their new Chief People Officer, following an open and competition recruitment process.
Michelle is a strategic HR leader, with significant knowledge of workforce matters, including introducing new ways of working, leading retention campaigns, and in the development of programmes to support leadership development and capability and organisational culture. She joins Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust following a 20-year career with the Royal Navy where her most recent role was the Programme Director for the Royal Navy People Transformation programme.
Michelle holds a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Coaching, a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations, a MSc in Human Resources and Organisations, and a PhD by Publication in Leadership development: central to her PhD thesis is a Lego duck and what it has taught her about coaching, leadership and the utility of reflective practice. She is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Michelle will join Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust on 01 November 2022.
Liz Davenport, Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Michelle to our Torbay and South Devon family. Michelle’s expertise in supporting people and teams to respond to change will be invaluable and she brings with her a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective from a different public sector that we can only benefit and learn from.
Michelle Westwood said: “I am really excited about joining the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust team and delivering against the trust that is being placed in me to lead the People function. I very much look forward to meeting as many of you from across the organisation as possible and to work together to continue to deliver the People Promise.”
Liz added: “I am pleased to say that Sheridan Flavin, our interim Chief People Officer, will continue in post until Michelle starts. Sheridan has made a significant contribution during her short time with us and her skills and expertise have supported us to move forward our organisational strategy and our vision for better health and care for all.”
