Former banker to replace long-serving trust chair

A mental health trust has named a former banker, who is also a governing member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, to replace its long-serving chair in September.

Sue Whelan Tracy, who has been a lay member of the NMC’s council since 2020, has been appointed by NHS England to replace Jagtar Singh as chair at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, after 10 years in post.

Ms Tracy, who had a career in banking, is also currently senior independent director of South Warwickshire Foundation Trust, a post she will leave when she starts at CWPT, and is a senior adviser at the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket.

Her appointment by NHSE comes after an independent review published last week found the NMC to have dysfunctionality “at virtually even level and across all directorates”, and instances of racism, bullying, and discrimination.

It does not specifically criticise Ms Tracy or the NMC’s governing council; although questions have been raised about its oversight role, including of the recent appointment of an interim CEO who immediately quit over her past connection to a controversial NHS race discrimination case.  

When asked by HSJ about what checks were conducted before appointing Ms Tracy, NHSE said in a statement: “All appointments are made in conjunction with the Fit and Proper Person test and where additional and relevant information comes to light this will be reviewed accordingly.”

Outgoing chair Jagtar Singh, who has been recognised for his work on equalities and inclusion in the NHS, has worked previously as a non-executive director at the East of England Ambulance Service and at the then Luton and Dunstable Hospital FT.

Previously, Ms Tracy has served as a commissioner at the then Independent Police Complaints Commission, and had a career in banking.  

CWPT told HSJ Ms Tracy was appointed to the role following a recruitment process by NHSE.