Trust names former social care director as CEO

A community trust has appointed a director with a background in social care and the third sector to be its new chief executive.

Selina Douglas, previously director of partnerships at North East London Foundation Trust, has joined Leeds Community Healthcare Trust.

Her appointment comes after former CEO Thea Stein left to lead the Nuffield Trust last year. Sam Prince, executive director of operations at the trust, had been serving as interim CEO since August.

Ms Douglas has been in her North East London role — in which she led the transformation, strategic and partnership agenda — since 2021.

She was previously managing director for Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest Integrated Care Partnership and was a strategic commissioning director for adult social care and health for the London boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and City of Westminster. She was also the managing director of Turning Point, a substance misuse charity.

Ms Douglas said: “I am delighted to be leading Leeds Community Healthcare, as it’s one of the most inclusive and innovative community health organisations nationally. Leeds is a fantastic, vibrant place and I am looking forward to getting to know the city better and delivering high-quality services in partnership with residents and colleagues.”

Brodie Clark, chair of Leeds Community Healthcare, added: “We are confident Selena’s vision and values fully complement the organisation and the wider health and social care partnership we work within.”