Adur councillor is ‘perfect’ for NHS role

Sue Bucknall has been appointed as the non-executive director of the Sussex Community NHS Trust (SCT).

Lawyer Sue, practice manager at REN Legal LLP, a London-based commercial law firm, has served on the district council for 14 years, during which time she has been chairman, deputy leader, and chair of the personnel committee.

Sue said: “My local roots run deep.

“I am active in our local community and have a powerful, personal commitment to the local NHS.

“I’m delighted to join the SCT board at this important time in the development of community NHS services in the county.”

Called to the Bar in 1979, Sue is a member of the Institute of Personnel Management, and from 1999 to 2006, was the chief executive of LawWorks, a charity which encourages pro bono activity by the legal profession.

She also offers more than 25 years of experience in lecturing on legal and management matters, including at BHASVIC College and Brighton University, where she was a law lecturer.

In the community, Sue has been no less active, acting as a school governor, and a voluntary member of the management boards at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

She added: “I’ve worked in the NHS, and seen it at its very best when caring for my family.

“I know, then, how we need to deliver healthcare support when, where and how people need it. And while we have to make tough decisions in challenging financial circumstances, I am committed to ensuring that services in the community truly reflect the patients’ interests and perspective.”

Simon Turpitt, chairman of the trust, said the role of a non-executive director was to keep the board focused on strategic issues, represent the views of the community and provide independent judgement.

“With her wealth of knowledge and expertise as a lawyer and her experience in the commercial, voluntary and charity sectors, Sue is certain to make a significant contribution in these areas,” he said,

He added the post was part-time, and paid £6,096 a year.