A new joint chair has been appointed by South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust (GEH). 

Sue Whelan will take up the position on 1 April 2026, with current chair Russell Hardy completing his tenure in March.  

A statement from the trusts said she has extensive experience in financial governance and public leadership.  

Sue has served as a director within SWFT for almost a decade, overseeing the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian framework, which allows healthcare workers to raise workplace concerns confidentially. 

She has also held a senior role at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.  

Her prior background includes a career in banking, serving as a commissioner at the Independent Police Complaints Commission. 

Sue Whelan said: "I am honoured to be appointed as joint chair of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust.  

"I am deeply committed to working in partnership with patients, colleagues and health and social care partners to build on the strong foundations already in place.  

"Together, we will continue to improve access, quality, and equity of care, while embracing innovation and collaboration to meet the evolving needs of our communities." 

Adam Carson, acting chief executive officer of the trusts, said: "I am delighted to welcome Sue to the role of joint chair.  

"She brings a rare combination of healthcare knowledge, strong financial and governance expertise, and a clear commitment to inclusive and compassionate leadership.  

Her experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen collaboration between our trusts and respond to the challenges facing the NHS, while remaining firmly focused on delivering the highest quality care for our patients and communities." 

SWFT and GEH joined the Foundation Group in 2017 and 2018, which joins trusts that "face similar challenges and have a common strategic vision for how these can be solved," according to the NHS.  

The collaboration was further solidified in October 2025, with the trusts moving to a joint single executive board.