Mental health trust chair leaves after four-and-a-half years

South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust announced today that chair Roger Paffard was stepping down.

He said in a statement: ”I am sad to be leaving the trust after four-and-a-half happy and rewarding years as chair of this amazing organisation.”

Mr Paffard will leave at the end of the month and non-executive director June Mulroy will be interim until a replacement is appointed. The trust’s new chief executive David Bradley starts in the role in July.

In his statement, Mr Paffard said: “I am stepping down at a time when the trust is in great shape.  We have a very talented board in place and an exceptional and experienced deputy chair in June Mulroy.”

The trust’s announcement stated: “Roger feels that the time is right, from both a personal and an organisational perspective, for him to be stepping down. He has been experiencing some health concerns recently and wants to address his work/life balance.”

Lead governor Jenny Cobley added: “Roger has been an exceptional chair of the board and of the council of governors. He has created a talented and high-performing board and has worked extensively with the governors to provide support, leadership and opportunities for constructive challenge and influence.”