Judges

She was formerly national director of patient and public affairs based within the patient and public engagement and experience division at the Department of Health and Social Care. Areas of responsibility included NHS and 3rd sector liaison, complaints, local involvement networks (LINks) and transition to Healthwatch.

As a former primary care trust chair and mental health trust non executive, Joan also brings a system wide governance lens to her work along with her experience as a chief executive within the community and voluntary sector. Joan was awarded an OBE for services to health and diversity in 2007. Her experience informs her role working with the chief executive of NHS England as co-chair of the national NHS Equality and Diversity Council.