Shona Sinclair has been appointed to the role and led her first Compass Board meeting on Tuesday, September 10. She has worked with commercial sector and not-for-profit organisations in senior management roles for more than three decades.
Compass works to bridge the gap between voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations (VCSEs) and healthcare services by building capacity in the sector, improving the ability of VCSEs to engage with the NHS, and facilitating partnership working.
It has supported public sector procurement programmes and worked in partnership to award and contract more than £11million funding to more than 150 groups in just over two years.
Shona is a former Chair of Social Enterprise Scotland and Trustee of the Health and Social Care Alliance. Her previous roles range from setting up and growing social enterprises to senior executive and non-executive roles within a variety of charities. These have included leading on projects delivering within the NHS and Local Authorities addressing the challenges of service redesign.
“I am incredibly proud at being named Chair for such an innovative and forward-looking community interest company,” said Shona.
Compass Wellbeing is East London NHS Foundation Trust’s not-for-profit community interest company.
Shona’s appointment has been made by ELFT Chief Executive Lorraine Sunduza OBE and Chair Eileen Taylor. The comprehensive recruitment process involved sessions with stakeholders.
Her arrival coincides with the recent appointment of Richard Fradgley, Deputy CEO/Director of Integrated Care at ELFT, who joined the Compass Wellbeing board as a Non-Executive Director in May 2024.
ELFT Chief Executive Lorraine Sunduza OBE said:
“Shona’s experience and expertise has shone through during the recruitment process. Her leadership will be invaluable as Compass Wellbeing continues its work to empower our communities.”
ELFT Chair Eileen Taylor said:
“Shona has demonstrated a clear understanding of the groups and organisations that are the beating heart of the communities we serve and how they can support us in our mission to improve the quality of life for all. I am delighted to welcome her as the new Chair of Compass Wellbeing.”
Compass Wellbeing Interim Chief Executive Simon Hall said:
“The appointment of Shona as Chair is fantastic news for Compass Wellbeing and for our VCSE partners.”