Southern Governors

Richard was elected as a public governor in September 2022 for a term of three years.

Born in Okehampton, Richard followed his father into the railway, enjoying a career spanning 46 years and becoming a high-speed train driver instructor. Richard has represented a ward in Exeter for Devon County Council for 32 years and was elected Chair of Devon County Council in 1994/5. He then served the Devon Health Scrutiny Board for eight years as its Chair. He has served on numerous committees and organisations, at local, national and international level.

He currently serves on two charitable trusts in Exeter and chairs the My Surgery Friends/Patient Participation Group. This keeps Richard informed of the concerns and issues affecting residents in Exeter.

Gillian was elected as a public governor in September 2022 for a term of three years.

Gillian worked locally for the NHS for 44 years, latterly working as a nurse and managing partner in general practice, leading the team to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission on all assessments. She was vice-chair of Eastern Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), leading on end-of-life care. She operated at board levels at Devon CCG, and Integrated Care Exeter. She has experience working strategically across health, social and third sector partnerships. At a national level, Gillian worked with the Department of Health on numerous steering groups with a focus on improving the quality of care. She was on the editorial board of a national journal, often writing articles.

Gillian has been awarded for her work with carers, and has maintained face-to-face contact with patients throughout her career. She brings to the role a wealth of knowledge of working for the NHS at all levels, community connections and the experience of a grounded life. A trustee of Exeter Study Club, she enjoys hiking with her husband, grandma duties, and providing seated exercise classes for local groups.