We’re transforming the way we run our organisation with the introduction of an innovative scheme that’ll allow more junior members of staff to influence decision making.

The Shadow Exec is drawn from groups that are under-represented at the top of the Trust. Its members will give senior leaders a greater understanding of the impact of their decisions on colleagues and it will help those involved develop their careers.

The initiative was set up by Chief Executive Matthew Trainer following the success of a similar scheme at his former trust Oxleas. It will provide fresh perspectives, improve the way we’re run and foster a sense of belonging among our staff.

Twenty-four member of staff (two cohorts of 12) have been selected for the programme following a competitive process.

Matthew, sat down third from left in both pictures, said: “I’m excited to have met our new Shadow Executive team. They will bring fresh eyes to the way we run the Trust and help inform the decision making of our executive team.

“We had a strong pool of 70 applicants, and it was difficult narrowing it down to 24. I’m pleased we found a group of staff who are representative of our wider workforce. I’m looking forward to working with them in 2023.”