Trust Governors appoint new Chairman for Foundation Trust

The Members’ Council of The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has appointed a chairman to succeed Mr Les Lawrence, who has held  the post for several years and led its attainment of foundation trust status. The new chairman, Mr Laurence James, will take up post in the late autumn and will work closely with the current Chair to ensure a seamless handover and continuity of ongoing developments.

Mr Lawrence said: “I wish the new Chair every success. I am proud to have been able to lead a very special organisation to become one of the best performing hospitals in the country. Our patents are our greatest advocates and our Members’ Council has demonstrated its strength of purpose in making this new appointment. Laurence joins a trust that is deserving of many accolades and I know everyone will give him their professional and heartfelt support.”

Mr James said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have such a superb opportunity to work with the team to enhance still further the positive impact we can have on orthopaedic services to our patients. I have lots to learn and a big task ahead, but where better to begin one’s first public sector non-executive role than with the best!”

Neil Hart from the Members’ Council said: “The Members’ Council has been very fortunate to have developed such an effective role within the trust and in a way that supports the Board.  Recruiting a chair is never an easy challenge for elected representatives and stakeholders. Happily, we have the legacy of a strong foundation on which to build and the great fortune of a unanimous decision on how to take the trust forward.   We thank our current Chair for his unstinting stewardship of the trust and look forward to building a significant relationship with Mr James.”

About Laurence James 

Laurence James has been a member of the Stroud and Swindon Building Society Board since 1996 and was appointed Chairman in April 2007. After graduating with a degree in statistics from the University of Bath, Laurence joined W H Smith and developed a career in marketing and sales, culminating in him becoming Retail Sales Director. Since leaving W H Smith he has worked for the Pearson Group as Managing Director of Ladybird Books and now has his own retailing business.  He is married with 2 children and lives in Gloucestershire.