Board of Directors
Non-Executive Directors
Mike Maier, Independent Chair
“I am inspired and influenced by people who do what they do, not for their own gratification, but to help people. They have compassion and care in huge bundles and to do that, in the way so many of our staff do, really motivates me to try to contribute in any way I can.”
Born in Coventry but brought up in Leicester, Mike went to the University of Liverpool to study economics and thereafter trained as a chartered accountant. In 1983 Mike joined Pilkington and spent nearly three decades working in the organisation, chiefly in international manufacturing in the building products and ophthalmic sectors. He travelled extensively and lived in a number of countries including Australia, California and Central and Eastern Europe.
In 2010, he left the company as European Finance Director and in 2011 applied to become a non-executive director with CWP after being inspired by the compassion, enthusiasm and motivation of staff, its board members and involvement representatives. In 2013, he was appointed chair of the Audit Committee and deputy chair to the Trust. In 2016, Mike took the helm as chair of the Trust.
Rebecca Burke-Sharples, Independent Non-Executive Director / Senior Independent Director
"CWP manifests the values you want to see in all NHS Trusts. These values demonstrate that we are trying to be the best we can be to help the people we serve. It’s a privilege to work within the organisation and I hope I can contribute in some way to us becoming the most outstanding healthcare partnership in this country.”
Rebecca was born in Liverpool and went to school in Crosby before starting her nursing career in the NHS in 1976. She went on to become Director of Nursing at both of Manchester’s Children's Hospitals, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool as their Director of Nursing and Operations, and to work on national policy in the field of children’s intensive care. Rebecca received a CBE for her work on the Bristol Royal Infirmary Independent Public Inquiry and in 2007 she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from her Alma Mater, Liverpool John Moores University for services to nursing and healthcare management.
As Chief Executive she managed the merger of St Helens and Halton Primary Care Trusts before becoming the CEO for the combined Trust. In 2008 Rebecca retired from the NHS. Her interests since include competitive bridge, and she is an active member of a community choir. Rebecca has also trained as a Restorative Justice Practitioner in Wirral. From 2009 she has been a Trustee of Chester Zoo and subsequently Vice Chairman until her retirement from both roles in 2018. In 2014 Rebecca became a NED at CWP and has led on Mental Health Act assurance. She has taken up the role of Speak Up Champion and Board Champion for Person-Centred Care. She is also the Trust’s Senior Independent Director.
Andrea Campbell, Independent Non-Executive Director
“I always try to make a difference, but what I hope to achieve whilst at CWP is to support the organisation in being a great place for the people who use the services and for those who work in it. This Trust is ethical and has integrity, which is important to me, but most of all I want to help it be the best.”
Another recent edition to our NED team is Andrea. She has lived in England for 40 years but was originally born in Boston, US, as a twin. Andrea travelled around Europe in the 1960s before settling in London – working for most of her life in the NHS.
Andrea started her career within secretarial school in the US before taking a role within health at the King’s Fund Emergency Bed Service in London for five years and then as a unit administrator for a new service in learning disabilities. Andrea went on to work at Hammersmith Council, London, within health policy, relocating to Bolton both to support her new family and to continue her career within health policy. During this time, she undertook a master’s degree at Leeds University in social and public policy and in the second year she was asked to take on a new post as an executive director for community care within Sefton’s health authority. Whilst at Sefton, Andrea was asked to set up the first North West Secure Commissioning team and in 2004 she left the NHS to set up an active consultancy business, which has run for over ten years. Since then she has held a NED post before joining CWP this year.
Edward Jenner, Independent Non-Executive Director
“CWP is a fantastic organisation. Everyone I have met is dedicated, intelligent, caring – just wonderful people. I marvel at how we are able to help people better cope with life. I’ve always felt that if I was to come and help the NHS I would want it to be in mental health. It’s a hidden thing and it’s far more important than we like to think it is.”
We would like to welcome Edward, one of our newest NEDs to the organisation. Edward was born on the Wirral and studied at University College London before joining Unilever as a graduate trainee. He stayed with the company for 19 years and returned to Wirral to start a family after living and working in Holland for two years.
In 1999 Edward was recruited by Wedgwood, initially as Group Finance Director, and stayed with the company for seven years before starting a 20-year-long portfolio career at non-executive director level; providing consultancy advice and working within his family house-building company. Variety, new things and creativity are Edward’s drives in life, which meant that working in CWP was a natural fit.
Farhad Ahmed
Farhad was born and educated in Crosby. After completing a Masters in English from University of Liverpool, he lectured in Further Education before managing Widening Participation projects at Edge Hill University for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. He transitioned to the voluntary sector managing community based economic development programmes within a deprived inner city area, playing a leading role in forming public/private sector partnerships resulting in significant social and economic regeneration. Following this, he joined the UK’s leading University business incubator at University of Central Lancashire where he spearheaded several ground-breaking initiatives which contributed both to embedding an enterprising culture across the University and advancing the University’s ambition to be an ’anchor institution’. This included collaborations with charities, multi Academy Trusts and a University-Small Medium Enterprise (SME) joint venture.
Married with two children, Farhad is currently a Civil Servant managing strategic stakeholder relations at a regulatory body. He has acted as a Diversity and Inclusion representative at board level as part of the Government Communications Service profession. In his spare time, Farhad keenly participates in intercultural and interfaith initiatives which enhance community cohesion across the North West, particularly relating to the heritage of diverse communities in Britain. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.
Elizabeth (Liz) Harrison
“My non-executive roles in housing and education have convinced me how closely these are linked to health. People need health, housing and education for communities to thrive. I wanted to work with CWP because of its values and the huge impact that the services it provides have on users. Everyone I have met is focussed on doing the right thing. These people are ethical and have integrity; it is inspiring to work with them. I aim to contribute in any way I can to provide the best possible experience for the communities we serve.”
Liz lives in South Cheshire with her husband and young family. She studied at the University of London completing both a degree and a PhD before embarking on a career in customer insight and strategy working for both a global market research agency and retailers. She directed the insight and strategy for both The Co-operative Group and Aldi, developing their brands and influencing and leading business change.
Subsequently, she started a portfolio career at non-executive director level. Liz is currently a governor and vice-chair at Reaseheath College - a further and higher education land-based college. She is also a non-executive director serving on the Homes Board of Housing Plus Group which manages 18,000 homes and employs more than 800 people across Shropshire and Staffordshire. The Group and its member companies work closely with its customers, partners and wider-community to support thriving neighbourhoods and independent retirement living.
Liz is a strategic thinker, who is financially adept and has rigorous analytical skills. She now runs her own specialist consultancy which helps businesses to grow via strategic business planning and customer insight. She is passionate about providing excellent service to end-users that meets identified needs and looks forward to ensuring that service users remain central to decision making.
Liz is passionate about understanding the whole person and believes that health, housing and education are all vital ingredients to wellbeing.
Executive Directors
Sheena Cumiskey, Chief Executive
“I am passionate about working with, and supporting, people to be the best they can be. I am proud of our organisation and the staff that work so hard to provide safe, effective and person-centered care.”
Sheena was born and raised in Chester before moving to study Human Geography at the University of Liverpool. From an early age, and influenced by her father, she knew that connecting with people and helping bring out the best in them would be her future professional path. Being a General Management Training Scheme graduate and learning from others, has led her to a career spanning over 30 years in the NHS, with 20 years at Chief Executive level.
A former Chief Executive of both commissioning and provider organisations, Sheena has worked at strategic and operational levels within the NHS. Currently, she is Chair of the North West Leadership Academy Board and a member of the NHS Employers Policy Board. Sheena was named CEO of the Year at the 2015 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards and currently holds a position within the HSJ’s Top 50 CEOs.
Dr Anushta Sivananthan, Joint Medical Director, Compliance, Quality and Assurance
“I’ve worked with some really inspiring people who have taught me all the things I know, to allow me to do my job to the best of my abilities. I have the best job in the world. I have the pleasure of being able to do clinical work but also to help as a medical director to improve quality and standards of care.”
Originally from Doncaster, Anushta completed her medical training in Liverpool before qualifying as a psychiatrist in 1996. She gained a Diploma in Geriatric Medicine in 1997 and has over 15 years experience as a consultant, with a speciality in old age psychiatry. Anushta took the position of medical director in 2010, having previously held posts as both the Trustwide clinical director for Adult Services and clinical director for Older People’s Services. She has also held the Programme Director role for Old Age Psychiatrists at Mersey Deanery.
Today she balances her role as a medical director with her clinical duties at CWP’s Bowmere Hospital, Chester. In 2013 Nush was presented with a North West Leadership Award for Quality and Innovation and currently leads the Zero Harm agenda within the Trust. She is also the Trust’s executive lead on work in Western Cheshire to explore options for accountable care systems, aiming to influence the development of an environment of continuous improvement.
Andy Styring, Director of Strategy and Partnerships
“All achievements by CWP are due to competent, committed teams and have been feasible due to the partnerships adopted within and across services and agencies. I am proud to work within CWP and feel passionate about enabling others to be the best they can be.”
Raised in Lancashire, Andy went to Blackpool Grammer School, before attending the University of Lancaster in 1974. He started his career as a charge nurse in 1979. Over the last 35 years, Andy has taken on a number of roles within the NHS; as a nurse, teacher and senior manager in services for children and adults with learning disabilities. He has held several senior clinical posts.
Andy’s life has been dedicated to people with learning disabilities having lived with and alongside those individuals affected. Andy is a former Healthcare Commission Associate and is a former member of the local Safeguarding Children Boards, Learning Disability Partnership Boards, and is a member of the Executive Commissioning Group for mental health and learning disability services across Cheshire and Wirral. Andy recently became Governor of Ancora School and is Chair of the Nevexia Board. He is also on the Board of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership.
Tim Welch, Director of Business and Value
“I am an accountant by training, but what motivates me is how I can help everyone do the best they can in caring for the people who need our services. The vision and values of the organisation are fantastic and I believe in the work around patient-centered care - genuinely wanting to put patients at the heart of what we do to and working collaboratively to get the best answer for them.”
Lancashire born, Tim went to boarding school before attending the University of Liverpool to study bio-chemistry. He eventually took a route into accounting, starting his career as a graduate within financial management in Norwich Health Authority. He eventually found his way back to Lancashire as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, before joining CWP in 2013.
Tim has worked within the NHS for more than 20 years, with over 12 years experience as a Director. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Tim also deputises for Sheena working collaboratively with partner organisations to get the best answers for the patients CWP cares for. Tim is also the Chair for CWP’s Business Development and Innovation Sub Committee and Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership Board. He also holds a director position on the Villicare Board.
David Harris, Director of People & Organisational Development
“I feel so attached to CWP and the incredibly important work we do. It is the best place I have ever worked. No, we are not perfect and there is much we can do better. I see my role as helping to create a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued and able to give their best every day.”
David’s early years were spent in Lancaster before he embarked on a degree in Classics at Peterhouse College, Cambridge. His time there took an unexpected turn and he experienced a period of ill-health. He had always wanted to work in the public sector and started his career in the Prison Service. His has since worked in a variety of settings and throughout that time has frequently found himself drawing on his own experience to support individuals dealing with mental health challenges.
A former member of the Civil Service Fast Stream Scheme, David has over 22 years experience working in public sector organisations with a particular focus in the development, implementation and management of organisational change. Previous to his role at CWP, David worked at Aintree University Hospital as Deputy Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development. He is an AQuA Fellow in Improvement Science, has an advanced diploma in executive coach mentoring and is a Chartered Fellow of the Charted Institute of Personnel and Development.
Dr Faouzi Alam, Joint Medical Director, Effectiveness, Medical Education and Medical Workforce / Caldicott Guardian
“I come from a big family and was brought up during the war; you therefore appreciate everything so much more and work hard. I feel inspired by my family to do the best I can and to help people both clinically and strategically. When you see a patient it is rewarding to see the outcome of what you are doing there and then, but strategically you are helping a bigger number of people.”
Born in Lebanon, Faouzi moved to Latvia and graduated as a medical doctor in 1996. He moved to Russia and lived there for five years to complete his post-graduate course in renal medicine. He moved to the UK in 2001. Faouzi was inspired by his research into psychosis in patients receiving haemodialysis and decided to change direction. He trained to become a psychiatrist, before taking a job within CWP. He is now the consultant in the early intervention team in psychosis.
With over 20 years’ experience as a doctor, Faouzi was appointed as joint medical director in October 2013. He is the Responsible Officer and the Trust’s Caldicott Guardian.
Gary Flockhart, Director of Nursing, Therapies
"I’m delighted to work for a Trust that is values driven and passionate about the care and support it provides to our local populations. CWP as an organisation really values the input and commitment of our staff and the people who access our services.”
Born in Glasgow, Gary attended university in Edinburgh and nursing college in the Scottish Borders before starting his career as a staff nurse at the national psychosis unit at the Bethlem Royal in South London. Following a long and varied career working in community and mental health services, across London and Greater Manchester, Gary joined CWP in November 2015 as Associate Director of Nursing and Therapies (Mental Health and Learning Disability).
In his role as Director Gary is working to create opportunities for nursing and therapies to support the ambitions set out in the NHS Long Term Plan. Supporting people to be cared for at home but also making sure that, when needed, an in-patient stay can offer the best care in a positive environment delivered by dedicated and compassionate staff.
Gary spends considerable time in clinical areas speaking to staff and the people who access our services and believes it is very important that the executive team at CWP is accessible and approachable. He says: “One of the things I love about my job the most is seeing people taking pride in the care and services that we offer and the positive impact this has on the people who access our services.”
Suzanne Edwards, Director of Operations
Suzanne lives in North Wales and joined CWP in 2007 as a general manager. Suzanne grew up in Bradford, West Yorkshire and moved to Manchester to study Nursing at the University of Manchester where she qualified as a mental health nurse in 1995 and completed her fourth year gaining her community mental health specialist practitioner award. Suzanne started her career in Manchester working as a staff nurse on an acute mental health ward, and has worked in a variety of settings including community, A&E and primary care, with a strong focus on service development and transformation. In 2019 Suzanne successfully completed the NHS leadership Academy Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership and was appointed as Director of Operations in 2020.