Our Board
Vanessa Taylor, Chair
I joined ESCV’s Board in November 2019. I was until 2017 a registered practicing pharmacist. Until 2004 I worked for Boots The Chemist (BTC) at regional level with responsibility for all pharmacy matters. In 2004 I left BTC and became the Chief Officer for The Local Pharmaceutical Committee (the representative body for community pharmacy at a local level). I retired in 2017.
In my roles I liaised both locally and nationally with the NHS, Adult Social Care and the Department of Health. I have an in-depth knowledge of the NHS and political landscape both at national and local level with particular reference to community pharmacy.
I feel it is vital that the patients’ voice is heard both locally and nationally and to that end through ESCV I hope I can make a difference for patients and the general public.
Roger Sweetman, Non-Executive Director
After attending the launch event of East Sussex Community Voice (ESCV) and writing a personal report on the event, I was invited to apply for one of the non-executive director positions. I took the opportunity, and after an interview, I was offered and accepted the role in early 2013.
I spent 35 years as a manager in the Civil Service and was an active member of my trade union for most of that time, representing members both locally and regionally. After retiring, I was able to dedicate more time to volunteering, something I had been passionate about for 40 years. I became a trustee of Hastings Voluntary Action and a member—and later the chair—of the Hastings & Rother Health & Social Care Forum, which brought together representatives from the statutory sector. I was also part of the voluntary sector group on the Hastings Local Strategic Partnership, where I gained a deeper understanding of local issues and built valuable connections.
Networking has always been a passion of mine—I enjoy gaining, sharing, and passing on information, as well as meeting new people. I have always been a strong believer in, and advocate for, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and I continue to champion these values in all my work.
Baldev Soni, Non-Executive Director
I joined ESCV as a founding non-executive director over 10 years ago, bringing extensive experience in finance, governance and community engagement. Originally from India, I pursued my education to secondary level in Kenya before moving to UK at age 16 for further education. I qualified as a CIPFA accountant by age 22 and spent 37 years in local government finance, holding key positions in Chingford Borough Council, LB of Waltham Forest, Islington, Brighton and East Sussex County Council. I played a pivotal role in implementing the Education Reform Act 1988, empowering schools with financial autonomy. I have also worked as Pensions Officer, Sussex University.
Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to community service. I served as a founding Chair of Governor when a new secondary school was planned as a first PPP by East Sussex County Council. On completion governors appointed all first senior staff and it was a proud moment for me to cut the ribbon to allow first stream of pupils. As I have lived in Peacehaven for 55 years, this is my gift and contribution to the town
I have also supported financial governance for various charities, including food bank fundraising and organising Sussex Indian Punjabi Society functions for over 30 years. Served as Sussex Regional Secretary for RIPA, London, helped Chattri Memorial Group functions in Patcham. Currently I continue my involvement with ESCV as Chair of Finance Committee.
Jan Springate, Non-Executive Director
Janet moved from a rural area near East Grinstead to South East London to start a family. She then moved to Eastbourne in 1981 and started working in the care profession from the ground floor upwards eventually retiring in 2020 as a Registered Manager in a rehabilitation facility after nearly 30 years working for ESCC.
Janet has worked with both children with Learning Disabilities and Adults with a Learning Disability then ventured into Older People’s services . This enabled her to gain various communication skills to engage with the more vulnerable members of society.
She started working with Healthwatch as a volunteer and is motivated by the life stories of the people she has engaged with to help promote an inclusive health and social care service for all.
Phil Hale, Non-Executive Director
I have worked in health and social care for over 45 years. In March 1979 I started work in the London Borough of Newham as an unqualified social worker, and then completing my social work qualification in 1984. I moved to East Sussex County Council in 1987, where I continued to work as a Social Worker, including as, what was then called, ‘an approved social worker under the Mental Health Act’. I also worked with children in care, young offenders, older people and co-ran groups for children who had been sexually abused.
I became a senior social worker in 1990 and a social work manager in 1991. I ran an intake and duty team, responding to people in crisis. I provided regular supervision and management to social workers and others in the social work team.
I moved into regulation in April 1992, initially as a Children’s Inspector. I took on a broader base of work in 1997, when I began working with adult services. I transferred into the National Care Standard Commission, when this became operational, in April 2002.
I became a manager of a team of Inspectors in 2003. I continued working in this capacity in the various Commissions until March 2010, when I retired from the Care Quality Commission, due to a management restructuring at that time. I currently work as an independent care consultant, working with providers of health and social care.
I have also been a volunteer with Healthwatch East Sussex for over 10 years and lead on some of their projects, including their enter and view of care homes. I have also carried two pieces of research on behalf of NHS England and local NHS Commissioners, through Healthwatch East Sussex. I sit on the Safeguarding Board of a national charity for older people.