Our Board

Healthwatch East Sussex is governed by a small board of non-executive directors, recruited through open competition and with the skills needed to ensure we operate effectively.

Our Board

Keith Stevens, Chair

 

I retired from Coutts & Co. in 2001 after 32 years of service, during which I held a variety of roles. However, most of my time was spent specialising in taxation and medical finance.

In 1991, I became a non-executive director of the RNTNE Hospital in the first wave of trust hospitals, a position I held until its merger with the Royal Free. After retiring, I worked for the Royal Household for a short time before becoming a Parish Councillor.

Currently, I serve as Chairman of the East Sussex Association of Local Councils (ESALC) and the East Sussex Strategic Partnership (ESSP). In addition, I act as treasurer for several voluntary organisations, continuing my commitment to community service.

 

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. 

 

Vanessa Taylor, Non-Executive Director 

 

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.

 

Beth Simons, Non-executive Director

 

I began my career as a teacher in Newcastle and London before moving to East London, where I set up a housing advice service that also provided a mobile debt bus. Later, I became Regional Director for three major housing associations based in London and the South East, overseeing the development of new homes and ensuring that tenants lived in quality housing within strong communities.

For seven years, I served as a local councillor in London, focusing on education and the provision of decent housing. I especially valued the opportunity to work closely with the people in my constituency in Tottenham, advocating for their needs and concerns.

Since moving to Sussex, I have served as chair of Heathfield PPG and later as chair of the High Weald Patients’ Group. My focus has been on promoting best practices across local surgeries, ensuring they are responsive to patient needs. I am deeply committed to empowering patients and strengthening their voice in the healthcare system.