Will Smith

Will has 20 years’ NHS experience in various senior roles. A versatile, values driven, highly skilled and experienced leader. He possess a strong background in clinical, legal, corporate governance and project management expertise in the NHS and private sector.

Current Associate Director with a wide portfolio leading several projects: a trust wide quality and governance review, ligature management, coaching BAME nurses, role modelling the equality and diversity agenda for patients, staff and carers, ward reconfiguration and reviewing the chaplaincy provision. Previous Programme Director for the high-profile Bristol Sustainability Programme with oversight of five workstreams (models of care, care pathways, workforce, estates and information) and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. Direct reports to the Director of Nursing and COO, Director of Finance and Chief Executive.

Former Head of Risk Management, Legal Services and Health and Safety at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership, managing: risk management, legal services (litigation, inquests, advice etc), ligatures and health and safety, fire and security. Past Associate Director of Nursing and Quality at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, with experience of managing a wide patient safety/quality and governance portfolio with 10 direct reports in areas such as: patient safety (investigations) and quality improvement, clinical performance, risk management, restrictive practices (seclusions/ restraints etc), safer staffing/ agency use, nurse revalidation, safeguarding, staff professional development, mock CQC inspections and peer reviews and smoke cessation (staff and patients). Previous regional Head of Investigations at NHS England and scoped a national governance paper on independent investigations. As regional Corporate Governance Manager at South of England Strategic Health Authority, had oversight of governance in former primary care trusts and NHS trusts. Proven operational and strategic experience of working in fast paced and demanding environments while remaining composed under pressure.

Over 10 years’ experience of undertaking a variety of investigations, which include: criminal, civil, disciplinary, fact-finding, HR and patient safety incidents. In September 2020, completed a high-profile HR investigation for a London hospital. Recognised expertise in engaging and managing complex relationships and dynamics with stakeholders especially families. I initiate and retain genuine relationships and am an effective change agent with an inclusive leadership style. I take calculated risks to learn and enrich myself and others and have left positive legacies in previous organisations. I clinically remain active and revalidated with the NMC in summer 2017. I am commercially aware and was self-employed for two years with a portfolio of 10 clients.