SAPHNA CEO Sharon White OBE Announces Retirement
After over 45 years of dedicated service as a nurse, midwife, and specialist community public health nurse, Sharon White OBE has announced her retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA). Her last day in the role will be January 31, 2025.
Ms. White has been on extended sick leave and has made the difficult decision to retire. In her time with SAPHNA, she has been instrumental in its growth and recognition as a professional organization focused on school and public health nursing. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of children, young people, and their families.
The Board of Trustees has been working closely with Ms. White and the senior leadership team (SLT) to create a transition plan, which is nearing completion. The Board is committed to strengthening SAPHNA and ensuring its continued success in the face of economic challenges currently faced by UK charities. They strongly believe that SAPHNA plays a crucial role in sustaining and developing public sector nursing as a profession, and are dedicated to growing the charity.
In light of Ms. White’s retirement, the Board of Trustees has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Owen, effective immediately. Ms. Owen brings with her a wealth of experience and will work closely with the SLT – Sallyann Sutton (Professional Officer), Julie Critcher, and Anne-Marie Gallogly (Deputy Professional Officers) – and the trustees. The Board of Trustees is also developing a succession plan for the CEO role, which will be implemented in the near future.
Throughout her nursing career, Ms. White has dedicated herself to working in the community and supporting vulnerable children and families. Her contributions have been recognized with the Order of the British Empire, awarded in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2015. Specifically, she was recognized for her efforts in driving forward the school nursing workforce and their vital role in child protection and safeguarding.
Reflecting on her retirement, Ms. White stated, “It has been an honor and a pleasure to lead this small but mighty charity and to develop a strong group of like-minded individuals who champion the health and well-being of children. My personal and professional life has been dedicated to eradicating health inequalities for children, and I will continue to support and cheer on those who will lead the future growth of SAPHNA.”
The Board of Trustees is committed to continuing the important work of SAPHNA and can be contacted at info@saphna.co.
Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/
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