James Seward, Managing Director of the Isle of Wight Division, is set to take on an exciting new challenge as the Trust’s Director of Experience and Engagement. His appointment marks the culmination of a period of significant achievement on the Island and opens the door for the next leader to step forward.
Since joining the Trust, James has overseen two of the most complex pieces of organisational change in recent years; firstly, the successful integration of two Isle of Wight divisions into one, and then in May 2024, the transfer of services from the Isle of Wight NHS Trust into Southern Health, and then Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare in October 2024.
“We effectively moved two-fifths of a Trust into a new organisation” James reflects. “The scale of that transition was huge, but thanks to the dedication of colleagues we achieved it safely and smoothly.”
During his time as MD, James has also championed new ways of working that place people and communities at the heart of care. He has been a leading voice in promoting lived experience and peer support roles, approaches that are now being rolled out more widely across the Trust. He’s also worked closely with the Isle of Wight Council and Integrated Care Board to refresh the Island’s local health and care plan, with a focus on the needs of an ageing population.
The division’s reputation for creativity and innovation has flourished under his leadership, from pioneering outreach models for dementia care, to building strong partnerships with the voluntary sector. “What makes the Island special is its sense of community,” he says. “People are committed, personal, and solution focused. That culture of creativity is something I’ve been incredibly proud to be part of.”
James is candid about the challenges too, particularly around the realities of workforce and the Island scales. “The Island can’t always mirror what happens on the mainland,” he explains. “It takes flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to place-based partnerships. That’s why the next MD will need to be humble and curious to the needs of those we serve and the ways in which we operate.”
Looking ahead, as Director of Experience and Engagement, James will lead on lived experience, co-production, and participation, working alongside Chief Quality and Engagement Officer, Lesley Stevens. “I am excited for this new role. It’s about transforming the way lived experience informs everything we do,” James says. “It’s creative, it’s collaborative, and it will help us put the voices of patients, carers, and communities at the very centre of our work.”
James leaves the Isle of Wight Division in a strong position and opens a fantastic opportunity for someone to lead one of the most unique and close-knit parts of our Trust. To find out more about the role and to apply, click here (closing date 14th September).