Welcoming new members of our Board of Directors

Published: 2 July 2026

We are pleased to welcome Joanna (Jo) Webber and Arwel Griffiths as Non-Executive Directors, both taking up their roles from 01 July 2026. We are also pleased to welcome Debbie Stark as an Associate Non-Executive Director.

Non-Executive Directors play an important role in bringing independent oversight, constructive challenge and support to our Board, helping to ensure our services are safe, effective and meet the needs of the people and communities we serve.

Joanna (Jo) Webber joins with a strong clinical background and extensive experience in NHS leadership and national policy. She trained as a nurse before moving into senior operational and leadership roles, and later became Policy Director at the NHS Confederation, where she worked across the NHS, including leading the Ambulance Services Network.

Jo has significant Board-level experience, including serving as Associate Non-Executive Director at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals NHS Trust, where she was Vice Chair and Chair of the Quality Committee. She has a particular interest in improving how people access and experience healthcare.

Arwel Griffiths brings more than 40 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across healthcare, public services and complex organisations. His career spans board-level positions in NHS-commissioned urgent care, national scientific services, the private sector and the charity sector, with a strong focus on governance, risk and organisational transformation.

He has previously served as Chief Executive and later Non-Executive Director at NEMS Community Benefit Services, and spent eight years as an Executive Director at the Met Office, leading major national services and working closely with government and system partners.

Debbie Stark joins as an Associate Non-Executive Director. She brings extensive experience from across public health (at local, regional and national levels), the NHS and local government, having held senior leadership and Board-level roles throughout her career. Debbie has a particular interest in partnership working, population health and supporting sustainable decision-making that improves outcomes for local communities.

These appointments come at an important time for our organisation, as we continue to strengthen our leadership and governance to support improvements for patients, colleagues and communities.

Martin Beaman, Chair, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jo, Arwel and Debbie to our Board. They both bring a breadth of experience, thoughtful judgement and a strong commitment to public service. Their independent perspective and constructive challenge will be an important part of how we continue to make the best decisions for the people and communities we serve.”

Joanna (Jo) Webber said: “I am really excited to be joining the Trust at this time and look forward to being part of all the great work that they do for the people of Torbay and South Devon.”

Arwel Griffiths said: “I am delighted to take up my role on the Board. I will do my best to support the Trust to serve the needs of the population of Torbay and South Devon in any way that I can.”

Debbie Stark said: “I’m pleased to be joining the Trust as an Associate Non-Executive Director and look forward to supporting colleagues, patients and local communities.”