Contact our governors

Our Lead and Deputy Lead Governors

Lead Governor: Rebecca Mezzo

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Constituency: Service User Governor

Rebecca has been a Service User Governor since August 2020 and has a special interest in people with a dementia diagnosis, young people, and those  with thoughts of suicide.

Deputy Lead Governor: Alice Barton 

Constituency: Service User Governor

Deputy Lead Governor

Bio: Alice is an autistic individual, parent, and passionate advocate for improving services for people with autism and mental health conditions.

She is particularly focused on addressing gaps in services for autistic individuals and those with mental health conditions, striving to ensure that services are accessible, effective, and respectful of diverse needs.

Read more about Rebecca, Alice, and all of our governors by expanding the accordions below.

Public Governors

We have eight governor seats which represent residents in the various areas of the county and surrounding areas.

Vacant

Constituency: Public Governor - Borough of Boston

Lisa Freeman

Constituency: Public Governor - City of Lincoln

Emma Slack

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Constituency: Public Governor - East Lindsey

Election statement: I feel I will be a valued Ambassador/Governor for the Trust of East Lindsey. I am a carer of a child with severe learning difficulties. Since 2012 I have run a parent support group called Sharing Minds. We have for many years run family swimming sessions backed by charitable funding raised for us. Though the sessions are closed at present due to COVID-19. From 2012-2015 I was a parent governor at my older sons school King Edward V1 in Spilsby and he is now aged 20. My husband and I are self employed and together we run our bed and breakfast business in our adjoining annex. Being self employed gives me flexibility to attend meetings and fully commit to the role. I have knowledge and experience that I feel would be helpful in this role, from all aspects noted previously in my statement. 

Carole Hagan

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Constituency: Public Governor - North Kesteven

Election statement: As a parent of a young adult with autism, epilepsy and learning disabilities, I have accessed LPFT services through GP surgeries, specialist clinics or Accident and Emergency. I have been a trustee of the charity that represents my daughter's medical condition and also a member of the charity's research committee. I worked as an Inclusion Consultant for North Yorkshire LA supporting primary and secondary schools. I had a responsibility for introducing schools to the Autism Inclusion Development Programme. Recently I worked alongside Care Quality Commission Inspectors as an Expert by Experience, visiting care homes for adults with autism and/or learning disabilities. My role was to ensure that the service users' voices were represented and valued in inspection reports. As a Governor I will endeavor to represent the views of constituents in North Kesteven.

Jonathan Sibley

Constituency: South Holland

Contact governor

Debbie Abrams OBE

Constituency: Public Governor - South Kesteven

Election statement: Having recently retired from working at a small hospice means I have time to volunteer as your governor representative. With over 1000 members we are a community that deserve a voice in shaping mental health and learning disability services. I will strive to be accessible and listen to help represent our constituency. I am passionate about our local NHS and believe that services are better when people are engaged in developing them. Our combined learned experiences of mental health and learning disability services are fundamental in helping the Trust deliver a quality service. This last year has been difficult to ensure continued access to local services. Being a fairly confident person I constructively challenge and speak up when required for all. I worry especially for young people who have missed being with their friends, and have had to adapt their learning experiences. The increase in young peoples mental health problems, including eating disorders is of concern but just as much a concern is the depression faced by older people from months of isolation and loneliness. It is particularly important that people’s rights should be respected, especially those who are vulnerable who may need more support and who may need that support locally. I will campaign to help us keep local services.

Vacant

Constituency: Public Governor- Rest of England

David Docherty

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 Constituency: Public Governor - West Lindsey

Election statement: Having for the last year served as the elected West Lindsey LPFT governor I believe I have represented the public position whenever asked. My history is one of passionate dedication gained during my 40+ years of service to healthcare, both at home in the NHS and alongside the British Armed Forces, who I worked alongside in a supporting role during the 1990s as part of the international stabilisation forces shortly after the Balkan conflict. After retiring as an active NHS employee, I recently returned on an Interim basis to assist the East Midlands Ambulance Service and have remained in post assisting frontline staff, whenever I can, during these distressing times. As the face of the NHS changes, I am acutely aware of the strategic challenges it is currently facing, and am passionate about helping deliver the strategic patient centric Integrated Care system recently brought into legislation. As a supporter of a less fragmented approach, adjoining local Trusts and Local Authority care facilities, means mental health should begin to enjoy the same footing as, acute, community and social care, which in turn helps eliminate the most common complaint about the NHS, which is, the frustrations patients experience accessing a multi-layered system which is not designed to smoothly provide answers to complex needs which cross over all aspects of healthcare. I relish the opportunity on behalf of West Lindsey to continue to influence that whenever I can.

We have current Public Governor vacancies for Borough of Boston and Rest of England.

Service User and Carer Governors

We have seven service user governor seats which represent the views of people who have used or are using our services.

As well as four carer governor seats which represent the views of people who care for someone with a mental health problem.

Rebecca Mezzo

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Constituency: Service User Governor

Lead Governor

Election statement - I’ve been a Service User Governor since August 2020 when I replaced a previously-elected governor because they had moved out of the county. I have a special interest in people with a dementia diagnosis, young people, and those  with thoughts of suicide. I have lived with my husband in the county for 24 years, but I come from a RAF family and was brought up in Singapore and Cyprus.

I am now semi-retired, and my work was with optician services, in the hotel industry, cinema management, the community/charity sector (Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Services, Alzheimer’s Society, British Red Cross and Girl Guiding), all of which has brought about my skill set that I share with LPFT.

Alice Barton 

Constituency: Service User Governor

Deputy Lead Governor

I am an autistic individual, parent, and passionate advocate for improving services for people with autism and mental health conditions. With a BSc (Hons) in Health and Social Care and a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Research, I bring both academic expertise and lived experience to my work.

As a parent to three children, two of whom are autistic, I understand first-hand the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals and families navigating neurodiversity. This personal insight fuels my commitment to advocating for more inclusive, person-centred support systems within healthcare, social care, and education.

I am particularly focused on addressing gaps in services for autistic individuals and those with mental health conditions, striving to ensure that services are accessible, effective, and respectful of diverse needs. My research background equips me with the skills to evaluate and improve service delivery, while my advocacy work aims to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in society.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I am dedicated to fostering greater understanding and acceptance of autism through public speaking, training, and collaborative projects. My ultimate goal is to contribute to a future where all individuals—regardless of neurodiversity—can thrive and access the support they deserve.

Contact governor

Alexander James Eccersley

Constituency: Service User Governor

Anastasia (Stacey) Marriott

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Constituency: Service User Governor

I am a newly appointed Service User Governor. My interest in the role comes from being a patient of LPFT myself, and also because I manage an NHS commissioned Mental Health Project which puts me in an ideal position to hear many voices from across the system. 

As an Open Dialogue practitioner, I have a keen interest in exploring new and different ways of working within the healthcare system and finding inspiration from how other cultures respond to mental health needs around the world.

Andrew Page

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Constituency: Service User Governor

Michelle Holness

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Constituency: Service User Governor

Tracey Roberts

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Constituency: General Carer Governor

Vacant

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Constituency: General Carer Governor

Vacant

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Constituency: General Carer Governor.

Vacant

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Constituency: Young People Carer Governor

We have the following vacancies:  

General Carer Governor x2

Young People Carer Governor x1

Staff Governors

We have nine staff governor seats which represent the views of our staff.

Helen Smith

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Adult Inpatient Services

Election statement - Having worked in the private sector for 13 years with adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, I then made the career change to join NHS LPFT as a Nursing Assistant at the Francis Willis unit - the reason to join this service was to further gain knowledge with the opportunities to develop as a person within an organisation who encourages, supports and rewards individuals. 

I already had an NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care when I joined LPFT.

Five years ago I was given the opportunity to change direction as Team Administrator where I gained my NVQ level 3 in Business Adminsitration and also IOSH (Building Administrator).

May 2020 I was presented with an Nursing and Care Superhero Award in recognition of outstanding contribution to care and practice. Staff Recognition Awards 2018 and 2019. 

LPFT as an organisation are Patient Centred with growth and development in its many services being paramount. As an organisation we may make mistakes, but we learn from them. 2020 has been such a unique year within Covid 19 and so much uncertainty, the commitment of our staff and the willingness to adapt to its needs have been amazing. 

I would like to be your governor as I am proud of the organisation I work within, and feel my qualities as a people person with an inquisitive mind and drive will work well within the elected team. 

Dan Fleshbourne

Constituency: Staff Governor - Adult Inpatient Services

My name is Dan, and I work as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner in the Adult Inpatient division. I am a proud dad, husband, and unpaid carer. Additionally, I am a big fan of motorsports, particularly Formula 1, and I consider myself a gadget and technology enthusiast.

I have over three years of experience representing unpaid carers and staff on the Council of Governors. This role has been defined by my strong commitment to collaboration. During my tenure, I actively sought to amplify the voice and representation of my constituents within the council, helping to develop new policies, innovative working methods, and strategies for future planning.

As governor, I am dedicated to contributing to a collective effort to create an outstanding environment that fosters excellence and innovation for patients, families, carers, and trust employees, ultimately leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.

I am committed to being a reliable channel for you to share your feedback and innovative ideas through the i'Log. I firmly believe that fostering open and inclusive dialogue is essential for continuously enhancing our services. Your feedback is not only welcomed but is vital for our growth and development.

Kayleigh Sherwin

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Adult Community services

I am new to the Trust in the Adult Community setting. As a dedicated staff member working with the Recovery College on the Family Hub project, my passion lies within the perinatal period and the support and guidance for families and partners with mental health and wellbeing.

I have been a Midwife and trained at the local university. With my local community knowledge, higher education background in Lincoln, and lived experiences of different communities, I am well-equipped to support our community with mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

I take pride in helping women and families make a difference. This passion drives my commitment to providing the best support and resources to those in need.

Andy Leaston 

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Adult Community services

I am a Peer Support Coordinator based at the Recovery College within Adult Community.

My own lived experience of accessing mental health services and a desire to support others in their recovery, led me to work in this area. I see first-hand the benefits of community based mental health services, recognising that services need to be anchored in the wider community to promote choice and ensure sustainable support networks.

Previous experience as both a community advocate and local councillor (in Salford) involved working in multi-agency partnerships, representing and championing the interests of others, with the common aim of improving community health and wellbeing. I was proud to be awarded an ‘Inclusion Star’ award (Salix Homes HA) for collaborative, partnership working.

If elected as a Governor, I would work hard to forge strong, mutually respectful relationships with key stakeholders, based on trust and a common understanding of the role, ensuring quality treatment and compassionate person-centred services that, as employees of the Trust, we are proud to deliver.

The key skills I would bring to the Governor role are strong listening skills, approachability, good organisational skills and a strong track record of understanding and communicating others views. I have a keen interest in workforce wellbeing believing the greatest asset of any organisation is its staff team. If elected, I would work hard to ensure that I was visible across LPFT and available to listen and represent colleague’s views, as well as actively promoting and supporting workforce wellbeing.

Laura Suffield

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Corporate services

Election statement: When people think of the NHS they think of all the visible frontline staff who are vital in caring for people. I want to represent those of us who are in the corporate division, as our roles are integral to supporting all staff within our Trust and the people for whom they care.

I joined LPFT in October 2017 as part of the Engagement Team, a fantastic role in which I have worked with staff from all our divisions; having contact with services, carers and patients across the County. I am currently working in a seconded position as a Carers Lead, supporting carers of
patients across LPFT.

Both roles facilitate contact across the Trust and beyond, working with a range of services and people. I enjoy working as part of a team of people, all of whom strive to provide the best possible care and support for everyone accessing our services. I feel passionately about the life chances and care of people with mental ill health and/or learning disabilities and am also a carer for a family member.

I have previous experience as a Governor within an education setting, having been a school governor for 15 years in four different schools. This involved working with a range of stakeholders and agencies to benefit children and families in the schools within which I worked and led. I would like to represent you in a positive, constructive way to contribute to and influence the future direction of the Trust and its services.

Ana Iosifescu

Constituency: Staff Governor - Specialist Services

I joined LPFT in May 2022, and have been a governor since March 2024. I am currently working within the CYP Keyworker Service, and have previously worked in the Transforming Care Liaison team within the Crisis service. Through these roles, I was lucky enough to work alongside many services across LPFT and beyond. I also had the great pleasure of meeting and supporting many inspiring service users and their families through my work. It made me think further of what I can do to help them, and to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are met in a timely manner. Likewise, being a Staff Wellbeing Champion, I always aim to make sure staff are being heard and the right support is provided for them as well -- which led me to wanting to become a governor.

I am now working with the Board and the rest of the governing body to make sure that the needs of those within specialist services are being met, whether they are a service user or a member of staff. I am greatly aware of the gaps in our service, and the struggles our staff experience in meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of their job roles. I aim to highlight these issues in every way I can, to hope for greater parity of esteem, and help improve the livelihood of our constituents.

I am always open to being contacted. Even if I may not be able to give an answer, I can signpost you to where it’s needed.

Lisa Norris

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Specialist services

Election statement: Hello my name is Lisa Norris and I am currently employed by LPFT as an Assistant Practitioner for Learning disability services. I have been in this post for nearly 10 years and through these years I have seen many changes to the services that we provide for people with a learning disability. Previous to this I worked in a residential home for people with learning disabilities for 17 years. Due to some of these changes that learning disability services have gone through I decided to apply to be a staff governor 3 years ago and was successful in this post.

I am now applying again, to hopefully continue in the role of staff governor, as I feel it can take a couple of years to get into the role and to feel confident and start to make a real difference.
I feel very passionate about raising awareness for people with a learning disability and/or autism and if they are struggling with any mental health difficulties, by trying to ensure they get the appropriate support they deserve from mainstream services. The biggest change I have been a part of is the Transforming Care Agenda around supporting people in the community. Even though I have seen some big improvements for people with a learning disability and/or autism there is still a long way to go, as some can still face discrimination on a daily basis, and there is still much more I would like to achieve.

Jacky Tyson

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Constituency: Staff Governor - Older Adult services

Election statement: I joined LPFT in 2011, working within the Older Adult Division and have been fortunate in working alongside a wide range of disciplines and gained an understanding of the varied roles that contribute to the services offered by LPFT. Locally in lincolnshire and nationaloly at Government level, older adults are often considered the poor relation in terms of health care provision. Being the Older Adult Staff Governor, addords me opportunities to ensure our patients, staff and carers have a voice at LPFT Board lebel, through the Board ensure our needs are considered at a national level and cascade any changes being considered that may impact on our staff and services we offer. 

I am currently seconded to the Quality and Safety team which, especially in the current climate, will give me a wider perspective of how decisions at Board and a national level will affect the Older Adult service. Working in Older Adults can be challenging and in current circumstances it is especially important that I ensure the concerns of staff working in Older Adults are heard and acted upon. I have particluar interest in safety and quality improvement (I am currently completing an MSc in this field) and I hope that through me as Governor, staff can not only raise matters of concern, but discuss policies, practices and procedure they believe LPFT can improve to benefit the service. 

I am proud to be able to champion the incredible work and care that staff in Older Adult services provide. 

Olivia Taylor

Constituency: Staff Governor - Older Adult and Frailty Services

We have the following vacancies:

Adult Inpatient Services x1

Stakeholder Governors

We have seven stakeholder governor seats who are representatives from our key partner organisations in the area that we serve.

Pete Burnett

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)

I joined the NHS in 2008 and have worked in the public sector for 20 years in a range of roles across service delivery, strategy, planning and leading transformation programmes.

During my career in the NHS, I have worked for various NHS organisations including East Midlands Ambulance Service, Nottingham University Hospitals, and Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group. My last role prior to working for the NHS in Lincolnshire was at NHS England and Improvement, operating as the primary relationship manager for NHS provider Trusts and commissioners in the Lincolnshire system.

Initially I joined the NHS in Lincolnshire as the interim STP Programme Director from February 2020, and was subsequently recruited to the role of System Strategy and Planning Director in April 2021.

I played a key role in establishing NHS Lincolnshire ICB following the passing of the Health and Care Act 2022 and am now the Executive lead for the ICB’s Strategy, Planning, Communications and Engagement functions.

Chris Davison

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Lincolnshire Police

I am a stakeholder governor, as I am the Assistant Chief Constable for Lincolnshire Police. I have been a governor for around a year. I have been the Police’s mental health lead for around ten years, and have a long standing interest in this area.

I am particularly interested in the treatment of people in Mental Health Crisis, as they can sadly too often come into contact with the Police. I agreed to become a governor for LPFT because I have an enormous amount of respect and affection for the organisation, its people and all that they do to care for others.

I want to be part of the team that helps it continue its high standards and improve.

Cllr Colin Matthews

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Lincolnshire County Council

Cllr Robert Kendrick

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Lincolnshire County Council

I was first involved with mental health services in the 1980s when I was appointed Voluntary Services Co-ordinator at Rauceby Hospital, near Sleaford. My remit was to engage both members of the public and patients as volunteers. In those days a key part of the role was to create a greater understanding amongst the public about mental health issues by engaging them in activities in the hospital. I was responsible for introducing therapy dogs to the NHS in the county and other innovations. 

Later my role was extended to include community services, and I established support groups around the county for service users.  I also ran a volunteer car service and a befriending service. With the changes in mental health provision my work was focused both on the community but also on units around the county.

I served as a member of a Department of Health advisory group on the management of  volunteer services in the NHS. I was for a time the Regional Chairman of the National Association of Voluntary Service Managers and served on the NAVSM governing body.   I also liaised with a number of voluntary sector organisations around the county and provided training to them.

In addition to managing Volunteer Services, I was the Communications Lead during  a period of service re-organisation including the establishment  of NHS Trusts. I retired in 2017 after 33 years' service in the NHS.

Vacant

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Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - LPFT Volunteers

Rachel Wright

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Shine Lincolnshire

Lesley Gratrix

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - University of Lincoln

Colin Warren

Constituency: Stakeholder Governor - Healthwatch Lincolnshire

We have one vacant Stakeholder seat for LPFT Volunteers.