Jenni Douglas-Todd
Chair
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
What first drew you to a role in the NHS?
I first joined the NHS as a non-executive director at University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust (UHS) in 2016. I was drawn to the role because it had a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and is a teaching hospital with a strong and leading focus on research. I loved the fact the hospital wasn’t just content on treating our patients today, but also focused on the future, particularly as our understanding of diseases and health continue to evolve.
What does this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’ bring to mind for you, in relation to the NHS?
It is great that we are not only just celebrating Black History this month but also saluting our sisters as black women often get overlooked throughout history. Our contributions to work, life, arts, science etc need to be unearthed and celebrated, providing inspiration for current and future generations, whilst also correcting history.
What reflections do you have on challenges and achievements in your role?
Achievements are that I am the first black/female chair of UHS and given integrated care systems’ were only born in 2022 also the first chair of the Dorset Integrated Care Board.
Challenges are being remote from the coal face. At board level we can set strategy and try and lead the culture, but ultimately experience for patients and frontline staff are shaped nearer the span of engagement and influence, rather than control. I consider it important therefore to be a visible leader.
What advice would you give others aspiring to an NHS role similar to your own?
Be clear on your aspirations and what type of leader you want to be, what matters to you and how you want to influence and shape that. Be authentic and build support around you. It is also useful to know what type of leadership skills you don’t want to display.
What would be your message to NHS leaders on their role in tackling racism in the service?
Don’t shy away from it and don’t let the negative voices soak up the oxygen. As leaders we have to step up in what can often be a hostile environment.