Jeff Champney-Smith, chair, worked for many years in both drug and alcohol services in the health sector. A trained nurse, Jeff held both senior clinical and managerial posts. Since retiring he has a become a free-lance trainer specialising in duel diagnosis, prescription drugs and other alcohol and substance related matters. He is country lead for the Nursing Council on Alcohol. Jeff sits on the Board of Brynawel and AWETU, and has recently been appointed as a Mental Health Act Manager for Cardiff & Vale LHB. Jeff also sits on the Board of the Seren Group.
Bruce Diggins, vice chair, has 18 years experience working with underprivileged and vulnerable groups. He has worked for “The Wallich” for 15 years, including 9 years as its Regional Manager and has responsibility for projects across six local authority areas. Bruce has a particular interest in developing accommodation and harm reduction services for individuals with substance use problems.
Robert Davies is an independent mortgage specialist and was previously a mortgage advisor with Barclays Bank plc.
Mark Doherty obtained his registered mental nurse qualification in 1986. He has had a 28-year career in mental health nursing, working in ward-based, community and managerial positions, and including acute mental health, Addictions and Neuropsychiatry. He spent time as Clinical Director of Addictions Services and is currently Directorate Lead Nurse for Mental Health Services for Older People, Cardiff and Vale UHB. Mark’s primary interest is maintaining high levels of governance across all aspects of the services, equity of service provision and ensuring that the talents of all disciplines are utilised in service provision.
Jane Maw Cornish, now retired, is a trained speech and drama teacher. She taught adult literacy and managed youth opportunity programmes in Reading and Cardiff City Council Employment Training Units. She also held the post of training officer, Cardiff City Housing Department. Most recently Jane was a freelance management training consultant. Jane has also been a Board Member of Wales & West Housing Association, Vice Chair of school governors and a Councillor with the Vale of Glamorgan.
Councillor Cathy Pearcy’s membership of the board originates from her appointment by Cardiff City Council to the board as an elected member of the Council.
Gareth Roderique-Davies completed a PhD at Swansea University’s Centre for Substance Abuse Research in 2000. He is a Chartered Psychologist, an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a HPC registered Health Psychologist. Gareth is currently a Principal Lecturer at the University of Glamorgan and Deputy Head of the School of Psychology. His research has primarily focused on the psychological nature of craving and the long-term psychological effects of recreational substance use.
Christine Sampson qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1973. She has worked in adult mental health services, neurological rehab, substance misuse and is currently employed as an Occupational Therapy manager in mental health services for older people. Christine holds post graduate qualifications in counselling, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, education and mentoring and is currently studying towards an MA in Professional studies. She has past experience in voluntary roles with National Child Birth Trust, PTA and the Penarth Pastoral Foundation as a volunteer counsellor.
Phil Sayce originates from Swansea, but spent most of his working life in London. After training as a general nurse in Hampstead, he worked at the Royal Free, St Bartholomew’s and Hillingdon hospitals before moving into the higher education sector. Phil’s interest led him to study psychology. As a postgraduate Phil brought his previous career in healthcare and his interest in psychology together and studied Health Psychology. Phil is currently pursuing a research degree that explores the relationship between an individual’s characteristics, environmental and decision-making style and processes of health care workers. He has maintained his interest in physical health and his focus remains with the psychological aspects of health and health related behaviours. Phil has a private practice that reaches across south Wales and the west.
