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.
Jane Maw Cornish, vice chair, 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.
Nick Davidge is from Wiltshire and has spent the last 10 years working in Wales as a Client Relationship Manager where he has established a local business for Connaught Partnerships Ltd, who are delivering asset management services, including the Welsh Housing Quality Standard across the housing sector. Prior to that Nick was responsible for business development working in the construction and civil engineering sector for an international chemicals manufacturer throughout south and west Wales. This included working on major projects including Cardiff Bay Barrage and the Second Severn Crossing.
Robert Davies is an independent mortgage specialist and was previously a mortgage advisor with Barclays Bank plc.
Bruce Diggins, vice chair, has 15 years experience working with underprivileged and vulnerable groups. He has worked for “The Wallich” for 11 years, including 6 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. Bruce is also a board member of Newlink (Wales).
Mark Doherty obtained his registered mental nurse qualification in 1986. He has had a 25-year career in mental health nursing, working in ward-based, community and managerial positions. Mark is currently senior nurse manager for Specialist Mental Health Services in Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, a post which includes both Neuropsychiatry and Addictions Services. 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. Mark was recently appointed clinical director for Addictions Services in Cardiff and the Vale.
Councillor Colin Osborne’s membership of the board originates from his appointment by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to the board as an elected member of the Council.
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.
Christine Sampson qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1973. She has worked in mental health services and neurological rehab. Early in her career Christine became an occupational therapist manager and gained experience in modernising services, implementation of Health and Safety Regulations in the NHS and pioneered staff appraisals. During an 8 year career break Christine engaged in voluntary roles with the National Child Birth Trust, PTA and the Penarth Pastoral Foundation as a volunteer counsellor. Christine is currently employed as an occupational therapist team leader in substance misuse. A clinical educator and clinician working with groups and individuals, Christine also qualified as a motivational enhancement therapist.
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.
