South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

Adam Carson

Managing Director

Adam is the Managing Director for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust (GEH) and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) (appointed at SWFT April 2023, GEH October 2025). The Managing Director is responsible for leading the Trusts day-to-day on behalf of the Chief Executive and manages the Executive Team. He is responsible for delivering the Trusts strategy and objectives and takes a lead role for risk management, delivery and engagement with external stakeholders. Adam started his career within the NHS in Birmingham in 2004 and has had several roles leading service improvement, transformation and digital development across a number of healthcare settings. Adam is experienced leading complex partnerships, and during his time in the NHS has led collaborations of partners across acute, mental health and maternity services. Adam joined South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in 2018, leading Digital Transformation and progressed to the role of Chief Digital and Technology Officer. In 2021 Adam led the establishment of Innovate Healthcare Services Ltd, a subsidiary of SWFT, responsible for delivering Information Technology, Information Governance and Digital Transformation to SWFT, GEH and Primary Care Services across Warwickshire and was its Chief Executive. In 2023 Adam was appointed Managing Director of SWFT, and took the role for GEH in October 2025 following the formation of a single leadership team between the two Trusts. Between April 2025 and March 2026 Adam was Acting Chief Executive and Accountable Officer for SWFT and GEH while Glen Burley took a national role with NHS England. Adam is passionate about clinically led transformation, digital technology and inclusion.

Ashi Williams

Chief People Officer

Ashi is the Chief People Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust's joint Executive Team. As Chief People Officer, Ashi, oversees the development and delivery of the workforce strategy and implementation plans and acts as the Board’s Expert Advisor on Human Resources, Employment Tribunal activity, Organisational Development and education and training. This includes the provision of a strategic and professional advisory service to the Trust in respect of people management, staff experience, and engagement, and development and demonstration of the Trust’s value pledges at all times. In addition the role covers workforce health and wellbeing, occupational health, equality and diversity, employment legislation and medical staffing. The Chief People Officer also acts as the Executive Lead for Freedom to Speak Up and is the Chief Knowledge Officer for the Trust. In August 2025, Ashi joined George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust from the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, bringing with her a wealth of experience in HR, workforce, and organisational development. She has an extensive 19-year career working in the NHS across commissioning and Mental Health and Learning Disability services. Ashi is passionate about ensuring our staff have the right skills and resources to perform their roles to the best of their abilities and that their health and wellbeing is looked after and their voice heard.

Dr Najam Rashid

Chief Medical Officer

As Chief Medical Officer Dr Rashid's main responsibilities are leading the medical workforce and acts as the organisation's Caldicott Guardian. He is the joint lead for quality and safety, as well as the responsible officer for medical revalidation, end of life care, clinical audit, medical education and training.

Fiona Burton

Chief Nursing Officer

Fiona has worked in the health service for 34 years, having initially worked as a Healthcare Assistant before commencing her registered nurse training in 1990. Since finishing her nurse training, Fiona continued her study to achieve a first class BSc (hons) and an MSc and was awarded an Honorary DSc in early 2022. Fiona has a wealth of experience in nursing and professional practice having worked in a number of large NHS Trusts across the midlands and a short period of time in NHSE.

Harkamal Heran

Chief Operating Officer

Harkamal is the Chief Operating Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust's joint Executive Team. Harkamal oversees the daily operational delivery of the hospital, out of hospital and children, young people and family services. As part of this she is responsible for co-ordinating and delivering performance against national and local clinical operational and performance standards. Harkamal plays a key role in integration with the wider health and social care system. The Chief Operating Officer also leads on Emergency Planning and Operational Programme Management. Harkamal Joined South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in 2019 as the Associate Director of Operations for the Elective Division / Deputy Director of Operations. In October 2021, she was appointed to the role of Director of Operations. In 2025, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust implemented a joint single Board, with Harkamal appointed as Chief Operations Officer. Beginning her career as part of the NHS Management Training Scheme Harkamal has an MSc in Health & Public Leadership. Prior to joining the Trust, Harkamal has held a number of operational roles across the NHS after successfully completing the NHS Graduate Management Programme in 2010.

Ravi Basi

Chief Finance Officer

Ravi is the Chief Finance Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust. As Chief Finance Officer, Ravi is responsible for the development of the Trust’s financial strategy, overseeing all financial planning and management including charitable funds. She also oversees the Trust’s Procurement and Information functions. Ravi is also a Non-Executive Director of SWFT Clinical Services Limited. Ravi joined the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in 2008 and has held a variety of finance posts, the last being Deputy Director of Finance, before being appointed as Interim Chief Finance Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust's joint Executive Team in 2025. She was confirmed in the substantive role as Chief Finance Officer in March 2026. Ravi began her public sector career in 1993 with the Audit Commission and before joining the Trust held various finance and commissioning roles at other NHS organisations. Ravi graduated with a BA (Hons) Public Administration and has an MSc in Healthcare Leadership and is a fellow Chartered Certified Accountant.

Robin Snead

Chief Digital Officer

Robin is the Chief Digital Officer for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust. Robin started his career in the NHS in 1996, qualifying with a BSc Hons Degree in Nursing with Registered Nurse qualification from the University of Hertfordshire. He has worked in various ward based clinical nursing roles, culminating as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Vascular Studies. Robin joined the NHS Graduate Financial Management Training Scheme and qualified as a Management Accountant, as a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), in 2002. He has since gained valuable experience in various managerial roles, including group manager to Director of Operations of two divisions at University Hospital Birmingham Foundation Trust from 2000 to 2014 and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, until 2017. He also spent a year working with Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group as Director of Urgent Care. Robin then held the role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, from 2018 to April 2022 before joining George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust as Chief Operating Officer. In 2025, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust implemented a joint single Board, with Robin appointed as Chief Digital Officer.

Sophie Gilkes

Chief Strategy Officer

Sophie is the Chief Strategy Officer for for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust's joint Executive Team. As Chief Strategy Officer, Sophie is responsible for corporate strategy, service improvement and transformation, development of lead provider model, business development, communications and engagement and fundraising. In addition, Sophie also leads the organisations capital and estates programme, with responsibility for sustainability and fire management. Sophie joined the Trust in 2008 in a lead communications role. In 2014 Sophie was appointed as Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, leading the commercial bids for the organisation, before being appointed Chief Strategy Officer at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (2018). In 2025, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust implemented a joint single Board, with Sophie appointed as Chief Strategy Officer. Before joining the Trust, Sophie held a number of positions nationally in the private sector in Sales and Marketing as well as working in Marketing Development at Worcestershire County Council.

Bharti Patel

Non-Executive Director

Bharti Patel joined South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust as an Associate Non Executive Director in October 2023. In February 2026, Bharti was appointed as Non Executive Director for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in a joint role. Having lived within the area for most of her adult life, Bharti and her family have benefitted from a wide range of NHS and social care services from maternity all the way through to chronic condition management and elderly care. Bharti has over 30 years experience in public and private healthcare sector, with senior roles in procurement, commercial, operations, strategic business development and general management, predominantly at Board level. Her extensive experience across NHS commissioning, Homecare, National and Independent retail pharmacy, global medical technology solutions and life sciences, has given her a strong understanding of the healthcare environment, which she uses to support organisations nationally through her healthcare consultancy, She delivers value through her authentic leadership style, collaborative approach and building strategic relationships to help deliver improved patient pathways and outcomes. Bharti is the Non-Executive Director lead of:

Dr David Spraggett

Vice Chair

David joined South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in May 2021. In February 2026, David was appointed Vice Chair for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in a joint role. David qualified from Birmingham Medical School in 1981 and now has 40 years of continuous service within the NHS. For the past 35 of those years he has been a GP at a local practice in Kenilworth which has a strong commitment to teaching the doctors and specifically GP of the future along with providing high quality clinical care. It is currently rated as outstanding by CQC. He was elected Fellow of the Royal College of GP in 2012 for services to Primary Care. He also has significant experience in clinical leadership with past roles at national level with the GMC and NICE, regionally with the Royal College of GP and more locally with Primary Care Trusts and most recently CCG. He stood down from being Chairman of South Warwickshire CCG after 8 years in that post in March of 2021 after leading the CCG through the worst of the Covid pandemic and merging the then three Coventry and Warwickshire CCG. He is determined to keep the patient at the centre of healthcare decisions and is passionate about providing safe and effective healthcare for all in society particularly those with disabilities. Whilst at the CCG he championed the cause of those with learning difficulties and intends to continue this as Non-Executive on the our Trust Board. David has lived in Kenilworth since 1986 with his wife. He also shares his life with a chocolate labrador with whom he enjoys long walks across the countryside. In addition he has what some call an obsession with the motor car and all things mechanical, he still holds a valid motorsport competition licence.

Oli Hiscoe

Non-Executive Director

Oli Hiscoe joined the Trust as an Associate Non-Executive Director in October 2023 and became a Non-Executive Director in February 2026. Oli has over 18 years’ experience in the charity sector and is currently Director of Fundraising at The Air Ambulance Service. His career spans a variety of fundraising, with a strong focus on community engagement, co-design and working alongside volunteers. He has held senior roles across national and local health charities, including Hospices, mental health charities and the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Oli brings a distinctive professional background to the Board, with particular strengths in system working, VCSE collaboration and engagement with communities. His principal non-executive responsibilities are Freedom to Speak Up, Health and Wellbeing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Volunteering. Oli lives in Leamington Spa with his daughter and enjoys cooking and cycling in his spare time.

Oliver Cofler

Non-Executive Director

Oliver Cofler joined as an Associate Non-Executive Director in October 2023 and became a Non-Executive Director from February 2025. In February 2026, Oliver was appointed as Non-Executive Director for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in a joint role. Oliver has held a number of leadership roles in supply chain, including Operations Director for Alliance Healthcare, responsible for all aspects of operations across the UK, and Supply Chain Director for the UK, Ireland and Nordics at Mondelez International. He has significant operational and leadership experience across all aspects of supply chain. Oliver is a keen football fan, supporting Aston Villa, and also loves live music. He’s married with two grown up children, and has lived in Leamington Spa for 25 years. He also volunteers at Helping Hands Soup Kitchen. Oliver is the Non-Executive Director lead of:

Parmajit Gill

Non-Executive Director

In recognition of the Trust’s status as a University NHS Foundation Trust and in association with the University of Warwick Medical School, the Medical School has nominated Paramjit Singh Gill as a Nominated Non-Executive Director of the Trust. Paramjit is the Non-Executive Director lead of:

Phil Gilbert

Non-Executive Director

Phil joined as a Non-Executive Director in March 2022. From October 2024, Phil became the Senior Independent Director (SID). In February 2026, Phil was appointed as Non-Executive Director for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in a joint role. He is a commercially astute Director with over twenty five years of general management experience gained in the energy industry, at global energy company E.ON. He brings to the board strong experience in Commercial, Transformation, Digitalisation and has passion and expertise in Sustainability (ESG) and Net Zero. He lives in Solihull with his wife and two young daughters. Phil is the Non-Executive Director (NED) lead of:

Robert White

Non-Executive Director

Robert is a Chartered Professional Accountant, holds a masters degree in finance and accounting and is a bachelor of commerce. From 2014 to 2023 he was Director of Health Value for Money audit at the National Audit Office reporting on government programmes and NHS expenditure including during the pandemic period. He provided advice and support to the Auditor General and Comptroller as well as to the MPs and Chair of the UK parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. In the 8 years prior to this, he was Executive Director of finance for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust having previously worked at a senior level in large acute teaching hospitals and community, mental health and learning disability providers. His career in healthcare administration commenced in Canada prior to moving to the UK. As an associate for the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and as an independent practitioner, Robert provides training and research services to the NHS as well as writing and speaking on NHS finance topics. He is a fellow of the HFMA and served on its National Policy and Research Committee for several years. Robert is married with two grown up sons and lives in Solihull. As a keen cyclist, Robert is currently training to be a Level 2 cycling instructor as part of providing school children with the necessary confidence and skills to take to the roads. He spends most weekends cycling the length and breadth of the Warwickshire countryside. Robert is the Non-Executive Director lead of:

Umar Zamman

Non-Executive Director

Umar joined George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in July 2022. In February 2026, he was also appointed Non-Executive Director South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in a joint role. Umar will support Oli Hiscoe in his role as lead: Umar is a member of the Audit Committee, Appointments and Remuneration Committee and Charity Trustee.