Sarah's career in health and care began as a carer supporting a child with learning disabilities. Inspired by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference through compassion, kindness and empowering people to live independently, she went on to work as a Healthcare Assistant before beginning her Paediatric Nurse training in 1993.
Joining First Community Health and Care in 2022 as Chief Executive with more than 30 years' experience across NHS and local authority services, Sarah has held senior leadership roles spanning acute, community, mental health, children's and adult services across Surrey and South West London.
A qualified Paediatric Nurse, Sarah holds two Master's degrees in health-related subjects, is a graduate of the NHS Leadership Academy's Nye Bevan Executive Healthcare Leadership Programme, and is a DBA Scholar Practitioner in Global Health at University College London.
Throughout her career, Sarah has remained committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and improving outcomes for local communities. She is passionate about fostering strong partnerships across health, care and voluntary sector organisations to address health inequalities and ensure services are accessible, proactive and responsive to people's needs.
A strong advocate for neighbourhood health and prevention, Sarah is particularly interested in how community-based services can help people stay well, maintain their independence and lead healthier lives.
Known for her hands-on and inclusive leadership style, Sarah prioritises regular engagement with staff and volunteers across First Community. Whether participating in staff-led wellbeing activities, attending book club discussions or chairing Community Forum meetings, she values listening to different perspectives and ensuring colleagues, patients and service users have a voice in shaping the organisation.
Alongside her role at First Community, Sarah serves as Chair of Walton Charity, supporting people experiencing financial hardship, loneliness and social isolation across Elmbridge. Through this role, she helps champion initiatives that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and create opportunities for local people to thrive.
