Hanley brings with her a wealth of experience in senior operational and financial management roles, along with transformational change, having spent two decades at Lloyds Banking Group. She also serves as a non-executive director at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, where she chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.

In her new role, Hanley will chair the trust's Finance and Performance Committee, taking over from Tony Edwards, whose term of office came to an in July.

Selina Ullah, trust chair, said: ‘Jo has some fantastic experience behind her with a wealth of knowledge across a range of sectors. She will offer a unique perspective to the board, particularly focusing on reducing inequalities in the workplace, which aligns well with the trust's Strategy for 2024-2028.'

Hanley said: ‘I look forward to supporting the trust in its transformation journey to continually improve services and patient care, and to championing its diversity and inclusion ambitions.'

In addition, Lynn Andrews - an existing non-executive director - has been appointed as the trust's new deputy chair.