Stevens has previously held NHS executive director of nursing roles, has been a special advisor at the CQC and a mental health awareness campaigner.

Dr Jane Padmore, chief executive, said: 'The year ahead is hugely important in terms of our vision to deliver great care and improve outcomes together. We are introducing continuous quality improvement, focusing on organisational culture and continuing to deliver our five-year strategy.

'This is about improving quality on behalf of the patients, families and local communities we serve. It also means making Sussex Partnership a place where people our proud to work. We have a big job to do. Mandy is just the right person to help us deliver.'

Stevens said: ‘I'm deeply passionate about mental health and about creating compassionate, safe environments where service users, families and staff feel heard, respected and supported. 

‘The year ahead is important for the trust, and I'm looking forward to working with colleagues across all services to strengthen our culture, embed continuous quality improvement and deliver consistently high-quality care for our communities.'

Stevens takes over from David Wilmott, who has acted as interim chief nursing officer over the past few months.