A management consultant with a wealth of NHS and both public and private sector experience has joined the region's mental health trust's board as a non-executive director.

Adrian Matthews has just started his role at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust's (NSFT) after taking early retirement from the East of England Ambulance Trust, where he spent 23 years fulfilling a variety of director and senior management posts in finance, operations, strategy and commissioning.

A qualified accountant, he also holds a post-graduate diploma in board direction from the Institute of Directors and works as a specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), assisting during inspections of ambulance trusts across the country.

Mr Matthews, who lives in Norwich, plans to use this experience in his new role with NSFT.

'Having spent 23 years working in the NHS, I wanted to give something back by becoming a non-executive director,' said Mr Matthews, who is also vice chair of governors for a federated group of schools.

'I've also had family members who have had mental health problems in the last couple of years, so I have seen the care provided by the trust from a carer's point of view.

'I have gained a broad cross section of experience in lots of different areas during my career, which is one of the things which attracted me to becoming a NED. I think my varied NHS experience is also something which attracted NSFT to me, so hopefully the role will be a good fit for both of us.

'I am aware of the issues facing the Trust and have worked in organisations which have faced similar challenges. I hope my first-hand experiences will allow me to offer useful advice, scrutiny and challenge to colleagues on the board.'

NSFT chairman Gary Page said: 'I am delighted to welcome Adrian to the Board at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

'He brings with him a wealth of experience in finance, governance, commissioning and strategy, which will prove hugely valuable as we continue to drive through improvements across the trust.'