Jo Pritchard OBE
Thank you, Jo and welcome Alison
Following a planned handover, Jo Pritchard OBE has stepped down as Chair of the Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS) Board of Trustees after a successful three years in the role.
FoNS is happy to welcome Alison Haughton as its new Chair of Trustees as the organisation builds on the strong foundations Jo has helped establish.
Since becoming Chair in 2023, Jo has played a significant part in supporting FoNS through a period of growth, development and impact. Her leadership and commitment has helped shape a clear strategic direction for the organisation, supported significant growth in both income and staff capacity, and strengthened how FoNS measures and demonstrates its impact, including the publication of our first Impact Report.
During her tenure, FoNS has also embedded robust governance arrangements, evolved its culture to become an increasingly business-focused organisation while remaining true to its values, and found new ways to engage stakeholders and celebrate achievements, something that will continue through our upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations.
Throughout her time as Chair, Jo has been a passionate advocate for FoNS, championing our mission to improve care through the development of nurses and healthcare teams across the UK.
Everyone at FoNS would like to thank her for the dedication, encouragement and insight she has brought to the organisation, and for the lasting contribution she has made during her time as Chair.
Jo Pritchard OBE said:
“After more than three years as Chair of the Board of Trustees at FoNS, I have decided that it is the right time for me to step down.
I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together during that time. We have built a strong and cohesive staff team, led by our inspirational CEO, strengthened our systems and processes, evidenced the incredible impact our team and programmes have on nurses and the communities they serve, and developed a highly effective Board of Trustees. Above all, we now have a clear strategy and a shared understanding of FoNS’s priorities and ambitions for the future.
I am particularly proud of the work FoNS does to support nurses, midwives and their teams. This has never been more important given the challenges facing the professions and the health and care system more widely.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with FoNS. The role has enabled me to bring together several of my passions: supporting nurses and nursing, developing organisations and creating social value. Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with some truly exceptional people.
I am delighted that in Alison FoNS has a Chair who will seamlessly drive our strategy forwards, retain our values and provide energy and high-quality leadership.”
Joanne Bosanquet MBE, Chief Executive Officer of FoNS, said:
“Jo has been an exceptional Chair of the Foundation of Nursing Studies over the past three years. Her extensive expertise and influence across the health and care sector, combined with her strategic insight, integrity and unwavering commitment to improving people’s experiences of care, have been invaluable to FoNS.
Jo has brought both wisdom and challenge to our Board, championing the vital contribution of nurses and the importance of compassionate, person-centred leadership. Her belief in our purpose, and in the people who bring it to life, has helped strengthen our ambition, influence and impact.
I am personally grateful for her encouragement, generosity and steadfast support. Jo leaves FoNS stronger, more confident and well positioned for the future. Her contribution will have a lasting legacy, and we thank her wholeheartedly.”
Clare Cable, Chief Executive Officer, Burdett Trust for Nursing sent this message:
“As Chair of FoNS, Jo has brought thoughtful leadership, a strong sense of purpose and a genuine commitment to improving care. She has championed the development of nurses and healthcare teams while keeping the experiences of both those giving care and those receiving it at the heart of the organisation’s work.
She has brought her extraordinary experience of entrepreneurship to strengthen FoNS’s impact and influence, and leaves the organisation well placed for the future. It is a pleasure to recognise and celebrate all that she has achieved during her time as Chair.”
Deborah Sturdy CBE, also sent her thoughts on Jo’s time as Chair:
“The challenges facing health and social care require organisations that champion learning, compassion and innovation, and Jo’s chairship of FoNS has reflected those values throughout. During her time as Chair, FoNS has continued to strengthen its role as an important voice for person-centred cultures across health and social care, supporting the development of nurses, care staff and healthcare teams while keeping the experiences of those receiving care at the heart of its work.
Alison Haughton said:
“I am both delighted and honoured to step into the role of Chair at FoNS and to continue the strategic journey of the organisation alongside the Board. As we approach our 40th year at FoNS we have much to be proud of and to celebrate and our work in support of nursing is needed just as much today as it has ever been.
As FoNS continues to develop, we remain committed to being an independent, trusted and influential voice for person-centred practice, leadership and cultures of care.”
The FoNS Board of Trustees
This planned handover comes as FoNS heads into its 40th year. We continue to build on strong foundations, with a clear sense of purpose and an ongoing commitment to supporting nurses and healthcare teams to create cultures where compassionate, person-centred care can flourish.
As we thank Jo for her contribution, we are pleased to welcome Alison into the role and look forward to the next stage of FoNS’s journey.