He said: “I am thrilled to have been elected as the new national Chair of the RCPsych General Adult Faculty.
“I feel honoured to represent the largest College faculty on the Council and will work tirelessly to represent all members from across the devolved nations.
“I look forward to working with the Faculty Executive to engage with our members and improve standards of care, address therapeutic gaps, support workforce development, address trainee and SAS doctors experience and continue to work with our carer and patient representative to improve services.”
Jon joined Cygnet Health Care in 2018 and has worked within the NHS and the independent sector. He was part of the first cohort of Medical Leadership Trainees in the North West Deanery and completed the NHS Graduate Management scheme alongside his higher specialist training.
He was a founding member of the Manchester Psychiatry Society and the past national Chair of the Royal College’s Psychiatry Training Committee. He was recently awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and his main research interests include medical education, leadership development, service improvement and change management within healthcare settings. He has published in the areas of medical leadership, recruitment and training of psychiatrists.
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet, said he was proud of Jon for his election to Chair and added: “This appointment is thoroughly deserved and I wish to personally congratulate Jon on his election as Chair of the General Adult Faculty Executive Committee.
“Providing care that makes a positive difference to people’s lives is at the core of Jon’s values and I have every confidence that he will use his skills and talent in both psychiatry and leadership to influence the sector and affect real change in mental health, ensuring those who access support receive the very best care they deserve.
“Jon’s ability to inspire all those who work alongside him will be of immense benefit to the Committee and the organisations and communities in which it works. He understands the challenge the sector faces and demonstrates a great level of motivation each day to strive for successes at every level.
“His energy and compassionate leadership skill will make him a wonderful Chair and this appointment is one to be celebrated.”
The purpose of the General Adult Faculty is to liaise with, and help educate and inform members, colleagues within the College and external statutory and voluntary groups and agencies. Their aim is to improve the standard of care offered by the Royal College of Psychiatry.
Jon, who is also a Council member of the College, began his four-year term of office on 11 July 2023, when he replaced the outgoing chair, Dr Billy Boland.