We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Etheridge as the new Independent Chair of Healthwatch in Greater Manchester (HW in GM).
This follows the earlier appointment of our Chief Coordinating Officer and represents the next key step in strengthening the leadership and accountability of our growing regional network.
As we deliver our All-Age Strategy (2022–2025) and implement our Partnership Agreement with NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, the Chair will play a vital role in providing independent oversight of our work.
A leadership role grounded in independence
The role of Healthwatch in Greater Manchester Independent Chair is central to:
- Upholding the independence and integrity of Healthwatch in Greater Manchester
- Upholding strong governance and shared accountability across the 10 local Healthwatch
- Ensuring we act with transparency, equity, and impact
As Chair, Heather will work closely with the Chief Coordinating Officer, our local Healthwatch leaders, and system partners to ensure our collective voice is clear, credible, and constructive.
A time for confident leadership
This appointment comes at a crucial time for the future of patient voice and community influence in health and care. With growing pressures on services and structural changes across the system, trusted and independent leadership is essential to make sure people’s experiences remain at the heart of decision making.
We believe Heather brings the credibility, values, and experience needed to lead this work forward.
Looking ahead
Together, our Chair and Chief Coordinating Officer will:
- Deliver the objectives set out in our All-Age Strategy
- Oversee our Partnership Agreement
- Oversee our ICS engagement work and ensure impact is tracked and shared
- Champion inclusion, equity, and transparency
- Support the long-term future of patient voice in Greater Manchester
Let’s work together
Whether you’re planning a service redesign, developing strategy, or exploring how to embed lived experience in your team using experiences of people across Greater Manchester, Healthwatch in Greater Manchester is here to help.
With dedicated coordination, deep community connections, and insight from people across all ten boroughs, we can support you to make co-production meaningful and impactful.