Mike Bane has been appointed as the new Chair of The Health Improvement Commission succeeding Stuart Falla CBE who served four years in the role.
Mike has been a member of the Board of the Commission since its inception in 2018. He is an experienced non-executive director and currently the chair of HICL plc, the UK’s largest listed infrastructure fund and a non-executive director of two Guernsey public investment companies.
Mike retired as an EY Partner in June 2018. He is looking forward to building on the Commission’s strong foundations: “Under Stuart’s leadership the Commission has developed from an idea into a professional and effective organisation with a clear understanding of its unique role in delivering health improvement initiatives locally.
“I am consistently impressed with the quality and energy of the team at the Commission and the breadth of its vital work spanning prevention and early intervention as well as commissioning effective treatment services across a range of health behaviours. I am looking forward to working with my fellow directors, the Commission’s executive team, our Patrons, the public sector and the whole spectrum of partners and collaborators to improve healthy living across the Bailiwick.”
The Commission formed in October 2018 as an independent body to deliver elements of States health improvement strategies in collaboration with partners in the voluntary, commercial and public sectors. Stuart was a founder of the Commission and was instrumental in its development, working with the Committee for Health and Social Care at the time, the Director of Public Health and officers of the States. Linked to the aims of a range of States strategies, the Commission’s work is organised into four workstreams; Eat Well, Be Active, Healthier Weight and Substance Use. It also delivers the Bailiwick Social Prescribing Pilot scheme.
On stepping down as Chair, Stuart said: “Whilst working with colleagues in The Guernsey Sports Commission we realised that following a similar commissioning model could be effective in addressing pressing health improvement topics such as obesity, nutrition and physical inactivity. Together we worked to persuade the health authorities to look differently at how what is now the Healthy Weight Strategy could be delivered.
“I was very pleased that Dr Brink supported our initiative entirely and improved our ideas into the formation of The Health Improvement Commission. So, whilst it looks like I’ve been involved for four years it is more like eight years of involvement.
“I could not be happier with what Dr Simon Sebire and my fellow directors have achieved in those four years and am very pleased to hand the reins over to Mike Bane who I know will lead and strengthen the team to take on the challenges of tomorrow.”
Sir John Collins, who chairs the Commission’s Patrons said: “On Behalf of the Patrons of the Commission, I am pleased to see Mike step into this crucial role. We are very grateful for all Stuart has done. Under his guidance, the Commission has gone from strength to strength. We’re looking forward to working with Mike as we continue to support the mission to empower, enable and encourage healthy living in the Bailiwick.”
Pictured: Left to right – Stuart Falla CBE and Mike Bane
