The Appointments Commission has confirmed that Mrs Val Waterhouse, a prominent local businesswoman, will be first Chairman of the new North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus. This new organisation brings together responsibilities for local adult social care with the responsibilities of the local Primary Care Trust into a single body from 01st September 2007.

Mrs Waterhouse has been the Chairman of North East Lincolnshire PCT since its formation in April 2000 and has held a range of senior non-executive posts continuously since joined the NHS in the early 1990s.

Outside of the PCT, she is Managing Director of ICF, a Grimsby based company that produces high visibility safety products across the UK. It was in this role that won her the prestigious National Business Woman of the Year award in 1991.

Mrs Waterhouse has many other local interests with a particular focus on regeneration and partnership working in North East Lincolnshire. She is Chair of the Economic, Development and Enterprise Partnership.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Waterhouse said,

"I'm delighted and honoured to be invited to be the inaugural Chairman of the Care Trust Plus. I have been privileged in my previous roles to see first hand the commitment of local health and social care staff to high quality, client focused care. I’m thrilled that my appointment means I can continue to work to ensure that North East Lincolnshire remains at the cutting edge of service developments."

Dr Peter Melton, Chair-designate of the Care Trust Plus Professional Executive Committee, said

I'd like to congratulate Val on her appointment. She brings an enviable wealth of experience and knowledge to the role of Chairman of the Care Trust Plus. Her previous accomplishments as a public servant speak for themselves and I'm sure she will bring her trademark energy and enthusiasm to her new appointment."

Mrs Waterhouse's appointment runs from 1st September 2007 until 31st August 2011 and has been made in full accordance with the Office of the Commissioner of Public Appointments Code of Practice. Mrs Waterhouse in entitled to a remuneration of £32,923 per year.

The Chairman's appointment is made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointee’s political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Mrs Waterhouse has not declared any political activity in the past five years and does not hold any other ministerial appointments.