Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has named Harjit Sandhu to its board in a newly created non-executive director position.

Mr Sandhu will simultaneously take on the role of chairing the audit and risk committee.

He holds accountancy qualifications and brings extensive experience as an audit committee chair, currently serving as a non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk assurance committee at the Building Safety Regulator.

Mr Sandhu said he was delighted to accept the non-executive director appointment at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. He explained that while he brings expertise in finance, governance and risk management, his motivation for pursuing this position comes from his commitment to people and ensuring they remain at the heart of the organisations he works with. He expressed looking forward to supporting the trust, its staff, partners and particularly its patients in the coming years.

Before this appointment, he served as a non-executive director on the Education and Skills Funding Agency Management Board, where he chaired its Audit and Risk Committee. He was also a member of the Department for Education’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Mr Sandhu additionally chaired the audit and risk committee at Soha Housing.

David Walker, chair of Oxford Health, said that having proper external audit of spending is vital, making it essential to have qualified non-executive directors on the board to oversee financial reporting. He said he was pleased to welcome Mr Sandhu’s appointment and expressed confidence that he would bring considerable experience and technical expertise to the audit and risk committee. He also acknowledged the contributions of Chris Hurst, the outgoing audit chair, saying he had been exemplary in financial roles on the board, drawing on extensive knowledge of the NHS and its finances.

Andrea Young, who will take up the position of Trust Chair from April 1 when Mr Walker retires, supported the appointment.

Ms Young said there was strong competition for the non-executive director and audit committee chair position, and she thanked patients, families, staff, governors and other key stakeholders for their involvement in the selection process. She noted that Mr Sandhu brings significant experience from the social housing, mental health and education sectors in both executive and non-executive capacities. He lives in the local area and has personal connections with the trust. She added that his commitment to public services, open communication style and values were recognised by all the selection panels, and the trust looks forward to him joining the board.

Mr Sandhu takes up the position as Chris Hurst leaves after nine years as a non-executive director.