SAPHNA CEO Sharon White OBE to Retire After 45 Years of Service
London, Tuesday 28 January, 2025 – After 45 years of dedicated service as a nurse, midwife, and specialist community public health nurse, Sharon White OBE has announced her retirement as Chief Executive Officer of the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA). Ms. White will be stepping down from her role on 31 January 2025.
Following a period of extended sick leave, Ms. White has made the difficult decision to retire. She is the founder of SAPHNA, an organization that has thrived over the past 18 years and has become a nationally recognized professional association, dedicated to school and public health nursing. SAPHNA works tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of children, young people, and their families.
The announcement of Ms. White’s retirement has prompted the Board of Trustees to work closely with the senior leadership team (SLT) and Ms. White on a transition plan, which is nearing completion. The Board is committed to supporting the SLT in strengthening SAPHNA to meet the challenges faced by all UK charities in the current economic climate. They strongly believe that SAPHNA plays a crucial role in sustaining and developing public sector nursing as a profession and are dedicated to fostering the growth of the charity.
In light of the transition, the Board of Trustees has appointed Lucy Owen as the new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Ms. Owen brings with her a wealth of experience and will work closely with the SLT, including Sallyann Sutton (Professional Officer), Julie Critcher, and Anne-Marie Gallogly (Deputy Professional Officers), as well as the trustees. The Board is also in the process of developing a succession plan for the CEO role and will provide updates on this in the near future.
Throughout her nursing career, Ms. White has primarily worked in the community, providing crucial support to some of the most vulnerable children and families in society. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2015 for her role in driving forward the school nursing workforce and their vital role in child protection and safeguarding.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this small, yet powerful charity and to have worked alongside a strong community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about championing the health and well-being of children. It has been a privilege to support the amazing workforce, often against all odds, in delivering excellent school nursing services. My personal and professional life will continue to be dedicated to eradicating health inequalities for children, and I will continue to cheer loudly from the sidelines and wish the very best for those who will lead the future growth of SAPHNA,” said Ms. White.
The Board of Trustees can be contacted at info@saphna.co.
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