Southern Governors
Our Southern Governors represent Exeter, Teignbridge, Torbay, South Hams, and Plymouth.
We currently have five vacancies for our Southern Governors.
Richard Westlake

Richard was elected as a public governor in September 2022 for a term of three years.
Born in Okehampton, Richard followed his father into the railway, enjoying a career spanning 46 years and becoming a high-speed train driver instructor. Richard has represented a ward in Exeter for Devon County Council for 32 years and was elected Chair of Devon County Council in 1994/5. He then served the Devon Health Scrutiny Board for eight years as its Chair. He has served on numerous committees and organisations, at local, national and international level.
He is currently chair of the ISCA surgery Friends/Patient Participation group.
Gillian Greenfield

Gillian was elected as a public governor in September 2022 for a term of three years.
Gillian worked locally for the NHS for 44 years, latterly working as a nurse and managing partner in general practice, leading the team to be rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission on all assessments. She was vice-chair of Eastern Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), leading on end-of-life care. She operated at board levels at Devon CCG, and Integrated Care Exeter. She has experience working strategically across health, social and third sector partnerships. At a national level, Gillian worked with the Department of Health on numerous steering groups with a focus on improving the quality of care. She was on the editorial board of a national journal, often writing articles.
Gillian has been awarded for her work with carers, and has maintained face-to-face contact with patients throughout her career. She brings to the role a wealth of knowledge of working for the NHS at all levels, community connections and the experience of a grounded life. A trustee of Exeter Study Club, she enjoys hiking with her husband, grandma duties, and providing seated exercise classes for local groups.
Tim Pavelle

Tim was elected as a public governor in September 2024 for a term of three years.
Having emigrated from the USA in 1998, Tim has lived in Exeter ever since. He started his career as a US naval officer having served aboard surface ships and as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy. He has had a wide-ranging career in the nuclear industry, healthcare and business consulting, telecommunications and delivering major IT transformation projects for UK government departments. Tim received his MBA from the University of Exeter, and still maintains links with the university as a mentor to undergraduates and graduates in the business school. He is an enthusiastic volunteer with the Exeter Riverside parkrun and is keen to be enjoying many of the outdoor activities readily available in Devon and Cornwall.