Staff Governors

Zoë was elected as a staff governor for a three-year term in September 2023.

Zoë works within the Trust as Care Group Director of Community Services. Zoe was born and raised in Australia, finishing her schooling in Exeter to then go on to study physiotherapy at Brunel University in London. Zoë worked as a physiotherapist in the NHS, community interest companies, social care and in the private sector, before moving into leadership positions across health and social care in the last 10 years – championing community services and the prevention agenda. Zoë has achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Exeter University, and successfully completed the Nye Bevan Leadership Academy course in recent years. Zoë is also a Trustee of Age UK Devon.

Simon Leepile was elected as staff governor in September 2021 for a two-year term and was re-elected in September 2023 for a three-year term.

Simon was a farmer in South Africa and worked in a building society before moving to the UK where he joined RD&E in 2008 working in domestic services. In 2015 he was elected as Unison representative for RD&E and later joined Staffside, as a rep for RD&E and NDHT. He passionately believes good standards of cleanliness in our hospitals and community sites reduces infections and promotes a good quality of life. He also supports the NHS training existing unskilled employees to help tackle the staffing shortages. Simon has used his Staffside time to train colleagues in basic use of computers, to enable them to access information and complete training. He is also passionate about improving communication between management, staff and patients to improve service delivery. He believes in charitable work and helping those in need. Simon spends his spare time with his family and enjoys watching the Springboks play rugby. He is a member of the Mint Methodist Church in Exeter and registered with Exeter City Council as a taxi driver.

Clare was elected as a staff governor for a one-year term in September 2023. She was re-elected for a three-year term in September 2024

Clare was born in Essex and moved to Devon aged five. She attended Caen Primary School and then Braunton Community College. On leaving school, Clare worked for the Halifax Bank for 16 years, during which time she had three children. Whilst her children were in education, she held parent governor positions in both primary and senior schools, which helped her understand the education system and the challenges that schools face. In 2003 she followed a long-held ambition and applied to study for operating department practitioner training. Despite not having previous medical experience, Clare loved her training and 20 years on, still loves every day in her job and thrives from the challenges it brings.

Will was elected as a staff governor for a three-year term in September 2024.

Will is Head of Outpatients for the Trust’s Northern services, based at North Devon District Hospital and has been with the Trust since 2015. Will has a BA (Hons) degree from University of the West of England (UWE) in Business Studies and his experience in the NHS is within eRostering and operational management. Will was born and raised in Devon and whilst having lived away in various places for a number of years, he always planned to return to his hometown of Barnstaple to settle and start a family. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, keeping fit, good food and following developments in the NHS, science, current world affairs and politics.

Sara Fox was elected as a staff governor in September 2025 for a term of three years.

Sara brings over 30 years of experience in the NHS, alongside a varied career working in industries and environments around the world. Her journey has taken her through roles in EDNAS, Research & Development and for the last 12 years has worked in community services in Crediton, Moretonhampstead and Okehampton Community Hospitals. Sara is currently a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, where she supports and empowers staff to raise concerns and resolve issues constructively. Sara strives to embody the Trust values of compassion, integrity, inclusion and teamwork, helping to build a culture where every colleague feels safe, valued, and heard. Outside of work, Sara volunteers with Empowering Girls, a local charity that mentors Year 9 girls, supporting them to grow in confidence and resilience. She is a keen sailor and qualified swimming coach, reflecting her belief in personal development, wellbeing and lifelong learning.

Tom Quinn was elected as a staff governor in September 2025 for a term of three years.

Tom was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but completed his secondary education in Exmouth and has lived in Devon ever since. After serving in HM Forces, Tom went on to work in sales, gaining insight into financial management, before discovering his passion working for the NHS. He began working at the Nightingale, Exeter, before moving to the RD&E as a general porter. Tom works extensively throughout the hospital and has built up a good understanding of the different clinical areas. Tom is committed to the NHS and improving patient care.

Paulo Diogo joined the Council in October 2025, for a term of one year.

Paulo was born in Brazil and moved to the UK in 2020. Paulo holds a bachelor's degree in Technology, Analysis and Computer Systems Network Development and has been working at the NHS since April 2023. Paulo brings a unique blend of IT, operations, and frontline support experience to his role as staff governor. With a background in technical sales and data centre solutions in Brazil, he later applied his skills in UK logistics roles at Amazon and LIDL. Currently a fit testing coordinator, Paulo supports staff safety across the Trust by managing mask fit testing, training, and compliance. His mix of technical expertise and hands-on service make him a practical and committed advocate for staff wellbeing.