Proud to be a Foundation Trust
It means we’re not just a healthcare provider—we’re a membership organisation rooted in our community, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability and public involvement.
As a Foundation Trust, we have a Council of Governors made up of elected representatives from our staff, public and local communities. Governors play a vital role in shaping the direction of our organisation, holding our Board to account, and making sure the voices of those we serve are heard. They help us stay connected to what matters most—safe, compassionate care and continuous improvement.
You’re already a member
One of the great things about working here is that all staff are automatically members of our Foundation Trust. That means you’re already part of something bigger—a network of people who care deeply about the future of local health and care services. You don’t need to sign up or fill out any forms; you’re in!
You can of course chose to opt-out – just contact our Foundation Trust Office to find out how to do this.
Get involved
There are lots of ways to get involved and make your voice count. You might consider standing as a staff governor—a brilliant opportunity to represent your colleagues and help shape decisions at the highest level. To find out more about becoming a staff governor contact the Foundation Trust Office.
Staff Governors
Yvonne Paulucy – Staff Governor for Professional support services staff
Yvonne is a registered nurse by background and has worked in private healthcare organisations and NHS hospitals in the North East of England as well in the United Arab Emirates.
Her nursing experience is mainly within critical care and the operating department, specifically general surgery and cardiothoracic specialties. On moving to the United Arab Emirates she developed an interest in patient safety and quality improvement. She assisted and led in many quality improvement projects which contributed to the hospital acquiring gold standard awards by the Joint Commission International Accreditation organisation after each of the triennial accreditation surveys.
Since returning to the UK, Yvonne has made Torbay her home and has continued her passion for patient safety by joining the Patient Safety team in 2021. Outside of work, Yvonne enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with family.
Radia Woodbridge – Staff Governor for Families and communities
Radia worked in Health and Social Care in Devon and Torbay in various roles since 2016. In the past she worked with families, young children, young people, Citizens Advice Bureau, and she held various managerial roles in electronics and petroleum industries. Currently, Radia works in adult social care, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust as a Project Coordinator and Transformation Delivery Manager within Delivery, Markets, Contracts and Quality Team (DMCQ). Radia champions good practice protocols where people are empowered and engaged in choice and control over the support they receive.
Radia was elected as a staff governor in March 2021. This has given her the opportunity to participate and have a say on decisions in meetings, to voice her opinion and concern and to work with her governor colleagues to protect the interest of the patients / clients, and staff and to ensure that TSDFT is working effectively to achieve its purpose. Since 2021, Radia worked with extraordinary governors who have dedicated their spare time on a voluntary basis to support and champion the work of TSDFT while contributing to its service improvement and transformation. Radia was delighted to have been re-elected in March 2024 to continue with her role as staff governor to enable her to further contribute and give back to the wider community for the benefit of patients / clients, staff and the trust.
Radia is a member of Paignton Canoe Club and enjoys fitness and yoga classes. Other pastimes include reading, travelling, studying and learning new languages.