Meet our new Chair of Trustees, Jenni Smith

We asked Jenni a couple of questions, so you can get to know her better and learn more about her background and experience.

Could you tell us a bit more about yourself, Jenni, and your background?

I have lived in Salford since I was a few weeks old, so I feel I can say I am a Salfordian (and a proud one)!  I started my career in the travel industry and events, but moved into the Third Sector over a decade ago. My current role is the CEO of Salford Loaves and Fishes, supporting local people who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, the vulnerable and isolated.

What made you want to become Chair of Healthwatch Salford?

I am a big advocate of Healthwatch Salford. We have supported several projects through Salford Loaves and Fishes as health links to every part of a person's life. Having an independent voice that lets our city's residents be heard is really important to me, and I want to support Healthwatch to keep growing and developing the amazing work they already do.

What are you looking forward to working on first in your new role as Chair?

Getting to know the team and getting a better insight into what health issues local people are dealing with, I am also looking forward to hearing the findings from Healthwatch's reports and then seeing how they have made a difference to help improve local people's lives.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? And what are you passionate about?

I love travelling and sunshine! I also love festivals, but here in the UK, they are generally great fun but wet!. I am passionate about giving people a voice who feel they have none and saving our heritage. My previous paid roles have been working on heritage projects, and in a volunteer capacity, I am the chair of the Buile Hill Mansion Association and Co-chair of the Height Public Hall group.