Mr Miskelly is currently a public governor for Allerdale and was appointed in March 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic began.
He replaces Linda Radcliffe, who recently stepped down from her role.
Mr Miskelly will work with lead governor Carole Woodman to help shape the future of the Trust and the services it runs.
Governors bring valuable insights and experiences to our services and ensure that the NHS is accountable to its local population.
Mr Miskelly, who is also a meet and greet volunteer at NCIC, hopes that more people from a wide range of backgrounds have their say in the provision of their health care services.
William said: “Being a meet and greet volunteer helps me connect with our communities and NCIC staff and understand their concerns.”
William is able to use that insight to help shape the work of the governor’s council, who link directly with the board of directors.
“As a governor I have been on the External Audit Special Interest Group, I was elected chair of the Governors’ Advisory Committee (GAC) in August 2021, I am proud to be part of the Learning Disability and Autism Special Interest Group, I sit on the Membership and Engagement Committee and also the Nomination’s Committee. I’ve undertaken the patient and citizen leadership programme with the NHS North East and Yorkshire leadership academy, I have managed to connect with governors, staff and stakeholders all over the country.”
And William’s main passion is to encourage inclusion in all of its forms in every part of life and has recently joined some of the Trust’s staff networks including the cultural diversity staff network. He said: “I feel that Equality and Diversity is something that is really important. I have had to face barriers myself having grown up in care. I was also born with two club feet, had various operations and still do physiotherapy exercises every day. As a kid when you are growing up if you are different it makes you think you have to do everything better.”
William now would like to encourage more people in the local area to get involved so that everyone’s voice is valued and heard. He said: “The NHS has kept me alive - now I want to give something back and to ask more people to join me.”
“As a member, you can do as much or as little as you want, but you are just part of something bigger with lots of opportunities. If we all speak, we will be heard and we can help shape our healthcare system for the future.
Anyone living in Cumbria over the age of 14 can become a member, you can choose how much or how little you want to be involved – join today.
If you would like to get in touch with your local governor please contact the Corporate Governance Team by email AskYourGovernor@ncic.nhs.uk or phone 01228 603761.