Exchange Chambers

Exchange Chambers barrister joins Southport and Ormskirk Hospital as Non-executive Director

Liverpool barrister Paul Burns has been appointed by the Appointments Commission to the board of Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust as a Non-executive Director.

He will become one of six non-executive, including chairman Sir Ron Watson CBE.  He joins the board following the end of businessman David Rainey’s term in office.

Paul is a practising barrister with Exchange Chambers in Liverpool and Manchester.

He is widely acknowledged as a leader in his specialist fields of local government law and housing law which encompasses areas as diverse as anti-social behaviour, landlord and tenant law, human rights and personal injury.  He has extensive experience working with central and local government, police forces and social housing providers and he is regularly instructed in high profile and test case litigation.

For several years Paul has been listed as a leader in his areas of practice by Chambers UK (the leading independent guide to the legal profession) where he is noted for his “incredible level of expertise...you know you’ll get the best representation out there when you instruct him.  He is an excellent advocate.  His advice is always frank and realistic.  He inspires great confidence in clients, who invariably go back to him time and time again”.

In 2007 Paul was the first barrister to receive a Chief Constable’s Commendation from Merseyside Police for professional services, the citation to which recognised Paul’s “commitment, professionalism, dedication and motivation”.  In 2008 Paul was named by The Times newspaper as one of the 10 future UK “Stars of the Bar” and in June 2009 Paul was named Liverpool Law Society Barrister of the Year 2009-2010.

In addition to his professional practice Paul sits as Independent Counsel to Police Misconduct Hearings and he has been a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s College Crosby since 2003.

Commenting on the new appointment, Trust Chairman Sir Ron Watson said:

“Paul brings tremendous new experience and knowledge to the board.  I know his appointment will bring great benefits to the Trust and the communities of North Sefton and West Lancashire.”

Paul’s appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice.  All non-executive appointments are made on merit following a nationally advertised selection process conducted by The Public Appointments Commission in conjunction with the NHS.

Paul's term of office is for four years from 3 June 2010 to 2 June 2014 and he will be remunerated at the standard remuneration rate for Non-executive Directors of NHS Trusts.