Jane Lyons MBE appointed as Lead Governor

26 June 2025 - Jane becomes the Lead Governor for the Council of Governors at the Trust

Jane Lyons MBE has been appointed as Lead Governor for the Council of Governors at King’s.

Jane has been a public governor at the Trust, representing Southwark since 2024 and has strong local connections, having lived in the area for over 40 years. She has previously lived in Peckham and now resides in Dulwich, where alongside her husband, she raised their three children.

Jane has a wealth of leadership experience and a strong track record in engaging communities and building successful partnerships through her work in the charity sector. Until her recent retirement, Jane was the CEO of Cancer52, a coalition of charities representing rare and less common cancers, a role she served in for a decade. Her work championing a powerful and cohesive policy voice, ensuring smaller organisations and the communities they support were heard has been recognised at the highest level nationally. In June this year, Jane received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Jane’s work has also involved helping people to understand and navigate the NHS, a great foundation for supporting the Trust in connecting with the local community.

She also has strong business skills that she brings through her entrepreneurial experience, prior to moving into the charity sector and has previously served as a local Councillor in Southwark.

Jane said:

“King’s has supported me and my family for years. My children were born at the King’s College Hospital; I’ve been cared for through illness, as have family members and my life has been saved by King’s, so it is very close to my heart as a local institution.

“It is an honour to take on the role of Lead Governor, as it’s a great opportunity to help the Trust in supporting the communities it serves. I look forward to working with my fellow Governors on the council, the Board and staff to drive improvements and positive change.”

Sir David Behan, Chair of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trist said:

“I am delighted at Jane’s appointment to this important role. The Governors make a significant contribution to the work we do – providing the voice, eyes, and ears of colleagues, local people, and partners. This helps us to be more responsive and better connected to the needs of those we care for. Jane has been a great asset to the Council of Governors and her expertise will be truly valued in this leadership position. I would also like to congratulate Jane on the award of an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for her work as CEO of Cancer52. I look forward to continuing to work with Jane as our Lead Governor. I would also like to thank Prof Daniel Kelly for his service and vital contributions over his tenure.”

Jane takes over from Professor Daniel Kelly OBE, a public governor for the Lambeth constituency.