CHRIS Allen has been appointed non-executive director of the Board of NHS Wirral.

Chris, from Prenton, will remain in the post until the end of January 2014.

With a wide range of experience in the community and voluntary sector, she has been involved with Forum Housing Association for more than 25 years and has been its chief executive for 23 years.

She is also a member of Wirral Community Voluntary Sector Network and is the link person for housing, regeneration and homelessness between the community, voluntary and faith sector, and statutory sector partners.

Non-executive directors are members of the public drawn from the local community and selected with a view to ensuring a balance of skills and experience.

Frances Street, Chair of NHS Wirral, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Chris as non-executive director. She will bring a huge range of experience and expertise to NHS Wirral.

"NHS Wirral has made vast improvements in recent years and we are proud to be delivering world class services for our residents.

"This appointment will further enhance our reputation and promote further partnership working between our key stakeholders. We look forward to working with Chris."

All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.