Sandra Cardwell has been selected as the proposed new chair of Manx Care, subject to approval by Tynwald.

She is set to replace Professor Wendy Reid, who announced in May that she intended to step down from the role later in the year.

Ms Cardwell is currently vice chair and a non-executive director of Manx Care, as well as head of wealth planning at Canaccord Wealth.

In her application summary, Ms Cardwell said her board and committee work had given her a detailed understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing health and social care services on the Isle of Man.

‘I’ve worked closely with executive leaders, fellow non-executive directors, clinicians and government stakeholders to support the delivery of safe, sustainable, and high-quality care,’ she said.

‘Having served as non-executive director and recently as vice chair, I have gained first-hand experience throughout my time as non-executive director of the organisation's challenges, achievements and future opportunities. I believe I am well positioned to provide effective leadership as chair.

‘My combination of executive leadership, governance experience, financial oversight, strategic thinking, and commitment to public service would enable me to work collaboratively with board colleagues, executive leadership, government, healthcare professionals and the wider community to support Manx Care in delivering sustainable, high-quality health and social care services for the people of the Isle of Man.’

Previous chair Professor Reid, who had chaired Manx Care since February 2024, said her decision followed the announcement that chief executive Teresa Cope would also be leaving the organisation.

She said she had originally come to the Island to work alongside Ms Cope and believed it was the right time for her to move on following the chief executive's decision.

Professor Reid also cited the Department of Health and Social Care's ongoing Governance Review, saying it was an appropriate time for the next phase of Manx Care's leadership and governance arrangements to be shaped.