Trust welcomes barrister as Non-executive Director

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

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

Paul lives in Formby and is a practising barrister with Chambers in Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

He is widely acknowledged as a leader in his specialist fields of local government law and housing law which encompass 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 and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for an appointee's political activity (if any) to be made public.

Paul has declared no political activity and does not hold any other ministerial appointments.

His term of office is for four years from 3 June 2010 to 2 June 2014 and he will receive a remuneration of £6,096 per annum which is the current rate of remuneration for Non-executive Directors of NHS Trusts.

BOGUS OFFICIAL BURGLARIES - ARRESTS

ON Wednesday, 30 June 2010, Merseyside Police arrested two people in connection with a number of burglaries in which offenders have posed as workmen and are running blue dye through the water system to check water quality. It is reported that the two are aged 18 and 20, from the St Helens area.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Guinness said:- "In this particular type of burglary someone will ask to come into the home and ask the resident to watch the kitchen or bathroom taps to see when the water turns blue. They will then often let an accomplice through the front door who will steal from the home. This type of crime is despicable; victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically. This type of crime can seriously affect their trust and faith in people afterwards. It is vital people remember to check the identity of any stranger who calls at their home, genuine callers will not mind waiting. Help and support is available from the police, local authorities, and utility companies so please make sure you use it. I would also ask that people keep an eye on who is visiting or knocking of the doors of their elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Most importantly, if in doubt keep them out"

United Utilities are advising people that they never use blue dye to test water quality. They do perform random tests everyday by taking domestic water samples, but they will always be a United Utilities van and be in full uniform. They stress that a member of United Utilities will have no problem in waiting while their identity is verified, even if police assistance is required.

If you have any doubts about someone claiming to be from the "water board" or United Utilities:- 0845 746 2200 quoting the number on the back of the person's photo ID.

Many people who call at your door are genuine but some are not. Therefore it is vital to take precautions when people call at your home:-

► Always make sure visitors to your home are who they say they are by asking to see their identification.

► 'Water Boards' no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.

► Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.

► Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them - distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.

► Always close and lock the back door before answering the front door.

Police are urging residents to contact the police if they think a bogus caller has deceived them, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed - these offenders are convincing liars and anyone can be misled. Help make sure no-one else becomes a victim by telling the police about what happened to you. We can only catch bogus callers with your information.

For further crime reduction advice about bogus officials, please telephone Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010. Anyone who has information about this kind of burglary is urged to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.