Farewell to Long-Serving LOCSU Colleagues Jacque Fooks and Richard Knight

30 August 2023

As you know, LOCSU is undergoing a transformation phase as we work to ensure the key roles within the team align with the needs of LOCs in the changing NHS environment. Sadly, this means that we have said farewell to two long-serving colleagues, with Office Manager Jacque Fooks departing at the end of June and Head of Policy Richard Knight leaving on 25th August. We’d like to share our appreciation for the enormous contribution both have made to LOCSU’s mission and values over many years.

Jacque Fooks was one of the earliest members of the LOCSU team and was on board almost from day one. Over the twelve years she spent with LOCSU, she undertook an incredible amount of work behind the scenes to ensure that LOCs developed and thrived as effective organisations. She has been a trusted resource and administrative support to LOCs and many of you will have benefited directly from her skill and advice.

CEO Janice Foster says: “Jacque has been the glue that holds LOCs and LOCSU together, quietly keeping us all on track. Sadly, a bereavement meant we were not able to give Jacque a celebratory send-off, but we would like to gratefully acknowledge everything she has done for LOCSU during her time here and wish her well in her new job.”

As Head of Policy, Richard Knight took on the immense challenge of analysing, interpreting, and advising on frequently changing government healthcare policy. He reflects on ten years in this role here. He played invaluable part in helping LOCs and primary eye care companies adapt and evolve to ensure they are well-positioned for the future.

LOCSU CEO Janice Foster underlines the impact that Richard has made in his role: “Navigating continuous policy changes is incredibly complex and Richard has been invaluable in supporting LOCs and primary eyecare companies to move in the right direction as new initiatives have emerged. We are very grateful for his insight and commitment, which have contributed to LOCSU’s growth and development over ten years of rapid change and leaves LOCSU and LOCs in a strong position as we move to an NHS cycle of local focus. We wish him every success in the future.”