This is the seventh year for Valerie as a public governor, having been elected as one of the original governors in 2004 when QVH became a foundation trust. After her initial three years, she took a year out before returning for a further two terms. She has sat on two committees, the membership and the appointments, the latter of which she now chairs. She has also taken part in the PEAT inspection tours of the hospital, plus, as a lead governor, she also sits on the governors steering group.

Since returning to university as an adult and gaining a BA in English and an MA in history, she has concentrated on researching and writing about the changing use of old buildings.

Valerie grew up just a few hundred yards from the hospital and has always maintained a keen interest in its development and future. Now living in Crawley Down with her husband, this interest continues and as chairman of the appointments committee, she is committed to supporting the hospital as it continues to enhance its reputation.