With over 30 years of experience as a nurse and a midwife, spanning both NHS and military healthcare environments, I have a wealth of expertise in clinical governance, quality improvement, patient safety, and workforce development. My background includes operational military deployment to Afghanistan as the Healthcare Governance Officer for all deployed units, where I delivered system assurance, rapid cycle improvements, and governance under high-pressure conditions.

Throughout my career, I have held a number of senior leadership roles, most recently in my current role at NHS Professionals as the Director of Clinical Governance and Quality. I support the CNO in all corporate, professional, operational, and clinical service delivery objectives and ensure high standards of clinical governance and quality are maintained within the organisation. This position involves leading and managing initiatives that enhance clinical practice and service delivery and supporting professional development across 60 NHS Trusts who NHSP provide temporary staffing for.

Prior to this I led on quality and safety across a wide range of services whilst working with Devon ICB, supporting primary care providers and the wider system to deliver safe, effective, and equitable care. I also played a pivotal role in the Devon System Coordination Centre during winter pressures, using my operational planning expertise—refined during military service—to coordinate urgent care responses across the region.

My leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in establishing and leading the Devon-wide PPE Clinical Cell, was nationally recognised as an example of innovative, compassionate leadership under pressure.

In recognition of my contribution to nursing and healthcare, I was awarded the Queen’s Nurse title in 2015 and have been a finalist in both the Nursing Times Nurse Leader of the Year and RCNi Awards. I was also honoured with the CCG Directors Award and invited to the Queen’s Garden Party in 2022 for my outstanding service.

I continue to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. In this national role, I support the governance, regulation, and professional development of more than 140 secondary care consultants across the UK and on deployment, working closely with military medical teams and strategic leaders to shape healthcare policy and practice.

Outside of work, I live on the edge of Dartmoor with my husband Matt and my 2 children. I am passionate about building high-performing, compassionate teams and remain committed to excellence in patient care.