WelshConfed26: Health and care in Wales: if not now, when?

Lord Victor Adebowale CBE

Chair

The NHS Alliance

Lord Victor Adebowale CBE chairs The NHS Alliance, formed in 2026 by the merger of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation. A crossbench peer and CBE, he is a leading health and social care figure.

Ayesha Ahmed

Senior Manager for Policy and Advocacy

Movember 

Ayesha Ahmed is Senior Manager for Policy and Advocacy at Movember UK, where she leads work to improve men’s health policy across the UK, including in Wales. Her work focuses on turning evidence and the experiences of men and communities into practical policy change, working with governments, parliamentarians and the wider men’s health sector. 

Julie Aitken

Director - Government and Health Industries

PwC Consulting

Julie is an experienced Director who has supported NHS financial turnaround since 2008. She specialises in converting financial challenge into focused, deliverable action, working with boards, executives, clinicians and operational teams to improve grip, accountability and sustainability while keeping patient care and service quality central to every decision made.

Iain Alexander

Partner - Health & Local Government

PwC Consulting

Iain is a Partner in our Financial Improvement team. Over the last 20 years he has worked with over 100 healthcare organisations, in both the public and the private sector to develop and execute financial improvement programmes, working closely with Management teams. Iain has been seconded three times out of PwC as a CFO in organisations in financial distress.

Joanne Ascott

Service Manager, Adult & Community Services

Newport City Council

My working-life experience spans 40 years in social care, across a variety of roles. This has given me an understanding of the work from different perspectives and an appreciation of the importance of every role. As a qualified social worker, I have spent 25 years with Newport City Council, developing my career and progressing into senior management. I remain committed to working alongside others to provide support that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Dr Alex Aubrey

GP Partner (Merthyr) & Clinical Lead for Artificial Intelligence

Health Education and Improvement Wales

Alex is a GP Partner in Merthyr and serves as Clinical Lead for Artificial Intelligence at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). Within Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, he also previously led on multidisciplinary primary and community care education and is now a clinical director for general medical services and health protection at CTMUHB. His work focuses on supporting staff and educators to understand and use AI safely, ethically and practically within training, assessment and everyday clinical practice. Alex has developed national AI literacy resources, such as the Foundations in AI module and the Healthcare AI Learning Interface (HALI), and is closely involved in embedding robust governance and evaluation frameworks across NHS Wales. His aim is to ensure that emerging AI is used safely, ethically and responsibly and translates into safe, meaningful improvements in education, workforce development and patient care.

Craig Barker

Chief Information Officer

Health Education and Improvement Wales

Craig Barker - Craig Barker is Chief Information Officer at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and leads on the organisation’s approach to Artificial Intelligence. He is working on the practical adoption of AI across NHS Wales, including the use of generative AI to support personalised learning, workforce development, and productivity. This includes developing AI learning tools and integrating AI capabilities into the national Learning Management System. Craig has been involved in shaping the NHS Wales AI landscape and focuses on how AI can be implemented safely, with the right governance, and in a way that delivers real value to staff and the wider health system.

Heather Beer

Training and Learning Officer

Carers Wales

Heather joined Carers Wales in June 2026 as Training and Learning Officer. With over 18 years' experience in teaching, training, and learning and development, she supports the Carer Aware scheme by delivering training and e-learning to help professionals identify and support unpaid carers. Heather has worked across the charity sector, higher education, and the NHS.

Kate Bentley

National Healthcare Sales Manager

Trustmarque Ultima

Kate Bentley is a National Healthcare Sales Manager focused on helping NHS organisations accelerate digital transformation through Microsoft technologies, AI, cyber security, and modern workplace solutions. She works with healthcare leaders across the UK to improve productivity, enable innovation, and support better patient and workforce outcomes through technology-led change.

Dave Bosanquet

Associate Medical Director of R&D

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Prof David Bosanquet is Associate Medical Director of R&D, ABUHB, an Honorary Professor with Cardiff University, and a Consultant Vascular Surgeon working in the South East Wales Vascular Network. His research interests include peripheral arterial disease, amputation surgery, decision making and collaborative research. He has been awarded ~£18 million in funding as CI or co-applicant from NIHR and Health and Care Research Wales programmes over the last decade.​​

Professor Dan Bristow

Centre Director

Wales Centre for Public Policy

Dan Bristow is a Professor of Practice at Cardiff University, where he leads the Wales Centre for Public Policy, and is the Co-Director of the Health Determinants Research Collaboration Rhondda Cynon Taf. Over the last 12 years he has helped to build and establish an award-winning, demand-led approach to mobilising research evidence. This has involved designing and delivering a model that supports Welsh Government Ministers, and public sector leaders to access, understand and use the best available evidence.

Marie Brousseau-Navarro

Deputy Commissioner and Director for Health

Office of the Future Generations Commissioner

Marie is the Deputy Commissioner and Director for Health at the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. She has drafted and leads on the Commissioner's health and well-being mission to facilitate a transformation in the way we keep people healthy, with a greater focus on prevention and the long term. This is to help public bodies to work together to tackle the root causes of ill health, addressing health inequalities and increasing investment in prevention. Marie is the team lawyer and gets involved in all key projects. As Deputy Commissioner since 2021 and former Chief Operating Officer, she makes sure the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner walks the talk and operates as efficiently and sustainably as they can.

Rachel Burr

Head of Wales

Macmillan Cancer Support

Rachel Burr is Head of Wales at Macmillan Cancer Support. Rachel joined the organisation in September this year, having worked in the charity sector for more than 20 years. She has held previous leadership roles as Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, and Wales Director at the Community Transport Association. She is a huge advocate for thinking about healthcare through a whole-person lens, to drive change in society and systems.

Terence Canning

Head of Communities

the UK Sepsis Trust

Terence Canning became involved with the UK Sepsis Trust in 2013, following the sudden loss of his brother, Mark, to sepsis the previous year. At the time, Terence had never heard of sepsis, an experience that has driven his commitment to improving awareness and understanding of the condition. Initially joining the charity as a volunteer and Trustee, Terence went on to lead its work in Wales before taking on the wider role of Head of Communities. Today, he works to educate and empower people across the UK to recognise the signs of sepsis and understand the importance of seeking urgent medical attention. Terence also works closely with the Welsh Government, NHS Wales health boards and other key stakeholders to raise awareness among frontline healthcare professionals and support improvements in the recognition and management of sepsis, helping patients receive timely and appropriate care. Outside his professional role, Terence is an active fundraiser and advocate for the charity. He has run and cycled many miles in support of the UK Sepsis Trust, combining his personal commitment to the cause with a determination to ensure that more people know what sepsis is—and what to do when it strikes.

Michael Caulfield

Welfare Psychologist

Michael is one of the most experienced sport psychologists in the UK and through all the changes in sport, business, life et al, he may stand out for putting value on the power of conversation, listening, walking, being outside, and relying less on technology.  By pure chance, rather than expensive marketing, he has almost become known as “the man with a dog and a bench” as he uses both in his work.  He is currently the Welfare Psychologist at Brentford FC, where he has been consulting for the past ten years, and previously worked with Sir Gareth Southgate, in his formative years as a leader and coach. And when asked, is a regular contributor to BBC Five Live.

Adam Chapman

Head of Population Health Pathways

AstraZeneca

Following more than 20 years in sales and marketing roles, Adam's passion for working collaboratively to improve health outcomes led him to his current role as Head of Population Health and Pathways within AstraZeneca UK. Adam's team are responsible for partnering with the NHS at all levels to implement guideline based care., which spans from pathway redesign to maximising patient flow.

Tim Daley

Strategy and Transformation Director

Perago

Tim Daley is Strategy and Transformation Director at Perago, with over 15 years' board-level experience leading change across UK and Welsh public services. He provided programme leadership for Caerphilly Council's £65m transformation programme, led the alpha phase of the Centre for Digital Public Services, and helped shape Wales's digital strategy.

Philip Daniels

Executive Director of Public Health

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Having undertaken specialist training in the West Midlands, Philip worked internationally for a number of years, prior to returning home to Wales in October 2019. He saw duty as health protection consultant during the Covid response, before moving to the Cwm Taf Morgannwg public health team, where he led on health improvement and the wider determinants of health. Alongside his service work, Philip is the incoming Chair of the Faculty of Public Health in Wales and a board member and trustee of the UK Faculty of Public Health. He has taught extensively on health systems and policy. With a broad grounding across the domains of public health, Philip has a particular interest in how systems and organisations are structured and function to enable (or otherwise) population health.

Professor Dev Datta

Consultant in Metabolic Medicine

Cardiff & Vale UHB

Dev studied medicine in Cardiff, trained in cardiology and general medicine, specialised in medical biochemistry and metabolic medicine, and was appointed consultant in 2011. Dev is clinical lead for Cardiff’s lipoprotein apheresis and specialist weight management services, and medical lead for the Welsh Familial Hypercholesterolaemia cascade testing programme. He also runs a clinical nutrition service for complications of eating disorders, is a trustee of HEART UK, and course director for the MSc in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine. In 2025 he established a lipid optimisation clinic with colleagues in cardiology and the industry partners. This is designed to prevent recurrent events in patients following coronary revascularisation.

Sir Ciarán Devane

Chief Executive

The NHS Alliance

Sir Ciarán Devane is the chief executive of the NHS Alliance. Originally a chemical engineer, Sir Ciarán’s first career was in the chemical industry and management consulting. He has been Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Council, a member of the Board of NHS England, Chair of Clore Social Leadership, Director of the Centre for Peace and Security at Coventry University and President of the European Development Practitioners’ Network. He is also the current Chair of the Health Service Executive, the Irish health and social care service, a trustee of the British-Irish Association and of Friends of Europe. Ciarán holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from University College Dublin and a Masters in International Policy from George Washington University. He has been awarded a knighthood for services to cancer patients, is a Freeman of the City of London, and has honorary doctorates from University College Dublin and from the University of York.

Bethan Edwards

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

British Heart Foundation Cymru

Bethan Edwards is Policy and Public Affairs Manager for British Heart Foundation Cymru, influencing Welsh Government policy to improve outcomes for people at risk of, and living with, cardiovascular disease. She currently leads the ‘Wales’ Hearts Need More’ campaign, calling for a 25% reduction in premature cardiovascular deaths by 2035. Bethan is passionate about ensuring BHF Cymru’s policy and campaigning work is shaped by clinical expertise and the lived experiences of people affected by heart and circulatory conditions.

Justene Ewing

Vice President Health and Care

CGI

Justene leads CGI’s Health and Care strategy across the UK and Australia, with more than 25 years’ experience spanning health, government, transformation and innovation. She focuses on digital enablement, strategic partnerships and collaborative, user-centred service redesign, helping health and care organisations improve workforce capacity, services and clinical outcomes.

Chrissie Gallimore

Field Access Manager

Novartis

Chrissie joined Novartis in April 2025 as part of the value and access team. With extensive experience in pharma and working with the Wales healthcare system over the last 30 years, Chrissie is passionate about collaborating with strategic partners to deliver system value and enhance patient outcomes. At Novartis she is leading pioneering work through purpose-led partnerships with the NHS to help address some of the healthcare challenges facing our society today.

Lisa Gostling

Director of Workforce & Organisational Development

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Lisa worked for Hywel Dda and its predecessor organisations since 1993. She was appointed as the Executive Director of Workforce and Organisational Development in 2015 and took on the additional responsibility of interim Deputy Chief Executive in February 2024. Her previous role within the health board was assistant director of workforce and OD (workforce modernisation and planning). She is also a governor on the Corporation Board for Pembrokeshire College. Her ambition is to champion a People agenda that places every individual—staff, patients, communities, and partners—at the heart of all that we do and make a difference for the people of West Wales.

Anthony Gibson

Medical Director

NHS Wales Performance and Improvement

Anthony Gibson is a consultant respiratory clinician with senior leadership experience across acute medicine, performance, quality improvement and governance. He provides executive leadership for acute services, focusing on patient flow, safety and sustainable care. Formerly the Deputy Medical Director at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Anthony has a strong interest in whole-system pathways, community-based services andcompassionate clinical leadership, and works regionally and nationally to support improvement and recovery across NHS Wales.

Lowri Griffiths

Director of Support, Policy & Insight

Tenovus Cancer Care

Lowri is Director of Support, Policy and Insight at Tenovus Cancer Care. She has responsibility for the delivery of services which benefit over 3,000 people with cancer each year. Lowri also leads the organisations policy and influencing work and is currently the chair of the Wales Cancer Alliance, a network of 34 charities that provide support, fund research and campaign for better outcomes for people affected by cancer in Wales. Lowri has spent over 25 years working in the third sector and is passionate about ensuring the voices and experiences of ordinary people are listened to in the development of policy and delivery of services. Claire’s Campaign was born from Claire O'Shea's experience of being diagnosed with stage four uterine leiomyosarcoma in 2023, after two years of raising symptoms and concerns with her GP and experiencing delays and misdiagnosis. Her story reflects the experiences of many women who have felt dismissed or unheard when seeking help for gynaecological symptoms. Claire’s Campaign is committed to turning these experiences into meaningful policy and cultural change — ensuring women’s voices are listened to, concerns are taken seriously, and no one is left unheard in healthcare. Claire sadly passed away on 12 May 2025 at the age of 42, but her legacy lives on through this vital work to improve early diagnosis, challenge the culture of dismissal, and ensure better outcomes for women facing gynaecological cancer. To learn more, please visit clairescampaign.cymru

Helen Grindell

Head of Research Support & Operations

Health and Care Research Wales

Helen Grindell is Head of Research Support and Operations for Health and Care Research Wales. With over 25 years’ experience across the NHS, government, private and voluntary sectors, she has led national and international research programmes and currently oversees the delivery of a wide range of research support services across Wales.

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care

Welsh Government

Mabon has served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care in the Welsh Government since May 2026. First elected to the Senedd in 2021, he was initially appointed Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Housing and Planning. Following Rhun ap Iorwerth’s successful leadership campaign and a subsequent party reshuffle, Mabon took on the Health, Social Care and Housing portfolio as Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson. Following the end of the co-operation agreement, Mabon became the party’s spokesperson on Health and Social Care. He was a member of the Health and Social Care Committee and the Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee. He also Chaired the Cross-Party Group on Housing and was Vice-Chair of the Group on North Wales. He was also a member of other CPGs, such as on Hospice and Palliative Care and Long-COVID. Before entering the Senedd, Mabon worked as a researcher and organiser. Previously he was the north Wales manager of one of the UKs largest health charities, and prior to that ran Tŷ Siamas in Dolgellau.

Steve Haines

Director for National System Change

Macmillan

Steve Haines is Director of National System Change at Macmillan Cancer Support leading Macmillan’s national systems analysis, external affairs and evidence led influencing across the four nations. Alongside his charity leadership roles at the National Deaf Children’s Society and Save the Children, he has been a ministerial advisor on health and education in England, and a Special Advisor at the United Nations on Maternal and Child Health. Steve is Chair of the place based impact collaborative Renaisi Innovation and a trustee of Shelter.

Dr Dan Harris

Lead Cardiac Pharmacist Hywel Dda UHB, Clinical Academic Tritech Institute & Assoc. Prof, Swansea University

Hywel Dda UHB and Swansea University

Dr Harris is a cardiovascular pharmacist and clinical academic with over 25 years of NHS experience. He specialises in cardiovascular care, population health, and healthcare improvement, using real-world data to generate evidence that informs clinical innovation, commissioning, and service transformation. His work supports value-based healthcare and improved outcomes for patients across primary and secondary care.

Kelly Harris

Programme Lead

Carers Trust Wales

Kelly Harris (she/her) is the Programme Lead for Carers Trust Wales where she manages a range of programmes delivered with Network Partners and organisations. With over 25 years working in the youth and charity sector, she is an experience leader in participation and engagement, political engagement, children's rights, safeguarding, youth governance and programme development.

Dr Thanasi Hassoulas

Director and Founder of the HIVE (Hybrid and Immersive Virtual Environments) Digital Education and Teaching Innovation Unit

Cardiff University's School of Medicine

Dr Thanasi Hassoulas is the Director and Founder of the HIVE (Hybrid and Immersive Virtual Environments) Digital Education and Teaching Innovation Unit at Cardiff University's School of Medicine, leading on the exploration, investigation and implementation of new and emerging technologies as part of our tech-enhanced learning agenda. Also Reader/Associate Professor in Medical Education, teaching extensively on the undergraduate medical programme, focusing on neuropsychology and cognition, as well as on postgraduate courses of study. Programme Director of the MSc Psychiatry between 2018 and 2023, where I continue to supervise dissertation stage students. I was also previously Postgraduate Co-Director in the School of Medicine. I am research active, publishing widely on the subject of obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. I also publish widely in the field of medical education and digital education. Also leads on transnational education (TNE) initiatives in South Africa and Cyprus, and contribute to TNE with our partner institutes in China.

Vicky Heaton

Oncology Medical Affairs Head

AstraZeneca

Vicky leads AstraZeneca’s UK Oncology Medical Affairs team, where she has helped design and deliver programmes to optimise UK cancer care pathways. She holds a first-class honours degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford and a PhD in Molecular Biology from St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London. Following postdoctoral research at St George’s, she entered the pharmaceutical industry in 2001, holding commercial and medical roles before joining AstraZeneca in 2020.

Professor Chris Hopkins

Acting Director of Research, Innovation and Value, Hywel Dda University Health Board & President, Academy for Healthcare Science

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Professor Chris Hopkins is an internationally recognised healthcare scientist, who is President of the Academy for Healthcare Science, Clinical Director at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and Head of the TriTech Institute. A Consultant Clinical Scientist, he leads translational research and innovation in cardiovascular and respiratory disease, cancer, artificial intelligence, and digital health to improve patient outcomes and population health. He provides UK leadership for over 60,000 healthcare scientists through the Academy, advises on UK health technology and AI policy and regulation through the MHRA, and is a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, Academy for Healthcare Science, Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, and the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Carl James

Chief Executive Officer

Velindre University NHS Trust

Carl James is the Chief Executive. He has been part of Velindre NHS Trust since 2013. He has worked across the public sector in local authorities, emergency services and the Welsh Government where he has been responsible for leading change to deliver better services for the people we serve. During his time at Velindre he has been responsible for strategic planning, service transformation, estates and major capital projects, performance management and sustainability. He was also the Programme Director for the Transforming Cancer Services in South East Wales which is seeking to deliver improved services and facilities for patients across South East Wales. Carl has a degree in political geography, an MSC in Environmental Policy and Law, an MSC in Strategic Human Resource management and an MBA in Business Management. He was recently awarded a Change Maker Scholarship by Warwick University Business School where he is studying for an Executive Diploma in Digital Leadership. He has a passion for sport enjoying rugby, cricket, football, cycling and squash and supporting charitable causes. He has raised £25,000 for the Velindre Cancer Charity so far.

Linda Jones

National Manager Wales

Farming Community Network (FCN)

Linda Jones is National Manager Wales with The Farming Community Network. She has worked in the farming charity sector for 13 and a half years and is vastly experienced in the field of the health and wellbeing of farming people. Linda is a Macmillan Professional and also undertakes casework to support farming families. Linda is a research team member of the University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research project: “The Health and Wellbeing of Women in Farming”. Linda lives on a sheep and beef farm in West Wales and is a fluent Welsh speaker. 

Professor Phil Kloer

Chief Executive

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Phil Kloer is Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board in west Wales, having previously served as Medical Director, Deputy Chief Executive and Interim Chief Executive during a particularly demanding period for the organisation and wider NHS system, before being appointed substantively in 2024. Originally trained as a respiratory physician, Phil practised as a clinician for over 25 years, including 16 years as a consultant and leading lung cancer services in west Wales. Alongside his clinical work, he moved progressively into board-level leadership roles from 2011 onwards, before moving into executive leadership in 2014. Over the past decade he has led major whole-system transformation and strategy programmes, with a particular focus on prevention, community wellbeing, innovation, and new models of health and care. Phil is especially interested in how leaders create trust, navigate uncertainty, and develop cultures in which people and communities can thrive. He previously served as the Welsh lead and a trustee for the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management and is an Honorary Professor at Swansea University Medical School. He is also a trustee of the Gloucester Rugby Foundation. Having lived and worked in west Wales for many years, Phil remains deeply connected to the communities the organisation serves. Outside work, he enjoys coaching youth football and spending time outdoors in west Wales"

Keir Lewis

Clinical Respiratory Lead

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Keir Lewis is Professor of Respiratory Medicine in Swansea University and Clinical Lead for Respiratory Services at Hywel Dda University Health Board. He trained in London and Wales and has been a consultant since 2003. Keir is Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and Clinical Lead for TriTech, an NHS Innovation Centre generating new knowledge, and attracting over £1M /year. He has co-attracted over £27M in grants, published 190+ papers and 4 textbooks. He has been an NHS R&D Director, Associate Dean and NIHR Wales Respiratory Speciality Lead, as well as co-founding the Wales Rare Lung Disease Charity.

Zac Lyndon-Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation

Zac Lyndon-Jones is Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Cardiff City Football Club. With more than 15 years’ experience in community football development, Zac has progressed from volunteer coach to CEO, leading work across health and wellbeing, education, skills and stronger communities. He is passionate about using the power of sport, trusted relationships and partnership working to improve outcomes and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

Dr Will Mackintosh BM

GP & Clinical Lead Primary & Community Services Academy Hywel Dda Uni Health Board & Chair of RCGP Wales

Hywel Dda UHB

Will Mackintosh has been a GP in Wales for ten years. Will has also worked in a variety of leadership roles for the RCGP, and as co-lead for the transforming clinical services in primary and community care programme for Hywel Dda University Health Board. He is currently working as clinical lead for the primary care academy network in Hywel Dda UHB and is recently elected as Chair of RCGP Wales.

Professor Sultan Mahmud

Director of Healthcare

BT Business

Sultan is the appointed Director of Health and Communities for BT Business overseeing Local Government, Healthcare, Education, and Housing across England. He is an experienced executive with a passion for innovation and has had a distinguished career in the NHS spanning two decades and is a respected figure in Health technology circles in the UK and internationally. Prior to this role Sultan was Chief of Innovation, Integration and Research at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and before that at NHS England. He led pioneering work in integration across the care spectrum in primary, community and acute care and developed some of the most impactful live clinical datasets at a placed based level. Sultan is enthusiastic about care providers working collaboratively and using technology enabled methods to manage patient care in an anticipatory way. To this end he has worked closely to develop partnerships with the commercial sector, patient groups and clinical teams to enable evidence-based innovation. In addition to his day job, he supports clinical teams to lead authentically and break down cultural barriers to enable anticipatory care and digital transformation. Sultan has a high energy, high commitment approach to the NHS and regularly invests time in supporting emerging leaders and in health care achieve their career and service goals. In 2018 he was chosen as one of the 100 vibrant faces of the UK economy by Grant Thornton and in 2019 Sultan joined the Advisory Board of the Centre for Health and Social Care Leadership at the HSMC, University of Birmingham. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Keele, School of Medicine and is a visiting Professor at Birmingham City University.

Rhian Mannings

CEO and Founder

2wish

In 2012, I unexpectedly and tragically lost my one year old son George when he suddenly fell ill at home. Despite the staff at the South Wales Emergency Unit making every effort to save George’s life, they were sadly unsuccessful. We were sent home with no support or information, no one from the hospital called or visited us and it was this lack of support that inevitably led to the events that followed. Just five days after we lost George, Paul was unable to cope with the loss and his grief and took his own life. At 2wish, we provide immediate and ongoing bereavement support to families who have been affected by the sudden and traumatic loss of a child or young adult aged 25 or under in Wales. We have created partnerships with all health boards, police forces and the fire services throughout Wales to ensure that each sudden child death is referred to us at the earliest possible convenience.

Claire Marchant

Corporate Director – Social Services and Wellbeing

Bridgend County Borough Council

Claire has been Corporate Director of Social Services in Bridgend since 2020, having previously held the position of statutory director in both Cardiff and Monmouthshire. Prior to this Claire has held head of service and director positions in health and social care and has also been an integrated head of service. She started her career in housing, working as a frontline housing officer in Cardiff and Newport. Outside of work, Claire likes to dance (badly) and run (slowly)!

Si Martin

Founder & Director

Heads Above The Waves

Si Martin is the founder of Heads Above The Waves - a non-profit dedicated to helping young people who struggle with self-harm to find healthy, and creative alternative coping mechanisms. His lived experience is what spurred him to start HATW in 2013, and is what pushes him to continue trying to help others in the same situation. 

Professor Sir Michael McBride

Chief Medical Officer of Northern Ireland

Department of Health Northern Ireland

Prof Sir Michael McBride was appointed to the post of Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Health, in September 2006. Prior to joining the department he had been Medical Director at the Royal Group of Hospitals from August 2002. Professor Sir Michael McBride graduated with Distinction from Queen’s University Belfast in 1986 and completed his undergraduate and postgraduate training in Northern Ireland. In 1991 he attained a Research Fellowship at St Mary’s Medical School and Imperial College London, where he carried out research into new drug treatments for HIV. Professor has been a Consultant in the Health Service since 1994 when he was appointed Consultant Physician in HIV medicine at the Royal Group of Hospitals and has more than 10 years health service management experience. He has a longstanding interest in continuing medical education and was Postgraduate Clinical Tutor in the Royal Group of Hospitals between 1996 and 2000 and Director of Education in the Royal Hospitals from 2000. As Medical Director at the Royal Hospitals, he contributed to strategic change at trust, regional and national level. As the Trust lead for clinical and social care governance, he had responsibilities for all aspects of clinical quality and patient safety. Prof Sir Michael McBride took up the post of Chief Medical Officer during a time of significant change for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland with responsibilities for Policy and Strategy in relation to Public Health, Quality and Safety and Research and Development. He also provides strategic advice to Minister and other Government departments on health related matters. He has been closely involved in the development of the new Health and Social Care structures, post Review of Public Administration, including the establishment of the Public Health Agency. Prof Sir Michael McBride currently leads in the work to transform health and social services in Northern Ireland in line with Health and Wellbeing 2026 – Delivering Together. At the request of the Health Minister Prof Sir Michael McBride took up the post of Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust from December 2014 to February 2017. He combined this role with Chief Medical Officer. As Chief Executive Prof Sir Michael McBride was head of an integrated health and social care Trust which provided hospital-based and social care services to the population of Belfast, as well as most of Northern Ireland’s regional specialist services. He had responsibility for key Ministerial priorities, corporate responsibility for the Trust’s 20,000 employees, and overseen the Trust’s annual budget of almost £1.3bn. Prof Sir Michael McBride was knighted in Her Majesty's 2021 Birthday Honours for services to public health in Northern Ireland. He was awarded a Professorship in Public Health Practice from Queens University Belfast in 2021 for services to Public Health.

Rachel Meadows

Head of Development

UK Men’s Sheds Association

Rachel Meadows is the Head of Development at UK Men’s Sheds Association. She has worked with volunteers and managed volunteer services for a number of years and absolutely loves the people and the passion she’s encountered.

Steve Moore

Co-Founder and Partner

Moore and Company

Steve Moore is the former Chief Executive of NHS Devon with 15 years’ experience in senior NHS leadership, operating at Board and system level across complex, highly regulated healthcare environments. He has a strong track record of strategic transformation, organisational turnaround, financial recovery, and large-scale service redesign.

Myfanwy Moran

Head of Adult Social Care

Newport City Council

Myfanwy Moran is Head of Adult Services at Newport City Council, leading services that support adults to maintain independence, wellbeing and positive outcomes. With experience spanning frontline practice, regulation and senior leadership, including roles within local government and the Care Inspectorate Wales, she brings extensive expertise in adult social care improvement and transformation. Myfanwy is currently leading Newport's ambitions to strengthen prevention, independence and sustainable Adult Social Care services for the future.

Andrew Morgan OBE

Chair

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Andrew Morgan OBE is from Mountain Ash in the Cynon Valley and has served as a County Borough Councillor since 2004, representing the former ward of Mountain Ash West and the current ward of Mountain Ash. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding record of public service, particularly during the COVID‑19 pandemic and the major flooding in 2020. On behalf of Local Government, he joined the Welsh and UK Coal Tips Taskforce, which initiated a review of existing legislation and explored options for responding to coal tip safety in the face of climate change. Andrew was formerly an employee of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, initially in the construction section and later in management, before standing for election to represent his local community. He attended Pontypridd Technical College for three years full‑time and two years part‑time. He was appointed to the Cabinet in 2008 and served as Cabinet Member for Highways, Customer Care and Emergency Planning for four years, later taking on responsibility for Frontline Services. He became Leader of the Council in May 2014. In late 2019, Andrew was elected as the Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA). Through these roles, Andrew has worked with and built extensive links with a number of government agencies including the Welsh NHS. Prior to becoming the Leader of the WLGA, Andrew led negotiations on the Cardiff Capital Region £1.495bn City Deal and was instrumental in setting up the new executive and officer structure to lead the organisation. He has served as an Observer on the Board of Transport for Wales, having been invited by the Welsh Government to provide a local authority perspective and support informed decision‑making. Andrew has also chaired the Southeast Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) and has been a member of the Heads of the Valleys Taskforce.

Jonathan Morgan .

Chair

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board and and the Welsh NHS Confederation

Jonathan is Chair of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and has worked across health, social care and housing in a range of senior and non-executive roles.   Prior to taking up the post of Chair at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Jonathan was Chair of Hafod Housing Association in South Wales, delivering social housing and a range of social care services across Cardiff, the Vale, Bridgend, and RCT. He was also an Independent Member of the Board at Health Education and Improvement Wales and served on the Audit Committee for the Public Services Ombudsman and Future Generations Commissioner. After leaving the National Assembly for Wales in 2011, he has spent the past 12 years working across health, social care, and housing in a variety of senior and non-executive roles. Jonathan is passionate about the potential for organisations to work better together and places a huge value on the scope for collaboration. He has a strong interest in mental health services, having introduced legislation to improve services in Wales.  Jonathan is the Chair of the Remuneration & Terms of Service Committee.

Sian Morgan

Consultant Clinical Scientist, QuicDNA Max Clinical Scientific Lead, Tackling Cancer GTAB Lead and Corporate Genomics Research and Development Manager

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Sian is a Consultant Clinical Scientist at the Cardiff Joint Research Office with over 35 years’ experience in genomic medicine. She is Co-Lead of the multi-award-winning QuicDNA programme and the newly launched QuicDNA Max initiative. Formerly Laboratory Director of the All Wales Medical Genomics Service, she has played a pivotal role in advancing genomic diagnostics across Wales. Sian is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Cardiff University and a recognised leader in genomics innovation and service development.

Angie Oliver

Deputy Director of Workforce & Organisational Development

Health Education and Improvement Wales

Angie works nationally to help shape the workforce and organisational development agenda across NHS Wales. Originally trained as a classical musician at Cardiff University, specialising in composition and performance, before beginning her career in secondary education, Angie joined the NHS in 1995 and has since built a career spanning the Ambulance Service and Cardiff and Vale, before moving to Pembrokeshire as Head of Staff Development and subsequently Assistant Director of Workforce & OD at Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Professor Isabel Oliver

Chief Medical Officer for Wales

Honorary Professor, University of Bristol & Honorary Professor, Centre for Global Health, University College London

Isabel is a public health physician and epidemiologist who is dedicated to securing better health outcomes for all. Isabel has left the post of Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at the UK Health Security Agency to take the Welsh CMO post. As UKHSA CSO, Isabel led the Science Group of the organisation and was accountable for the range of health security functions and services delivered by the group including microbiology and infectious diseases laboratories, protection from radiation, chemicals and environmental hazards including climate change and behavioural sciences. The group comprised approximately 2,500 staff in 4 directorates. Isabel was responsible for UKHSA’s three scientific campuses at Colindale in London, Porton Down in Wiltshire, and Chilton in Oxfordshire as well as a network of regional laboratories providing NHS and public health services. Isabel the science strategy and scientific profession of UKHSA developing partnerships with industry, academia and public sector organisations to secure health and prosperity. In this role, Isabel also established a Centre for Climate and Health Security to protect health in the context of our changing climate and Centre for Vaccine Development and Evaluation and a Diagnostics Accelerator to ensure we have the diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics that we need to protect health from current and future threats. Isabel was responsible for knowledge, research and evaluation in UKHSA ensuring that the organisation has the evidence needed to protect health from all hazards. Her own academic interests include the evaluation of public health interventions and services and was co-director of the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit for Behavioural Sciences and Evaluation at the University of Bristol where she is an Honorary Professor. Isabel is also an Honorary Professor at the Centre for Global Health at University College London. Isabel started her career working in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and the South West of England. After a few years, Isabel decided to pursue a career in public health to have a greater impact in improving and protecting health and reducing inequalities. She led work to assess the prevalence of mental health problems in Somerset and ensure that health services met the needs of the population. Her first consultant posts were as regional epidemiologist and consultant in public health in the NHS South West Strategic Health Authority where Isabel was responsible for improving access to sexual health services and strengthening surveillance. Isabel became Regional Director for the Health Protection Agency in South West England in 2008, leading a transformation of local health protection services to ensure services of consistent high quality delivered efficiently and effectively. In 2013, Isabel moved to Public Health England where she established the Field Epidemiology Service for England, learning lessons from the influenza H1N1 pandemic. This service was critical in the response to COVID-19 in England, enabling surveillance and contact tracing in the country. In April 2020 she took up the post of Director of the National Infection Service of Public Health England leading the organisation’s work for the surveillance and control of all infectious diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic Isabel was also a senior clinical and public health adviser to NHS Test and Trace. Isabel was born in Madrid, Spain and relocated to the UK in 1992 for personal reasons. In her free time Isabel enjoys running and growing organic vegetables in her allotment.

Ellie Orton OBE .

Chief Executive

NHS Charities Together

Ellie Orton OBE has been Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together since July 2018. Ellie led the charity through a remarkable transformation, particularly its Covid Urgent Appeal which raised over £160 million. She has received the Charity Times Outstanding Individual Achievement Award and was awarded an OBE in June 2021.

Rob Osborne

Panel Moderator, Conference Host and Freelance Journalist

Think Like a Journalist

Rob Osborne is one of Wales’s leading broadcasters and journalists having presented Sharp End and Wales This Week on ITV Wales. Rob now hosts the podcast Wales & Westminster. He is a three times winner of Welsh TV Reporter of the Year at the Wales Media Awards.

Stuart Parsons

Vice President, Health and Social Care

CGI

Stuart is a Vice President at CGI, leading strategic growth and partnerships across the UK health sector, with a particular focus on NHS organisations in Wales. With more than a decade dedicated to health and care, Stuart’s focus is on building long-term partnerships that bring together technology, data and innovation to support more connected, preventative and digitally enabled models of care.

Minesh Patel

Associate Director of Evidence, Advocacy and Performance at Mind & Acting Co-Director

Mind Cymru

Minesh currently oversees Mind Cymru’s work in Wales as well as Mind’s national policy and campaigning. Previously Minesh led policy at Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice, overseeing a broad portfolio of influencing activity including health, welfare and employment.

Matthew Pattison

Lead Architect and Principal Consultant

Aire Logic

Matthew Pattison is a Lead Architect and Principal Consultant at Aire Logic with 27 years of diverse tech industry experience, spanning development, sales, enterprise consultancy, and business leadership. After extensive work across major sectors, Matthew has dedicated the last four years to health tech. He has held lead roles in critical initiatives including the NHS-E vaccination programme, the Welsh National Target Architecture, and the Scottish screening uplift. An unashamed techie, Matthew sill managed to remain deeply people and business focused.

Dr Leighton Phillips

Regional Director for Research and Innovation

Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay University Health Boards

Dr Leighton Phillips is Regional Director for Research and Innovation across South West Wales, covering Hywel Dda and Swansea Bay University Health Boards, and leading efforts to strengthen research capability, innovation adoption, and evidence-based improvement across the region. Seconded from his substantive post as Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda University Health Board, he works with NHS organisations, universities, industry and government partners to develop regional research infrastructure, accelerate innovation and improve outcomes for patients and communities. He is an Honorary Professor at Aberystwyth University and serves as a Non-Executive Director within the housing association sector. Prior to his current role, he held senior leadership positions across the NHS, academia, NGOs, and Welsh Government.

Catherine Phillips

Executive Director of Finance

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Catherine Phillips is Executive Director of Finance at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. With more than 30 years' experience in NHS finance, she is a Fellow of ACCA and serves as the 75th President of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) for 2025/26.

Richard Price

Director, Value and Access Policy

Amgen UK

Richard is a senior life-sciences and market-access leader with 35 years’ experience spanning the NHS, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Amgen. A Board member of the ABPI and contributor to the 2023 VPAG negotiations, he brings deep expertise in medicines access, policy and cross-sector partnership. Raised and based in South Wales, Richard is passionate about working with NHS and industry leaders to improve outcomes, reduce inequalities and support the sustainable adoption of innovation across the nation.

Nicola Prygodzicz

Chief Executive

Aneurin Bevan Uni Health Board

Nicola started working in the NHS in 1991 as a finance management trainee. Since qualifying in 1995 as a Chartered Accountant with CIPFA she has held a number of senior finance roles across South Wales, including 16 years working for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. After joining Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in 2014, initially as an Assistant Finance Director, Nicola quickly progressed to be appointed to the role of Executive Director of Planning, Digital and IT in 2015 and more recently she took on the role of Deputy Chief Executive. Nicola led the Clinical Futures Programme across the Health Board area and the opening of The Grange University Hospital in 2020. She is passionate about the continuous improvement of services and ensuring patients and the public are at the heart of our planning. Nicola is also a strong advocate of personal development and training to ensure staff are well equipped and motivated to deliver the challenges of working for the NHS. Nicola was appointed as Chief Executive of the Health Board in September 2022. Proud to work and live in Wales, Nicola enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Anna Prytherch

Head

Rural Health and Care Wales

Anna is Head of Rural Health and Care Wales (RHCW), a collaboration between 3 of the most rural health boards in Wales (BCUHB, PTHB and HDdUHB). Over the last nine years, Anna has developed the work of RHCW, addressing health and care inequalities facing those living in rural areas. As a Macmillan Professional, Anna took the lead on a two-year research project that investigated the rural cancer patient experience across Mid Wales, with the findings launched in June 2026.

Richard Pugh

Head of Partnerships

Life Sciences Hub Wales

Richard is a senior health and partnerships leader with experience across Macmillan Cancer Support, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Life Sciences Hub Wales. Richard brings expertise in health inequalities, innovation, community development and cross-sector collaboration, with a passion for connecting people, organisations and ideas to create meaningful change across Wales.

Hywel Pullen

Acting Executive Director of Finance

Powys Teaching Health Board

Hywel is the acting Executive Director of Finance at Powys THB. He started his career as an NHS National Financial Management Trainee in the West Midlands. After qualification Hywel worked in local government in London and for PwC in its public sector practice, rejoining the NHS in 2014 at Cardiff and Vale UHB.

Cari-Anne Quinn

CEO

The Life Science Hub, Wales

Cari-Anne holds the position of Chief Executive Officer here at Life Sciences Hub Wales, leading our team in propelling vital life science innovation to the frontline of health and social care. With a wealth of expertise spanning life sciences and economics, Cari-Anne has been instrumental in instigating transformation though development on an international scale with her work at the Welsh Development Agency. Additionally, she led Welsh Government’s involvement in business engagement for the life sciences sector with the economy department, where her contribution has played a crucial role in nurturing significant life sciences projects. Cari-Anne is also passionate about driving workforce advancements in Wales as a Director of the Wales Quality Centre, which is a charitable organisation that cultivates business skills development.

Dr Frank Ratcliff

Director of Delivery

Health Innovation Wessex

Frank Ratcliff is Director of Delivery at Health Innovation Wessex. Following a PhD in genetics, he worked in commercial research, scientific computing, and partnership roles for various multinationals. He joined the Health Innovation Network full-time in 2015 and now leads teams which help bring healthcare innovations to patients faster, in order to improve patient outcomes, reduce NHS costs and build the UK's health and life science sector.

Lyn Rees

Head of the NHS Wales Microsoft 365 Centre of Excellence

Digital Health and Care Wales

Lyn Rees is the Head of the NHS Wales Microsoft 365 Centre of Excellence, leading national services that help organisations across NHS Wales make the most of Microsoft 365 technologies. His work focuses on enabling collaboration, productivity, security, and digital transformation at scale. Lyn is passionate about helping organisations adopt low-code technologies and build sustainable Power Platform capabilities that empower staff to innovate while maintaining strong governance and control.

Sian Richards

Executive Director of Digital, Data and Engagement

Health Education and Improvement Wales

Sian Richards is Executive Director of Digital, Data and Engagement at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). Sian’s career in NHS Wales spans more than 20 years, combining senior leadership in digital transformation with frontline experience in hospital and community health care management. Appointed in 2021 as HEIW’s first digital executive at Board level, she now leads a wide-ranging portfolio spanning digital and data transformation, workforce intelligence, planning and analytics, and communications and engagement. Sian led the development of HEIW’s first digital and data strategy, introducing innovations that are shaping the future of workforce development across NHS Wales. Under her leadership, core systems have migrated to modern cloud platforms, a new all-Wales learning management system has been launched, and the Building a Digitally Ready Workforce programme has been rolled out nationally. She has also strengthened workforce intelligence and planning capability, embedding analytical insight to support national workforce strategies, inform policy, and guide evidence-based decision-making.

Sam Rose is a Director at IMPOWER with over 15 years' experience helping public sector organisations tackle complex strategic and transformation challenges. He works with health systems, NHS providers and local authorities to improve outcomes, sustainability and service performance. Sam has led major transformation programmes across England and Wales, including work with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Swansea Bay University Health Board and Newport City Council. He specialises in system strategy, service redesign, demand and capacity planning, and helping organisations translate ambition into practical, lasting change.

Vicky Rothwell

Lead Enterprise Architect

Airelogic

Vicky Rothwell is a Lead Enterprise Architect specialising in the design and delivery of innovative technology solutions that drive strategic transformation and organisational change. Passionate about creating patient-centred services, she focuses on using technology to improve outcomes, enhance user experiences, and maximise value. Vicky champions the adoption of emerging technologies and best-practice architecture to deliver sustainable, future-ready solutions. She is also a dedicated advocate for women in technology, particularly within Enterprise Architecture, actively promoting greater diversity, inclusion, and opportunities for women to thrive in the profession.

Abe Sampson

Head of Charity & Income Generation

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board / CTM NHS Charity

Abe is Head of Charity at CTM NHS Charity and co-chair of the Wales Regional Group of NHS Charities. His background spans fundraising and development for a number of health, education, and campaigning organisations. He is passionate about unlocking the collective potential of NHS charities through collaboration and cultural change.

Sarah Sleet

CEO

Asthma and Lung UK

Sarah Sleet was appointed as CEO of Asthma + Lung UK in 2024, following five years as CEO at Crohn's & Colitis UK and 13 years as CEO at Coeliac UK. She cares deeply about health inequalities and the value of patient organisations in changing lives. Over her career she has worked with a broad range of health and patient groups and European patient organisations, as well as healthcare professional bodies, government advisory and research bodies. She has also built expertise in education, social and economic policy, scientific research, income generation and campaigning.

Professor Sir Gregor Smith

Chief Medical Officer for Scotland

Scottish Government

Gregor is a GP. After 14 years working in a variety of operational and strategic leadership roles, he was appointed as Chief Medical Officer for Scotland in 2020. Gregor has been a co-author and co-developer of the renowned Realistic Medicine approach to care. His priorities include action on health inequalities, the climate emergency and healthcare sustainability through the development of a culture of stewardship. The need to develop values-based approaches that provide careful & kind care, reduce harm and waste, and foster innovation and improvement, lie at the heart of his professional philosophy. He was bestowed a knighthood in 2022 for services to public health and is Honorary Air Commodore to 612 squadron, RAF.

Jake Smith

Senior Policy, Research and Public Affairs Officer

Carers Wales

Jake works to improve policies and services for unpaid carers through working on the external engagement and influencing priorities of Carers Wales. His role encompasses the charity’s high-profile research reports, project collaboration with partner organisations and engagement with political representatives and the media. In recent years he has delivered over 50 training sessions to social workers as part of the Carer Aware project. He is a former Chair of Public Affairs Cymru.

Victoria Southam

Account Executive - NHS Wales

Microsoft

Victoria Southam is an Account Executive at Microsoft, leading Microsoft’s relationship with NHS Wales. Passionate about AI, digital inclusion and transformation, she works across technology, healthcare and Microsoft’s wider ecosystem to help turn ambitious ideas into practical impact for patients, staff and communities.

Thea Stein

Chief Executive

Nuffield Trust

Thea Stein is currently the chief executive of the Nuffield Trust – a health and social care think tank. She started her career as a clinical psychologist and family therapist, before moving into leadership within the public sector in both England and Scotland. Thea has held several chief executive positions: Carer's Trust, a UK wide charity supporting carers, Yorkshire Forward, a regional economic development agency, and most recently chief executive of the Leeds Community Healthcare Trust for nine years, where she led a range of work looking to integrate services across primary, community and third sector organisations.

Helen Sweetland

R&D Board Champion

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Helen was an academic surgeon, who was involved with delivering research studies to evaluate new surgical techniques, shared decision-making and breast cancer family history programmes. She has recruited many patients into clinical trials seeing the positive impact this has on the participants and future patients who benefit from the new knowledge.

Rob Thomas

UK Head of Public Affairs

Novartis UK

Rob leads Novartis UK’s Public Affairs team, overseeing the company’s engagement and collaboration with government officials, arm’s-length bodies, patient advocacy organisations and industry bodies across the UK. He is responsible for ensuring that Novartis’ perspectives inform the development and implementation of policy, with the aim of supporting patient access to high-quality care and innovative medicines that improve health outcomes.

Ian Thomas

Independent Member, Powys Teaching Health Board/Charitable Funds committee Chair Powys Health Charity

Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys Health Charity

Ian took up appointment as an Independent Member on Powys Teaching Health Board in January 2024. He currently sits as Chair for the Powys Health Charity as well as People & Culture Committee and Audit Risk and Assurance Committee. He has been a Board Member at UK Disability Charity, Family Fund since 2022. Ian's career has mainly been in the not-for-profit sector. He served as the first Welsh Director for the Alzheimer's Society and later as the UK Director of Operations for the charity. During this time Ian led the expert group on dementia at the Welsh Government and led on the production of the first dementia vision for Wales. Following this he was the Director for Disability Charity, Scope. Ian was appointed as CEO for Age Cymru in 2013. His final full-time role was as CEO for Trivallis Housing, the largest community mutual social landlord in Wales. Ian lives in Swansea with his wife and daughter.

Rhys Thomas

Director - Health and Local Public Services

PwC Consulting

Rhys is a Director in PwC’s practice with more than 20 years’ experience delivering strategic, commercial and operational improvement across Wales. He has held roles across health, education, and local government, giving him a strong understanding of the Welsh public sector and its role in delivering inclusive growth and social value.

Hannah Toms

Manager - Government and Health Industries

PwC Consulting

Hannah is a Manager that specialises in NHS transformation and improvement. She works alongside providers, commissioners and Health Boards to deliver complex change programmes, including financial recovery, service redesign and operational improvement. Her experience in both Wales and England spans major transformation, programme delivery, financial modelling and implementing sustainable improvements.

Jacqueline Totterdell

Director General Health, Care and Prevention Group / NHS Wales Chief Executive

Welsh Government

Jacqueline was appointed Director General of Health, Social Care and Early Years for Welsh Government in October 2025. With over 21 years' board-level experience, she leads the delivery of ministerial priorities for health, social care and early years across the Welsh Government, and provides strategic oversight for NHS Wales. Before joining Welsh Government, Jacqueline served as Group Chief Executive at Georges Epsom & St Helier Hospital & Health Group. Her career includes executive and chair roles spanning workforce transformation, genomics, research networks and collaborative healthcare partnerships. She has led organisational change and system-wide strategy locally and regionally, including training and education initiatives. Jacqueline played a pivotal role in South West London’s Covid-19 response, chairing the Regional post-Covid Elective Board, and has guided operational, financial and quality improvements in challenging environments. Her previous roles include Chairing the Essex and Hertfordshire Clinical Research Network, serving on the Board of Health Education East of England, and facilitating leadership programmes for aspiring Chief Executives. Known for her values-driven approach, Jacqueline is passionate about improving patient outcomes and staff wellbeing, championing clinically-led, data-driven innovation at both national and regional levels.

George Watkins

Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer

Mind Cymru

George has worked for Mind Cymru since 2022. His work involves engaging with Welsh Government and key partners to improve the state of mental health in Wales. He has recently worked on inpatient care and calling for change in the Senedd elections.

Helen Watkins

Director of Workforce and Organisational Development

HEIW

Appointed in August 2024, Helen Watkins leads HEIW’s workforce strategy and organisational development, shaping a skilled, sustainable NHS Wales workforce. With 30+ years’ experience, she has held senior roles across health boards and trusts, driving workforce modernisation, service redesign, and integration across health and social care. At HEIW, she has led future-focused workforce plans, the All-Wales Retention Programme, and the NHS Wales Staff survey, championing inclusive leadership, staff wellbeing, and long term workforce resilience.

Sioned Williams

Carer Aware Project Officer

Carers Trust Wales

Sioned Williams is the Carer Aware Project Officer at Carers Trust Wales and has led the Carer Aware project for the past two years. She has driven the expansion of carer awareness training across health, social care and higher education settings, including allied health professions and secondary care. Sioned has also developed digital learning resources and community-based tools to support unpaid carers, including young carers. She has experience in training delivery, stakeholder engagement, partnership working, policy influencing and cross-sector collaboration.

Kristy Williams CBE

Chair

Appointed by the Health Secretary in July 2025, Kirsty Williams CBE began her role as Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in October. Kirsty is originally from Carmarthenshire and now lives in Brecon. She was elected to the Senedd in 1999 leading the Welsh Liberal Democrats from 2008 to 2016 and later serving as Minister for Education from 2016 to 2021. In recognition of her public and political service, Kirsty was awarded a CBE in 2013. She was also made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Nursing in 2016 for her support of the Nurse Staffing Level Act. In 2022 Kirsty retired as a Member of the Senedd and was appointed Vice-Chair of Powys Teaching Health Board, a position she held until her recent appointment. Kirsty also serves as a Commissioner for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and holds leadership roles in education and transport committees.

Dr Neil Wooding CBE

Chair

Hywel Dda University Health Board

It was an honour to join Hywel Dda as Chair of the Board in June 2024. Having spent most of my working life as a public servant, I am passionate about how we care for ourselves and others. During my career, I have had the pleasure of holding senior roles in central, regional, and local government as well as the NHS and the third sector. My most recent role was Executive Director in the Cabinet Office and the Chief People Officer in the Ministry of Justice (2018-2021). In addition to my Executive roles, I also recently held the role of a Non-Executive Director with the Scottish Government. As well as being Chair of the health board I am also the Chair of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action. I have spent much of my spare time working as a volunteer since my teenage years. I am a Companion of the Chartered Institute of People Management and was fortunate to be awarded a CBE in 2022 for services to Social Justice and Equality. In addition to my professional experience of the NHS and public service, I am also a member of our local community and have first-hand experience of our services. I am a passionate advocate for health and well-being, and particularly value how we can all, as individuals and communities, play a part in enabling the best health outcomes. Being a resident of Ceredigion, I have a vested interest in seeing our health board succeed – for the benefit of current and future generations alike. In my personal time, I enjoy exploring all that our local area has to offer. I live on a small farm overlooking Cardigan Bay and particularly like walking the coastal path and enjoying the diversity of our natural environment.

Michael Wyatt is a Delivery Director at IMPOWER with expertise in health and social care transformation, behaviour change and culture improvement. He has held senior NHS leadership roles focused on urgent and emergency care, discharge, flow and operational performance. He supports local authorities and health systems to redesign services, embed new ways of working and realise measurable benefits. Michael currently leads IMPOWER's support to Newport City Council's Adult Social Care transformation programme, helping translate strategic ambition into sustainable, system-wide impact.