Alison is passionate about NMAHPs having the opportunity to engage with research. She has been appointed to provide the necessary leadership to ensure alignment of Corporate and Divisional research and innovation for the non-medical clinical workforce. This is to realise the proposed outcomes of the NMAHP Research Strategy through informed development, investment and evaluation of research, innovation and evidence based practice.

Alison has a remit to increase NMAHP-led research at UHNM and develop a clinical academic career pathway for our non-medical staff. Alison is a registered midwife with experience in leading research, research delivery and ethics processes. Alison has been successful with two NIHR personal funding awards and four subsequent grant applications, three as Chief Investigator and one as a Co-Investigator. Alison has led research which has changed midwifery practice.

Alison has a joint appointment as a Senior Lecturer at University of Keele, and is also an Honorary Lecturer at The University of Manchester. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an experienced Masters and Doctoral Supervisor. Alison has expertise in a range of methodological approaches including: systematic review, meta-synthesis, randomised controlled trials, observational studies, national surveys, mixed methods and qualitative studies.

Alison will always find time to talk to anyone who wants to engage in research in some way, has a research idea or is considering a clinical academic career.

Ivy O'Santos, CeNREE Personal Assistant

Ceri Sedgley, Chief Allied Health Professional

Carol is a registered Adult Nurse with many years of clinical, education and leadership experience at UHNM. Starting her career in cardiothoracic as a junior RN before making her way to a senior Nurse educator. Carol made moves into general surgery and enhanced recovery, supporting staff education as a senior leader before becoming an Advanced Practitioner in Pre-Assessment. Carol has many years’ experience in senior leadership roles, working in the role of Matron and Deputy Associate Chief Nurse for General surgery and Medicine. Using these experiences and interests in education, leadership and clinical safety within her current role as Lead for Workforce Development and Education

Carol is dedicated to supporting the development of nursing and midwifery professionals throughout their careers. She believes that investing in people is fundamental to delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality patient care.

Her role encompasses the leadership of clinical education programmes, workforce development initiatives, recruitment and retention strategies, succession planning, temporary staffing and rostering services. Through her work, Carol strives to create opportunities for professional growth, nurture future leaders and build a workforce that is resilient, capable and prepared to meet the evolving needs of patients and healthcare services.

Dr Anne O'Brien is a part-time Senior Health Researcher in the CeNREE team. An AHP by background, Anne is working with the CeNREE team to attract and engage nurses, midwives and AHPs in research across the Trust. She looks forward to working with all teams to help develop ideas and enhance current research capacity.

Anne completed her NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellowship in 2023 having completed a mixed methods study. Previously she undertook an MPhil when she was principal investigator of a randomised controlled trial evaluating an exercise intervention. She continues to publish and disseminate her research internationally and she has authored six chapters in textbooks. In April 2026 Anne was awarded the prestigious Droitwich medal from the British Society of Rheumatology for lifetime services to Rheumatology practice.

Anne also works as Reader in Physiotherapy at Keele University where she works with pre-and post-registration students to deliver research projects, including with professional doctoral students. She is also co-lead for research for the UK Rheumatology Physiotherapy Professional Network.

Hazel is the Associate Professor of Maternal and Child Health and Deputy Director for Research Centre for Health Innovation (R-CHI) at University of Staffordshire and Senior Health Researcher for the Centre for NMAHP Research and Education Excellence (CeNREE) at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. Hazel previous roles include but are not limited to Research Coordinator in Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin, Ireland; Adjunct Lecturer in Paediatrics, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, Adjunct Research Follow, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland and Senior R&D Manager (Research Ethics Governance and Support Services), Strategy and Research, Health Service Executive, Ireland.

Hazel is an awarded winning researcher (findings implemented into clinical practice), investigator for international and national studies and supports home grown research (mentoring both staff and students). Hazel is the co-author on the ‘The Whitehouse Report: Review of research nursing and midwifery structures, strategies and sharing of learning across the UK and Ireland in 2017’, sponsored by the then Chief Nursing Officer for England, Jane Cummings.

Hazel is a published author (including and Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group) and reviewer for medical, nursing and midwifery journals. Hazel also reviews grant applications and sat on the HRA’s London – South East Research Ethics Committee. Hazel is an invited speaker (including keynote) and guest panellist. Hazel has co-organised annual conference and study days as well as other workshops. Hazel also develops accredited, and teaches, research courses in additional to co-authoring research resources.

Caroline Brown, AHP Lead Workforce & Education

Christopher Murray is an Academic Development Officer working in UHNM’s Centre for NMAHP Research and Education Excellence. He supports staff who are interested in developing study ideas, becoming research active or applying for research funding.

Christopher can help colleagues refine research questions, discuss appropriate methods and develop robust, feasible study designs. He also provides support with funding applications, qualitative methods, evidence reviews, research costing, ethics applications and can advise on the steps needed to move an initial idea towards a successful research proposal.

Alongside individual support, Christopher delivers academic development workshops, mentors Chief Nurse Fellows and leads the Trust’s Research Ambassador Network. He works with colleagues at all stages of their research journey, including those exploring research for the first time.

As an Academic Development Officer, Natasha is enthusiastic about encouraging a culture of research throughout UHNM.

Natasha has a background in Sport and Exercise Science with extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, culminating in five years of clinical research experience in a rehabilitative environment, specifically within the ICU and amputee populations.

Natasha is strongly interested in physical activity and rehabilitation in clinical populations.

Natasha is delighted to support and engage with NMAHPs in their research projects and is available to chat informally.

James Geis, AHP Lead Clinical Placement Facilitator

Paul Broad, Legacy Mentor

Claire Rae is a Speech and Language Therapist at UHNM, and is also an NIHR Developing Research Leader and Care Group Research & Education Co-lead.  Claire has developed her research skills through NIHR awards including a West Midlands CRN Personal Development Award, the Associate PI Scheme, an NIHR Predoctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship (PCAF) including a Masters in Clinical Research, and an NIHR Internship (Practitioner Academic Pathway) and is working on funding applications to continue research into communication skills in the acute stages after traumatic brain injury.

Claire is an Advanced Speech and Language Therapist, leading the SLT service for Hyper-acute Specialised Rehabilitation at UHNM and co-ordinating student placements for the SLT team.  Claire has clinical expertise in neuro rehabilitation, tracheostomy, complex dysphagia and communication and prolonged disorders of consciousness.  

As a Developing Research Leader and Care Group Research & Education Co-lead, Claire is focussing on workstreams to grow research capacity, capability and culture across all AHP professions at UHNM and for the Clinical and Scientific Services Care Group.

Angela currently works as a Consultant Midwife and holds honorary lectureships at the Universities of Keele and Manchester.  During a midwifery career spanning almost 30 years, Angela has strived to provide and promote evidence-based care, leading several service improvement projects in clinical practice to achieve this.  During one such project, Angela identified a clinical issue around delayed and missed diagnosis of postpartum haemorrhage. 

After securing funding from the National Institute for Health Research, Angela went on to explore this issue, and develop her research knowledge and skills, through a Master of Research degree and PhD.  The research led to a clearer understanding of clinical decision-making during blood loss and made recommendations for how to address the issues.  The findings have been translated back into clinical practice through publications, presentations and the co-creation of the Maternity Simulation Game, which provides a novel, board-game approach to facilitating human factors and non-technical skills training for maternity staff. 

As an experienced clinician, researcher and educator, Angela is ideally placed to support other health professionals embarking on their own clinical academic careers and in developing their own clinically focused research questions that will inform evidence-based care of the future.

Joko is a Registered Nurse with a background in Acute Medicine. She began her nursing career in UHNM in 2017 as a Staff Nurse in the AMU. Throughout her career, she has held several clinical and leadership roles, including Junior Sister in SSU, Quality Nurse in the FEAU, before progressing to become the Lead Professional Nurse Advocate within CeNREE. Alongside her substantive role, Joko has been appointed as the Black and Minority Ethnic Strategic Advisory Group Clinical Fellow to the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England Midlands, providing strategic leadership and contributing to regional initiatives that promote equality, inclusion, workforce development, and improved experiences for ethnic minority healthcare professionals.

In 2023, Joko was selected as part of the inaugural cohort of the Chief Nurse Fellowship Programme by CeNREE, a transformational experience that strengthened her leadership capabilities, increased her confidence, and equipped her to drive meaningful change across UHNM. As part of the fellowship, Joko led a project focused on promoting the career progression of Global Majority nurses. The project gained significant recognition and was presented at both the UHNM Annual Showcase and the HSJ Conference, where it won First Place for Poster Presentation at both events. Her work also received further recognition when she won the Inclusion Category Award at the 2026 UHNM A Night of Stars Awards.

Driven by her passion for advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion in nursing, Joko successfully secured the prestigious Michelle Cox RCN Foundation Anti-Racism Award, which included a £2,500 grant to support her work exploring equality in nursing. The findings and recommendations from the project informed the successful delivery of a Global Majority Nursing Conference, bringing together speakers, allies, and healthcare leaders from within and beyond the organisation to share knowledge, inspire action, and promote equitable opportunities for all. The impact of this work continues to grow. The project findings have been shared with the RCN, accepted for presentation at the National Ward and Team Leaders Conference, and submitted as an abstract for the WHO Europe Global Expo 2027.

Today, Joko serves as the Lead PNA and Co-Chair of the Ethnic Diversity Network at UHNM. Through these roles, she champions staff wellbeing, career progression, inclusion, retention, and professional development. She has supported numerous staff members through Restorative Clinical Supervision , interview preparation, leadership development, career coaching, and professional advocacy, helping colleagues realise their full potential and thrive within their careers.

Joko holds both a BSc and MSc in Nursing and is currently preparing to embark on a PhD, further building her contribution to nursing leadership, workforce development, inclusion, and health equity. She firmly believes that the work of the Professional Nurse Advocate and the Ethnic Diversity Network are closely aligned in creating workplaces where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered. By investing in staff wellbeing, inclusion, retention, and career development, organisations can improve staff experience and ultimately deliver safer, more effective, and compassionate patient care.

Joko is passionate about inspiring people, creating opportunities, and leading positive change through compassion, inclusion, advocacy, and leadership. She believes that meaningful change begins with a clear vision, supported by action, collaboration, and the courage to challenge barriers. Her aim is to empower individuals, influence systems, and create environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to

reach their full potential. Through her work as a Professional Nurse Advocate, Ethnic Diversity Network Co-Chair, and regional clinical fellow, Joko is committed to developing people, advancing equality, improving staff wellbeing, and creating a healthcare workforce that reflects and serves its communities.

Personal Motto:

"See the dream. Believe in the dream. Live the dream. Inspire others to do the same."

Erica works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in the Emergency Department at UHNM, having worked as a nurse within Emergency medicine for over 25 years. Erica was amongst the first ACP's to credential with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and now sits on the national RCEM ACP forum.

As part of her advanced practice role Erica has gained experience as a Principal investigator for research studies and collaborated on other studies within the emergency medicine speciality and is a member of the NIHR EC incubator group and the National Major Trauma Nursing Group Research subgroup.

Erica has successfully secured a place on the National Institute for Health and Care Research Senior Research Leaders Programme 2026-2029 in order to support Emergency Department advanced practitioners to evidence their research pillar of practice. This will support nurses within the emergency department to increase their confidence in research and to increase research participation within the emergency department.

Erica will also be working as part of the Care Group Research leads team to grow research capacity, capability and culture across all professions at UHNM within the unplanned care group.