SoR Leadership Mentoring Scheme
Increasing leadership skills across the UK
Increasing leadership skills across the UK
The Leadership Mentoring Scheme is designed to support members who wish to move into senior leadership roles.
The scheme will facilitate a cohort of mentees who will receive one to one mentoring from senior leaders within our profession.
The scheme aims to equip mentees with leadership and management skills, increased personal and professional confidence and professional networking.
In addition to attending pre-launch training and the launch event, both of which are mandatory (see key dates below), successful candidates will be expected to join the training and networking events throughout the course of the scheme.
Alexandra Lipton took to the stage at UKIO 2024 to speak about the Leadership and Mentoring Scheme. Sharing what it entails and how it can prepare & develop staff across the profession who desire to advance into more senior roles.
Alex also calls upon members of the 2024 cohort to share their experience of the Leadership and Mentoring Scheme.
A reminder of key dates and events for those participating in the current scheme.
| Session | Date | Location |
| Setting expectations briefing | Tuesday 21 October 2025 Mentees:10:00 -11:00 Mentors:11:15 - 11:45 | Virtual |
| Pre-launch mentee training | Tuesday 4 November 2025 10:00-11:30 | Virtual |
| Pre-launch mentor training | Wednesday 5 November 2025 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual |
| In-person launch event | Thursday 13 November 2025 | SoR | CoR HQ (London, SE1 2EW) |
Title, first name and surname: Mrs Elizabeth Ladd (Lizzy)
Geographic region: South West
Name of workplace: NHS England (South West)
Position: Head of Imaging
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: BSc Radiography (Diagnostic), MSc Healthcare Leadership
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
• Previous radiology manager
• Working at regional level
Mentoring experience:
Informal – clinical supervision
Formal – Pilot Leadership Mentoring Scheme for SoR (Mentor)
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
Develop as a mentor, supporting others with their development and encouragement to grow.
Provide support and share experiences to bring different perspective and insight.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
To be open and share their experiences and aspirations. Understand what they are hoping to gain from this scheme and what they are prepared to commit to. Commit to sessions that they agree to and be prepared to learn about themselves and develop and understanding of what it like to be on the receiving end of themselves.
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Title, first name and surname: Mrs Fiona Thow
Geographic region: Yorkshire
Name of workplace: Review & Redesign Solutions Ltd.(Healthcare Consultancy Business)
Position: Managing Director (Owner)
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study:
DCR (R), P G Cert Healthcare Management (Distinction), Master of Business Administration (MBA), P G Cert (Primary Education)
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
Operational Management, Quality Improvement, Programme Management, Policy Development, Senior Leadership roles across healthcare (diagnostics, patient safety, consultancy, genomics)
Mentoring experience. This can be formal or informal. In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
Mentoring of less experienced staff (for colleagues), mentoring of team members, coaching of staff in quality improvement, completed barefoot coaching short course.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
To gain more formal experience of coaching and share my network and experiences to support others on their career journey.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
To engage fully with the opportunity and to be open minded.
Title, first name and surname: Mr James Triscott
Geographic region: Wales
Name of workplace: NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
Position: Programme Manager, National Imaging Programme
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study:
MSc Radiography / PgD Image Interpretation - University of Hertfordshire
BSc Diagnostic Radiography – University of Wales College of Medicine
NVQ Level 5 Management
NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
Change Management
Motivation
Coaching
Listening
Planning/Strategy/Service Improvement
Operational Management
Quality and Governance
Mentoring experience: I have had mentoring in both formal and informal settings – as part of management courses and qualifications, and also having sought advice from a previous Chief Executive I ended up with regular informal mentorship from him for 6 months.
I have mentored many staff and colleagues over periods of time, all informal.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
Keeping involved with services.
Share experiences.
Giving back to the imaging community – caring about the next generations success.
Learning new skills and information from the mentee.
Creating positive relationships that can be utilised over the coming years.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
Positive working relationship.
Identifies goals and gaps.
Open to advice – but willing to rebuff if disagree with what discussed.
Good communicator.
Trust.
Willing to ask questions.
Title, first name and surname: Kim Hutchings
Geographic region: London/South East
Name of workplace: Various including: NHS Providers / independent leadership consultant and mentor
/Lymington New Forest Hospital (Southern Health NHS FT) / and as an independent forensic
radiographer
Position: Various including: Development & Governance Advisor /Radiographer/ Leadership mentor
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study:
- Diploma Of the College of Radiographers DCR(R)
- Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers (HDCR)
- MSc Health Services Management
- Postgraduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificates in Health Services Management
- City & Guilds Further & Adult Education Teaching certificate
- College of Radiographers Clinical Tutor’s Certificate
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
Various including as:
- Head of Development and Engagement, NHS Providers (the membership and leadership
organisation for NHS provider trust boards of directors)
- Head of Imaging Services /senior clinical lead (NHS trust)
- NHS General Management positions in Clinical Support Services and Medical Specialities
- Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, NHS trust/foundation trust
- Examination review group member for the International Qualifying Scheme for company
secretaries and governance professionals, Corporate Governance Institute (formerly
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators)
Mentoring experience: A leadership and management career spanning over 30 years with experience of mentoring colleagues from junior clinical and managerial level through to senior hospital board directors and an active professional interest in educational and professional development with experience
of mentoring students at undergraduate and Masters level as:
- Head of Development and Engagement, NHS Providers
- Mentor for postgraduate health services management students
Professional Mentoring Scheme, City University of London
- CV reviewer/advisor, Young Women’s Trust
- Visiting lecturer, City University Diagnostic Imaging Masters Programme
- Visiting associate, Cranfield University Forensic Institute
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
A two-way professional learning relationship and to give radiographers confidence to reach
their leadership potential within the radiographic profession and to realise the breadth of
career opportunities open to them beyond radiographic management.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
Active participation in the scheme with open and honest two-way communication.
Title, first name and surname: Mrs Kirsty Wood
Geographic region: Midlands
Name of workplace: Leeds Trinity University
Position: Associate Professor - Lead for Allied Health Professions
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study:
Qualifications: BSc (hons) Diagnostic Radiographer
PG Cert Medical Image Reporting
PG Cert Teaching in Higher Education (FHEA)
MSc Health and Social Care
Professional Doctorate in Health and Social care- currently undergoing
Area of research: relationship between radiologists and reporting radiographers in image reporting teams.
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
Module and programme leader at the University of Derby. 2 years as Assistant Head of Discipline (Diagnostic Radiography, Operating Department Practice and Osteopathy), plus 6 months as interim Head of Discipline. During this time I was also the chair of the College Awarding gap Group, which made changes at an institutional level.
During my time as a leader, I managed several academics at various stages of their academic career. I supported and co-led our team through the impact of COVID.
In my current role I am currently the lead for Allied Health professions, and my role is to develop an AHP portfolio of programmes considering the national and regional strategies alongside the ambitions and ethos of my institution. I lead colleagues that deliver Health and Social Care and Social Work programmes, and lead team of academic and professional services colleagues of all grades and experience.
Mentoring experience.
I have had several mentoring roles. In an academic capacity I have been a personal tutor, and a supervisor for undergraduate dissertations. I have been a supervisor for several Masters level dissertations, including in the areas of public health and health and social care, as well as radiography.
I have mentored new staff members into new higher education roles. Some experienced academics and some new to academia.
I my previous clinical role, I was the lead for students and was also an individual and group clinical supervisor within the trust.
I have also had the good fortune to have been supported by excellent mentors throughout my journey, which has enabled me to reflect on what I can offer as a mentor.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
I hope to pay forward to excellent support and mentorship I have received in my own development. I have been very fortunate to have been guided by a number of skilful colleagues and managers who have supported me to become the leader that I am. Initially, I was an apprehensive leader, unsure of whether I had the backbone to be in leadership. I was supported and learnt lessons about resilience along my journey. I have focused on people and how to enable them to give their best. I receive high praise for my leadership style.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
I hope to be able to support a radiography colleague on their own leadership journey. To be a trusted guide, as they find their way on their leadership journey. I hope that this will empower my radiography colleagues and support the development of our wonderful profession.
Title, first name and surname: Mrs Paula Brown
Geographic region: East Midlands
Name of workplace: Radiotherapy Department, Lincoln County Hospital
Position: Radiotherapy Services Manager
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: BSc(hons) Radiotherapy, ISO 9001 Advanced lead auditor, EGA Masters in healthcare leadership, mental health first aider
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:Impact and influence, motivation, QI change, people management/HR processes
Mentoring experience. This can be formal or informal. In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
All informal: Clinical supervisor for MSc modules, careers support for staff, student mentor, mentor for mental health support.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme? To pass on tips and knowledge to aid with succession planning for the future of the profession to ensure that the future leaders are well prepared and confident in the roles they apply for.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?To be curious, enthusiastic, questioning and willing to go outside of their comfort zone to achieve their goals.
Title, first name and surname: Peter Sharpe
Geographic region: South West
Name of workplace: InHealth
Position: Business Development Director - PET-CT
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: BSc DCR DMS FCR FBIR
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management: I have worked at senior management and at board level, for international healthcare providers, the NHS and not for profit organisations. For the last 14 years I was Chief Executive of Cobalt Health, a medical charity providing diagnostic imaging to supporting the NHS across the UK. During my career, I have gained a range of experience in leadership and management, including finance, business development, people management and governance, from managing the UK division of a large USA healthcare provider to running a small imaging charity. My professional interest has been education and research, I was President of the British Institute of Radiology and chaired the board who organised UKRC. I have learnt a lot in my career, I have not also got everything right by any means, but I believe everyday is a school day, and have enjoyed the various challenges.
Mentoring experience:
Formally, I had mentor training when working as a senior manager within the NHS.
Informally, I have enjoyed supporting a range of colleagues undertaking post graduate
studies and general personal development. I have just completed the LMS3 programme as a mentor. I have I also supported mentor programmes when working as a senior manager within the NHS.Informally, I have enjoyed supporting a range of colleagues undertaking post graduate
studies and general personal development.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
I have been fortunate in my career to be supported by so many inspirational leaders, who
have given their time to help me develop my career. I want to give something back and
continue to support the profession with the experience have developed.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
I want to be able to help the mentee grow professionally by sharing my experience and
knowledge.
Title, first name and surname: Mrs Sam Bennett
Geographic region: South East (Oxford)
Name of workplace: GenesisCare Oxford
Position: Clinical Services Lead, Radiotherapy
Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study:
BSc(Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of Hertfordshire, 2010-2013
PGCert Radiotherapy and Oncology, Merit, Sheffield Hallam University
September 2017-2018
Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
Extensive expertise in clinical leadership and management within both clinical and nonclinical settings, particularly in radiotherapy and oncology services. With over seven years of leadership experience, including a recent role as Clinical Service Lead at GenesisCare, leading the radiotherapy services, including MR Linac, Conventional Linac, and stereotactic radiosurgery. My leadership acumen encompasses operational excellence, compliance, governance, audit and service development, with a focus on integrated staffing and team engagement. I have consistently driven improvements in cultural and job satisfaction among teams while successfully launching new clinical services and meeting business objectives.
Mentoring experience:
Mentoring has been delivered in both formal and informal capacities throughout my career.
As Lead Therapy Radiographer and Clinical Service Manager, they have played a pivotal role
in the development, behavioural management, and mentorship of radiographers and other
clinical staff. I am a dedicated Mentor to our GenesisCare radiographer leadership team and
have developed an “in house” leadership programme. My approach to mentoring includes
training team members to ensure high levels of competence and compassion, significantly
contributing to the success of the services.
What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
Through participation in this mentoring scheme, I aim to leverage my extensive experience
in radiotherapy and oncology leadership to support the professional development of
emerging radiographers and healthcare leaders. I seek to contribute to the growth and
enhancement of clinical services by sharing best practices in operational excellence, clinical
governance, and team management. Additionally, I aspire to further refine my own
leadership skills, stay abreast of emerging trends in the field, and foster a collaborative
network of professionals dedicated to improving patient care and service delivery within
radiotherapy and oncology.
What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
I expect my mentee to demonstrate a strong commitment to their professional development
and a proactive approach to learning. I value mentees who are open to feedback, eager to
engage in meaningful discussions, and willing to apply shared insights to their own practice.
Furthermore, I expect mentees to set clear goals, actively participate in the mentoring
process, and exhibit dedication to enhancing their leadership and clinical competencies. I
also appreciate mentees who bring fresh perspectives and are motivated to contribute
positively to their teams and the broader healthcare environment.
Celebrating the end of the second iteration of the Leadership Mentoring Scheme, mentors and mentees gathered at the SoR | CoR HQ on September 18, 2024, for a day of inspiring presentations by mentees and a mentor Q&A session.
Below, you can watch recordings of interviews conducted by Steering Group member Alison Hewitt, where participants share their experiences in the Leadership Mentoring Scheme (LMS).
LMS2 Celebratory Event |
Louise Taylor interview with Alison Hewitt
Within this video, Alison speaks to Louise Taylor who is a Treatment Lead at the Stoke on Trent Hospital and shares how she became a radiographer and how LMS has benefited her career journey and current role.
LMS2 Celebratory Event |
Jamie Beck interview with Alison Hewitt
Alison speaks to Jamie Beck who is an Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Bradford. Jamie explains how he got involved with the Leadership Mentoring Scheme. He also shares how LMS helped him improve his weaknesses and become aware of key areas he needed to focus on.
LMS2 Celebratory Event |
Jill McKenna interview with Alison Hewitt
Within this video, Alison speaks to Louise Taylor who is a Treatment Lead at the Stoke on Trent Hospital. Louise shares how she became a radiographer and how LMS has benefited her.
We have a range of photos captured at the LMS celebration day that took place at the SoR | CoR HQ in September 2024 to commemorate the end of cohort 4.
We also have headshot of mentors and mentees that was taken on the day. If you had a headshot taken and would like to receive it, please send a request email to the Digital team with 'LMS Headshot' as the bio.
Self-Assessment
A useful exercise for mentees would be to assess their leadership skills before and after the pilot; one such assessment tool is provided by the NHS Leadership Academy Healthcare leadership model self-assessment tool.
NHS Leadership Development Programmes
If you would like to learn more about leadership, there are a number of resources at the NHS Leadership Academy. The following leadership programmes are available:
Setting direction in a mentoring relationship
In this blog post, Coach Mentoring Ltd, outline why setting direction is critical to an effective mentoring relationship.