SoR Leadership Mentoring Scheme

Mentor Profiles 2023-2024

• Christine Heales

  Title, first name and surname: Dr Christine Heales

  Geographic region: South West

  Name of workplace: University of Exeter

  Position: Deputy Head of Department, Department of Health and Care Professions Head of Medical Imaging
  Senior Lecturer

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 

  PgC and Open Module MRI reporting (head and spine)
  PhD Physics
  PgC Academic Practice
  PgC MRI
  MSc Medical Imaging
  DCR(R)

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
  I’m currently in a leadership role within the Department of Health and Care Professions at the University of Exeter. Before that I was the Principal Radiographer of a busy MRI department for a few years, which built on prior experience of being a Deputy Superintendent Radiographer of a scanning centre, and various Senior Radiographer roles.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):

  Within my current role at the University, I undertake a variety of mentoring activities including mentoring colleagues new to university life, or who are coming into departmental or educational leadership roles. I also undertake personal tutoring, project supervision, and support post-graduate students on their PhDs / Doctorates.

  Within clinical roles I’ve mentored colleagues new to the department, or new to modality leadership roles elsewhere in the Imaging Department, as well as providing clinical supervision of radiographers new to MRI and student radiographers.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  I found the learning curve when I moved into my leadership role within the MRI department to be very steep but ultimately, I found the role very rewarding. I’d therefore like to be able to utilise my experiences to be able to support other radiographers interested in, or within, leadership roles. I do believe leadership is a skill that can be developed to the benefit of radiographers as well as patients and service users. I would really appreciate the opportunity to be able to mentor individuals who are going to be part of our next generation of radiography leaders.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?

  I’d like the mentee to understand the nature of the mentoring relationship including scope and boundaries, and to have a clear idea of what outcome(s) they’d like to achieve from the mentoring relationship. I’d also like them to be proactive e.g., by thinking about topics for discussion. I’d also encourage them to be open and honest for example if our pairing as mentor and mentee isn’t being effective and / or beneficial for them.

  Download mentor profile. 

• Clare Hartill

  Title, first name and surname: Mrs Clare Hartill

  Geographic region: North London

  Name of workplace: The Royal Free London

  Position: Head of Radiotherapy

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
  BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
  Management in a crisis (COVID)
  Workforce planning
  Service development and expansion
  Compassionate leadership
  The development of radiographers as professionals

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):

  Mentor to a radiographer mentee in the Pilot Leadership Mentor Scheme
  Informal mentoring of all grade of radiographic staff throughout my career

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  I feel that radiographers have little opportunity to develop leadership skills in terms of service management, even if it is a route that they want to take.  We allow radiographers to assume leadership and service management roles with little training or support so I wanted to be part of a program that will change this situation and better prepare our future leaders.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  To be fully engaged in the process and to come ready to learn and be learnt from.

  Download mentor profile. 

• Clare Simcock

  Title, first name and surname: Mrs Clare Simcock, BSc (Hons), MSc

  Geographic region: London

  Name of workplace: Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  Position: Lead Radiographer

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
  BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, MSc Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MRI)
  Visiting lecturer at City University, University of Suffolk, University of Hertfordshire, University College, Dublin.
  Clinical area of expertise: PaediatricMRI

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:

  Workforce planning
  Compassionate leadership
  Advanced Practise development for Radiographers
  Operational management
  Strategic development of paediatric imaging services
  Imaging department design for children and young people
  Quality Improvement
  QSI accreditation- 10 years experience as accredited department.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
  Formal mentor for Great Ormond Street Hospital Trust as part of the trust wide mentorship scheme 2021- Present

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  Support for Radiographers embarking on leadership roles to enable development of the next generation of professional Lead Radiographers. I have worked alongside some inspirational leaders and understand the impact mentorship can bring. To enhance the profile of the paediatric radiographer.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?

  A passion for the profession and an ambition to raise the profile of the Radiographer through their own future career path. To have an enquiring mind and be open to change to allow them to reach their full potential.

  Download mentor profile.

• David White

  Title, first name and surname: Mr David White 

  Geographic region: Coventry

  Name of workplace: University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

  Position: Head of Operations - Imaging

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 

  MSc in Behavioural Biology and Healthcare, University of Surrey
  Continuing Education Diploma Technical Management of Scientific Departments
  Management Diploma of the College of Radiographers
  Diploma of the College of Radiographers
  UHCW Coaching Academy Level 5 Training (Accreditation Pending)

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management: 

  I provide professional leadership and am responsible and accountable for the operational management, financial resources and engagement of Imaging services. In addition, I manage the overall performance and transformation delivery within Imaging and I am actively involved in the strategy, decision making and coordination of imaging services activities, clinical workload, waiting lists and working arrangements.

  I work with my team to deliver an optimal patient-centred service whilst continually developing new and innovative business management systems to maximise the organisational efficiency and effectiveness of the service.

  I am a leader with strong communication and organisational skills gained from extensive clinical and managerial experience. I use structured thinking and am committed to the clinical service needs of patients and staff. I’m not afraid to challenge and lead with enthusiasm and direction to achieve the desired objectives. I work as part of a team, using a peer support structure, sometimes under great pressure where flexibility and initiative are essential.

  Foremost, I enjoy my role, I don't take myself too seriously and I am proud in being a Diagnostic Radiographer.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor): 

  Participated in the UHCW Coaching Academy, to level 5. Accreditation (delayed due to the pandemic) is expected in 2022.

  I have coached on a one-to-one basis, as well as peer-to-peer coaching since 2020. I regularly received supervision during this period.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme? 
  Pass on knowledge, skills and experiences as a Radiographer with over 35 years of working in the NHS.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  Developing the next generation of professional senior managers in Imaging.

  Download mentor profile.

• Helen White

  Title, first name and surname: Helen P white

  Geographic region: West Midlands

  Name of workplace: Birmingham City University

  Position: College Lead for AHP Practice Quality

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: BSc Hons Therapeutic Radiography; PGDip Clinical Oncology; Masters in Education (Leadership & Management); PGCert Research in Practice. Doctorate in Health (student on going)

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:

  15 years of experience as Head of Radiography within a University, with educational professional and strategic oversight for therapeutic radiography, diagnostic radiography and ultrasound education, and including line management. This includes therefore expertise in professional development of individuals and working to meet the requirements of the future, as well as procurement, finances, systems and processes.

  Compassionate and people focussed leadership; I believe in people.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
  
  I am a personal tutor for students and a supervisor for research students at BSc and MSc level. I support formally and informally team members internally to the University, and also externally, in their career intentions and advocate for them.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  I'd like the opportunity to see the profession through the eyes of someone who is a leader of the future, and enable them to share in some of the experiences and knowledges I have gained along my own journey so that they can take the world by storm and be a positive force for good in the world of radiography (of all types).

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  I would like them to have enthusiasm for the profession(s) and share open communication about their thoughts so that we can both learn from the experience. I would like them to be reflective on their own hopes and fears, as well as where they think I could best offer support and mentorship to enable them to be the best they can be, in whatever they would like to be or do. Id like them to be ready to be challenged and be challenging.

  Download mentor profile. 

• Jill Mckenna

  Title, first name and surname: Mrs Jill McKenna

  Geographic region: North East

  Name of workplace: Rutherford Diagnostics

  Position: Chief AHP, Head of Imaging and Operations

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
  BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging MSc Medical Imaging (MRI) Pgc Clinical Leadership including coaching

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
  Change Management, collaborative working, start-up innovation, professional lead, modality expert and pre-treatment superintendent in Radiotherapy (as a diagnostic Radiographer)

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
  Student mentor, clinical supervisor, staff mentor.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  Impart knowledge and experience of leadership and the profession to up and coming leaders. Allow others to reach their full potential.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  A fantastic resource for our profession to gain the ability to question and gain experience from others. It is a privilege to be part of the pilot.
  
  Download mentor profile.

• Karen Glencross

  Title, first name and surname: Karen Glencross

  Geographic region: South Yorkshire

  Name of workplace: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  Position: Medical Imaging Manager

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
  Post graduate certificate in Mammographic Studies 2006
  Higher Diploma of the College of Radiographers 1988-1991
  Certificate of Competence in Mammography 1990
  Diploma of the College of Radiographers 1982

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
  I am currently responsible for the operational management support of all Medical Imaging to ensure safe, efficient & cost-effective service delivery and provides overall leadership support to around 400 clinical, technical, administrative and support staff. Medical Imaging are accredited under QSI.

  I have introduced secondments for advanced and clinical practice roles and am passionate about developing interesting career pathways across imaging to allow staff to reach their full potential.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
  Line manager for imaging modality managers, clinical specialist, advanced practitioners and operational mangers within medical imaging.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  As I approach retirement, I would like to encourage the personal and professional development of future radiography leaders. I hope by fostering positive relationships with mentees and being able to support them with the challenges they are facing I will also learn from them. I think the scheme will improve my understanding of the younger generation and be mutually beneficial in developing network and communication skills. 

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  That they are proactive, positive and engaged with the scheme. They should be open to feedback and willing to collaborate on ideas and suggestions. It would be helpful if they had a goal or challenge in mind. 

  Download mentor profile. 

• Kerry Mills

  Title, first name and surname: Mrs Kerry Anne Mills 

  Geographic region: National level of employment but Southwest home based.

  Name of workplace: Workforce, Training and Education Directorate, NHS England

  Position: National Programme Lead – Cancer and Diagnostics

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 

  BSc (hons) Diagnostic Radiography
  ILM level 3 Leadership and management
  PgCert Emergency Care Practitioner
  PgCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
  MSc Professional Development
  Professional Doctorate (Health and Social care) – 2^nd year of study

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:

  • Provide clinical & professional leadership to education and training policy, regulations, standards, reform and delivery.
  • Regional and National leadership experience
  • Capable of leading transformational change outside of own organisation to generate successful outcomes across systems.
  • Highly skilled communicator at all levels and for all audiences able to provide and receive, convey and present highly complex and potentially contentious information to large groups, responding to questions to ensure full understanding and engagement.
  • Expert influencer.
  • Successful negotiator displaying high levels of political astuteness to achieve outcomes in difficult and contentious situations.
  • Capable of effective strategic planning over medium to long term timeframes adjusting and planning resourcing accordingly.
  • Demonstrable experience in decision making in complex environments across a range of national initiatives and programmes.
  • Knowledge of central government, especially the Department of Health, Royal Colleges and other ALBs, as the levers of influence and decision making.
  • Knowledge of NHSE decision and governance procedures both nationally and at local level

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):

  Local level as a clinical practice educator – informal and formal
  Academic level as a personal tutor – informal and formal
  National level as a line manager – informal and formal

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?

  To develop my own skills as a mentor

  To support others leadership ambitions through my own experiences and insight

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  Trust, respect, integrity, authenticity, and a genuine interest in their own leadership development.

  Dowload mentor profile.

• Paula Brown

  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.

  Download mentor profile.

• Penny Owens

  Title, first name and surname: Penny Owens

  Geographic region: Midlands

  Name of workplace: University Hospitals Of Derby and Burton NHS FT.

  Position: Specialist Advisor

  Qualifications (professional and/or academic) and field of study: 
  FCR, MSc (public sector management – university of Aston Business school) , HDCR, DRNI, Clinical Instructors cert. Trust mentor training, Trust coaching training.

  Area(s) of expertise in leadership/management:
  Corporate-level experience in regard to the following areas: management of change, leadership development, quality & governance, leading across boundaries in both NHS and Independent Healthcare sector environments.

  Mentoring experience.  This can be formal or informal.  In what capacity was mentoring delivered? (e.g. personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, PhD supervisor):
  MSc mentoring, career advisory experience within radiography and across the other AH and nursing professions. Currently provide a wide range of mentoring and coaching within the NHS and Independent healthcare sector organisations for aspiring and incumbent leaders programmes.

  What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring scheme?
  The satisfaction of passing the baton to the next generation of healthcare leaders.

  What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme?
  That the mentee wishes to use the programme for support and development. This would be demonstrated by commitment to the programme and completing the cycle.

  Download mentor profile.