The Society of Radiographers has officially inaugurated its new president Rachel Nolan, during a ceremony at the Museum of Zoology in Cambridge.
Rachel was inducted as president on Wednesday 1 July to start her year-long term in the role. She currently works as assistant professional lead for diagnostic imaging services at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust.
Over the course of her term, Rachel will be leading a campaign to promote professionalism across radiography, and help staff to maintain the highest standards of quality care.
Passion for professionalism
Rachel trained as a radiographer at the Lincolnshire School of Radiography and qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 1989, before undertaking the first PGCert in sonography in the country at the University of Derby.
During her inauguration speech, Rachel shared her passion for professionalism and emphasised the importance of supporting radiographers in treating their patients with care and sensitivity.
She said: “Radiography is not just about images and treatment— it is about people. Professionalism means putting patients at the centre of everything we do. That includes clear communication, compassion and cultural sensitivity. Patients may only see us for a short time, but for them, it can be a stressful or frightening moment. A professional radiographer recognises that small actions—explaining a procedure, offering reassurance, protecting dignity—can profoundly shape a patient’s experience.”
Over the course of her career as a radiographer, Rachel has served as a member of the Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Group, worked as an SoR representative for the Eastern region, and has also previously survived a cancer diagnosis.
“During my cancer surgery and treatment, I met so many amazing, dedicated people,” she said. “It also gave me an insight into the therapeutic side of the profession which I don’t think I’d properly considered before.”
She said that having survived her diagnosis, she felt she wanted to do more, prompting her to run for Eastern region representative and, ultimately, vice president of the SoR.
Championing the profession
Speeches were also made by outgoing SoR president Katie Thompson, and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) chair Christine Elliott,
Christine said: “It is a genuine pleasure to be here with you all, not only to welcome Rachel Nolan as your new president, but to mark a good day for everyone at the Society, and for the wider profession.
“Over the years, the HCPC has worked closely with the SoR and its members to shape what we do. We value that, and we intend to keep it. [Radiographers] are not a footnote, are not anonymous, and they are certainly not insignificant. They are the people behind so many of the scans, the treatments, the moments of care this country depends on.
“If you want to see championing [of the profession] over the years, look no further than the Society. Both Katie and Rachel have campaigned tirelessly for the regulation of sonography.
"Let’s keep working together to support those we regulate, to support the extraordinary work done across this profession, and always to keep the public safe.”
Awards and recognition
During the event, SoR CEO Richard Evans awarded Fellowships of the College of Radiographers (CoR) to five members in attendance.
The Fellowship of the College of Radiographers is an honorary title bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the radiographic profession, such as promotion of the science and practice of diagnostic imaging or radiotherapy, trade union and industrial relations activities at all levels, contributions to the professional development and welfare of colleagues, and more.
Awardees included:
- Andy Creeden, lead chest reporting radiographer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, for his work on the NG tube pathway for radiographers, and his work as the inaugural Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Group Chair
- Claire Borrelli, head of education and clinical training at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for her contribution to breast imaging and her leadership in the field
- Dr Marcus Jackson, associate professor and divisional lead in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiography at City St George’s University of London, for his extensive work supporting the College as former chair of the CoR Board and his continuing efforts beyond that role
- Dr Christina Malamateniou, associate professor and director of the CRRAG Research group in radiography at City St. George’s University of London, for her significant support of innovation, which has garnered international recognition on the subject of AI, and her founding of the Formal Radiography Research Mentoring Scheme
- Tom Welton, lead practice educator in radiology at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, for his work on UK Council and as the 87th president of the Society
Find out more about the SoR's UK Council and the role of the president here.
(Image: Rachel Nolan at her inauguration, by Eva Slusarek)