Advanced Clinical Practitioner | South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Claire Powlesland
Claire Powlesland is a therapeutic radiographer working as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner with a specialist interest in gynaecological cancers and the late effects of pelvic radiotherapy. As well as working clinically at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, she is also undertaking a PhD at Leeds Beckett University. Her research is focussed on co-designing services to support those living with the adverse late effects of pelvic radiotherapy.
Radiotherapy Manager | Hull University Teaching Hospitals
Clare Hutton
Clare qualified in 2000 recognising the importance of CPD commencing M level modules at SHU to underpin her clinical knowledge. In 2009, Clare completed her PGDip, then enjoyed participating in leadership courses and became involved with managerial opportunities. In March 2012, Clare was appointed to Operational Lead and in 2015 secured her Radiotherapy Manager position when she also completed her Masters in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care. Clare has also contributed to the revised TSRT coding, COR ECF and is currently working with colleagues updating the workforce recommendations. Clare is also a guest lecturer at SHU. She has recently achieved Chartered Manager status with CMI in February 2024. Clare has overseen and led on many projects in terms of workforce development, for example utilising Calderdale Framework principles after becoming a facilitator in 2016. A career pathway is in place from apprentice to consultant. The team have had a challenging time with high attrition rates. A successful international recruitment programme, previous colleagues/students returning and retention strategies have been a key priority since 2022. Clare recently become engaged with the wider AHP agenda, chairing the Hull AHP leads meetings. An organisation change has led to two Trusts becoming a group working in partnership. Clare is working closely with the AHP directors to develop a joint AHP strategy and has been appointed as the Non-Surgical Oncology divisional AHP lead. Clare is thoroughly enjoying these opportunities and this enables her to highlight the excellent work and extensive skills of therapeutic radiographers.
Specialist Clinical Officer for Radiotherapy | UK Health Security Agency
Cristíona Logan
Cristíona qualified as a therapeutic radiographer in 2005, working clinically at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. She has worked within radiotherapy, brachytherapy and radiology, in a range of roles including quality and governance lead. Her current role as specialist clinical officer for radiotherapy at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) involves contributing to the improvement of patient safety, relating to the hazards of medical exposure involving ionising radiation, within the radiotherapy clinical setting. She is a proud member of the Patient Safety in Radiotherapy (PSRT) steering group.
Network Manager | NW Radiotherapy Network
Daniel Hutton
Danny is a Therapeutic Radiographer and Network Manager for the North West Radiotherapy Network delivering NHS England's vision of world class Radiotherapy for the people of the North West.
Professional Officer for Education and Accreditation | The Society and College of Radiographers
Dr Laura Charlesworth
Laura is a Professional Officer for Education and Accreditation at the College of Radiographers. Prior to this Laura was Head of Health research at a Think Tank and Associate Professor at the University of Lincoln. She held previous positions with Public Health England, Cancer Research UK, and Sheffield Hallam University, alongside a number of other voluntary and commissioned roles throughout her career to date. Laura is a HCPC registered Therapeutic Radiographer. Laura completed her PhD in spring 2024 titled: Enabling coping in people living with cancer and severe mental illness.
Macmillan Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer for Late Effects | Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Lisa Durrant
Lisa qualified as a therapeutic radiographer in 2006, training at the University of Hertfordshire and Oxford NHS Trust. Prior to this she was a research scientist, gaining a PhD from Cardiff University in 1997 in cell biology, then working as a post-doc at the University of Oxford in immunology. She has also undertaken qualitative research looking at care delivery to people living within their own homes with chronic health problems. All of these experiences have enhanced and played a vital part in her role today. As a radiographer Lisa worked in Oxford in both early and late phase trials and was privileged to work on a Macmillan funded project looking at the late effects of radiotherapy on pelvic cancer patients. This work contributed to the publication of an important document "cured but at what cost" which has underpinned much of the development of cancer survivorship strategies. An ongoing interest in late effects attracted Lisa to Taunton. The service has since developed into the regional South-West radiographer-led late effects team supporting people living with the late consequences of cancer and treatment.
Consultant Clinical Oncologist | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Nicky Thorp
Nicky Thorp trained in medicine at the University of Leicester, graduating in 1990 and completed her specialist oncology training at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. She was appointed as a consultant clinical oncologist in 2001 at Clatterbridge with subspeciality interests in breast cancer, paediatric radiotherapy and late effects. In 2019 she took up her current post at the Christie Hospital in Manchester specialising in photon and proton beam therapy for children. Her research interests are in paediatric tumours and radiotherapy quality assurance. She was previously radiotherapy lead for the NCRI CCL CNS Subgroup and is UK radiotherapy lead for the pan-European SIOP Ependymoma II study. Nicky was Medical Director for Professional Practice for Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists from 2021 to 2024 and is Co-lead for Wellbeing at the RCR. She previously served two terms on the RCR CO Faculty Board. Nicky was Associate Medical Director at Clatterbridge between 2010 and 2016. Her roles included clinical lead for the new build Clatterbridge Cancer Centre-Liverpool. She served on the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) Executive and is past chair of the CCLG Radiotherapy and Neuro-oncology Groups. Outside of medicine, she is a trustee for the National Museums Liverpool Foundation Board and a school governor.
Head of Professional Practice and Education | The Society and College of Radiographers
Dr Rachel Harris
Rachel gained her DCR(T) in 1987 at The Portsmouth School of Radiography. In 1995, she attained an MSc in Social Research and then worked at The Plymouth Oncology Centre as the Superintendent Research Radiographer. In 2013, she attained a Doctorate in Clinical Research at The University of Exeter. She has presented at various multidisciplinary conferences at international level; the results of her work have appeared in numerous journals. In November 2003 she was awarded an honorary medal from the University of Rome and Agostino Gemelli Hospital. Rachel has been a board member of numerous scientific committees of national and international conferences. In 2000, Rachel’s name was published in Who’s Who in the World. Rachel joined the Society and College of Radiographers as a Professional Officer in May 2006 and is now the Head of Professional Practice and Education for the SCoR. In 2016 Rachel was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and often presents work from the patient perspective and describes this has having seen radiotherapy from ‘both sides now’.
Senior MR-Linac Therapeutic Radiographer | The Royal Marsden Hosptial | Sponsor: Elekta
Hosna Mohammad
Hosna has been a Therapeutic Radiographer at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust since graduating from St Georges University London, in 2021. She has since gained experience in delivering complex radiotherapy treatments and leading small teams in both conventional and advanced radiotherapy techniques. In her current role on the MR-Linac, Hosna has been involved in implementing adaptive radiotherapy protocols and translating research trials into clinical practice as part of an inter-disciplinary team. Hosna is passionate about advancing precision-driven cancer treatment and is dedicated to continuously improving patient outcomes through innovation and collaboration. She actively engages in professional development and research initiatives and her ongoing contributions continue to shape the future of adaptive radiotherapy.
Head of Radiotherapy Services | Somerset Foundation Trust
Joanne Penman
Jo is the Head of Radiotherapy Services in Somerset and one of the Clinical Leads for the South West Radiotherapy ODN. She has worked in RT since 1997 and across many parts of the UK and in Australia. Jo is passionate about evidence based developments for their patients and the strategic direction and challenges in Radiotherapy Services including transformation, workforce creativity and patient and staff safety, wellbeing and advocacy.
Advanced Practice Radiographer – Technical Lead | The Beacon Centre, Musgrove Park | Sponsor: Vision RT
Jodie Thompson
Jodie qualified as a therapeutic radiographer in 2012, having completed her studies at the University of the West of England. For the past eight years, she has led the radiotherapy treatment team as a specialist therapeutic radiographer at the Beacon Centre in Taunton. In her most recent role, she has taken the lead on quality processes within the service and has been instrumental as the project lead in the development and implementation of surface-guided radiotherapy. To further enhance her expertise, Jodie is currently pursuing an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice in Radiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University.
Therapeutic Radiographer | WAHT
Lizzie Smith
Lizzie has over a decade of experience as a Therapeutic Radiographer. Having been born, grown up, and trained in Yorkshire, she now works at an Oncology Centre in the West Midlands. Lizzie recently completed her MSc in Enhanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice and is working towards publication of her thesis. She has also won an award locally for 'Best Services for Local People', having been part of a team who create and lead Radiotherapy information open evenings. Lizzie is a patient advocate for the West Midlands Cancer Alliance following her own diagnosis and treatment of cancer in 2022. She also works with a number of blood cancer charities to create awareness of the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as mentoring those recently diagnosed, and writing their radiotherapy-specific patient materials.
Senior Lecturer | Sheffield Hallam University
Melanie Clarkson
Melanie qualified from the University of Central England in Birmingham as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1999, after completing placement at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. She spent her clinical career at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough until she left clinical practice in 2014 to become a Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). She is currently the programme lead for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) Radiotherapy and Oncology, PgC Enhanced Practice Radiotherapy and Oncology and leads the e-portfolio supported route for accreditation with the centre for advancing practice. Within the College of Radiographers, she is a member of the Radiotherapy Advisory Group (RAG), assessor and member of the Accreditation and Approval Board (AAB) and facilitator of the special interest group (SIG) for Advancing Practice in Radiography (APRAD-SIG). She is an elected committee member within the Association of Advanced Practice Educators (AAPE), representing Therapeutic Radiographers and AHPs, and the international lead for the community of practice for AAPE. Currently, she is leading on the development of the non-surgical oncology advanced practice credential, a multi-disciplinary framework to support the education and training of advanced practitioners in non-surgical oncology. She is a reviewer for the Centre of Advancing Practice, NHSe, in advancing practice credentials and programme accreditation. Melanie is a member of the International Community of Practice in Advanced Practice radiation therapy (iCoP APRT) and a member of the Council of Deans for Health Advanced Practice project group. She is also a reviewer for journals such as Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice (JRP), Technical Innovations & Patient Support in Radiation Oncology (TIPSRO) and Radiography.
Head of Radiotherapy Physics | Vice Chair of Radiotherapy Board | Mid and South Essex Foundation Hospital Trust
Nicky Whilde
Nicky has over 30 years’ experience in Radiotherapy Physics; and has embraced the journey from chinagraph outlines on physical film to AI autocontouring. She is currently Head of Radiotherapy Physics at Mid and South Essex University Hospital Trust and Chair of IPEM’s Radiotherapy Professional Standards Panel, and incoming chair of the Radiotherapy Board. Nicky has previously worked in the Far East, and in both Public and Private sector radiotherapy departments.
Associate Dean Research and Enterprise | London South Bank University
Professor Adele Stewart-Lord
Professor in Health Workforce, Adele Stewart-Lord is Associate Dean Research and Enterprise in the School of Allied and Community Health at London South Bank University. She obtained her PhD in 2012 and her current research portfolio focuses on Workforce Evaluation and Development. As a Mixed-Methods researcher, she has a diverse portfolio of research interests. Some recent research projects include 1) the evaluation of the British Society of Haematology using Whole system Workforce Modelling; 2) evaluating the use of AI technology in the diagnosis and management of cardiac disease; 3) A realist evaluation of the SWAN end-of-life care model and 4) Advance Clinical Practice evaluations amongst Allied Health Professionals. Her external activities include being reviewing for a number of peer-reviewed journals. She is an assessor for the Society and College of Radiographers and recognised as a Senior Fellow within the Higher Education Academy UK. Adele also leads the London region NHS England Integrated Clinical Academic (ICA) bridging schemes and co-leads the NIHR INSIGHT programme for South London in collaboration with King’s College London. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1594-5616
Professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology | Sheffield Hallam University
Professor Heidi Probst
Heidi qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1987 from the London Hospital, Whitechapel (UK), and worked for the NHS for 14 years where her specialist area was pre-treatment imaging. Heidi started her PhD while a clinical radiographer in Leeds, she was awarded a fellowship from the Department of Health to complete her PhD qualifying in 2002. Heidi joined Sheffield Hallam University as a senior lecturer in 2001, was appointed Reader in Radiotherapy in 2013 and Professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology in June 2015. Heidi was awarded a Fellowship from the College of Radiographers in 2015 for her contribution to the development of the profession through her research. Heidi is the founder and chair of the Breast Radiotherapy Interest Group (BRIG), a professional group for Therapeutic Radiographers (Radiation Therapists), Physicists and dosimetrists specialising in radiotherapy for breast cancer. From 2020-2023 Heidi was Director of the Health Research Institute at Hallam and in August 2023 Heidi was awarded an honorary fellowship from the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine for her contribution to research in radiotherapy. Heidi was awarded an MBE in the 2024 Kings New Year honours list for services to Radiography. Heidi led the systematic review for the current national skin care guidelines and was a member of the guideline development group. Heidi is currently chief investigator for three radiotherapy breast cancer studies: the SuPPORT 4 All (S4A) study, the Calibrate study and the Respire+ project (https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/in-action/projects/designing- a-bra-for-radiotherapy, www.respire.org.uk).
Professional Officer for Radiotherapy | The Society and College of Radiographers
Spencer Goodman
Spencer qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1994, working clinically at Coventry, Leicester and internationally in Ontario, Canada. He has been a senior lecturer / leader for an innovative pre-registration radiotherapy & oncology MSc programme to meet clinical service requirements. His current role as professional officer at the society and college of radiographers involves contributing to the development, dissemination and implementation of strategy and guidance that supports the continuing development of the profession of Radiography and implementation of patient centred care. He is a proud member of the UK Radiotherapy Board.
Head of Radiotherapy | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Suzanne Jordan
Suzi achieved 25 years in Radiotherapy last year and is still enthusiastic about the profession. After working as a treatment radiographer in departments across England and in New Zealand, she settled in the East Midlands where she continues to live and work. 6 years ago she took on the role of Head of Radiotherapy at University Hospitals of Leicester and remains in post there. Her initial passion for the implementation of new technology remains but she now has an equal drive to ensure the work environment meets the workforce needs. Outside of work, she enjoys going to music events and finding steep hills to conquer.
Lead Practice Educator Radiology | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals
Tom Welton
Tom Welton is the Northwest elected board member for the UK council and current president for the Society and College of Radiographers. A Diagnostic Radiographer by trade, his background is in CT and MRI however for the past 5 years has worked as a lead practice educator for the undergraduate programme at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. Tom has a keen interest in educational psychology and is currently completing his masters in the use of virtual reality simulation in reducing barriers in student learning. Tom has long been an industrial relations representative providing the membership a local voice in a number of system improvement projects. Within his council/presidency role, his key objectives lay around identifying communication strategies and attempting to map institutional improvements in line with the needs of the membership. Additional objectives/projects also include outreach initiatives for the public and also highlighting industrial safety mechanisms to empower the membership to provide and work in a safer workplace. Such initiatives include his ambassador role in the White Ribbon Campaign that engages men and boys to prevent violence/harassment towards women and girls.
Medical Exposures Group Leader | UK Health Security Agency
Una Findlay
With over 28 years’ experience in the field of radiotherapy, Úna has enjoyed a wide and varied career. Úna has worked across all areas of radiotherapy planning, treatment, research, lecturing and service management before taking on the first of 4 national roles. Since 2007 Úna has had a national role in improving patient safety in medical exposures with the Medical Exposures Group, UKHSA (previously HPA and PHE). The Group is tasked with assisting and supporting a range of organisations, in addressing radiological practice, radiation protection and regulatory issues which may affect patient safety. This work is multifaceted and undertaken in partnership with healthcare professionals, healthcare providers, professional bodies, government departments and agencies, regulators, international organisations and members of the public. Úna leads the multidisciplinary advisory Group, working across clinical imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. The Group provide the scientific secretariat and the support the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee. Úna has been invited to contribute to a number of national and international multi-professional groups including the Radiotherapy Board, the British Institute of Radiology, Radiotherapy & Oncology SIG, Institute of Engineering and Medicine RT Imaging DRL SIG, Clinical Imaging Error Working Party, Medical Radiation Liaison Group, Radiotherapy Dataset Information Strategy Group and Una chairs the Patient Safety in Radiotherapy Steering Group and the IR(ME)R Summit. Úna coordinates UKHSA’s technical support to WHO on medical uses of radiation. She has represented the UK and UKHSA’s work in patient safety at numerous IAEA technical meetings and conferences. This has extended to completing an invited consultancy at the IAEA and presenting at an international workshops hosted by IAEA, WHO and HERCA.
Digital Lead Radiographer | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Zankhana Jani
Zankhana is the Digital Lead, Radiographer, working at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Zankhana also works as a guest lecturer for Radiotherapy at the City University London. Prior to this she’s worked at several Radiotherapy Departments across London working as a therapeutic radiographer to an operational superintendent. She completed her MSC in Radiotherapy and Oncology on 2011 and completed A PgDip in NHS Leadership in 2016 and has worked on secondment with Health Education England. Zankhana has presented at a number of conferences including ESTRO as well as being a member of different professional working parties, including the group writing the guidance for Image guidance in EBRT. She is currently a member of the RT Board Environmental Sustainability Committee and a co-Chair of the Radiotherapy Advisory Group.