I am so pleased to join the board of Fertility Network UK. I, like so many others, have been affected and impacted by infertility experiencing my own personal journey to become a mother. I was challenged to understand and navigate the complex and confusing system of care, conduct my own research and make difficult decisions on clinical options, and ultimately co-ordinate my own care plan and treatment. Just as challenging and difficult was the need to attend to my own mental and emotional wellbeing to build and maintain my resilience and ease my feelings of distress and isolation. I hope that in accepting this position I will be able to support the fantastic work of the charity in raising awareness of infertility, supporting those struggling to conceive and those living with infertility, listening and being a voice on your behalf, and working with and influencing professional bodies.

In my professional life I have over 20 years’ experience in Organisational Development and am a Doctor of Board Effectiveness and Strategic Organisational Development. My experience has been gained in the public and private sectors – the last ten years working at a national and strategic level in the NHS specialising in: senior leadership development, board effectiveness, transformational change, and improvement. I am currently working with General Practice developing system leadership and providing change and improvement expertise to help them implement new models of care, redesign services, and introduce new ways of working. I have held board positions as Trustee of a youth charity, and School Governor.

I feel I have much I can contribute to the work of the charity and the board from my personal and professional experience. Being a Trustee is a privilege. It provides me with the opportunity to make a difference, supporting a cause I feel passionately about. I endeavour to serve you to the best of my abilities and sensitivities, and know you will find us open, welcoming and supportive.