I originally trained as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1999, qualifying from the University of Central England in Birmingham after completing placement at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. I then starting work in the same year at, what is now, The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where I moved through the career pathway to Superintendent Therapeutic Radiographer in 2009. In 2007 I gained a secondment to Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and left clinical practice in 2014 to become a Senior Lecturer at SHU.

My educational pathway has followed my career achieving a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) 2002, NVQ level 3 assessor 2002, MSc in Health Care Sciences (Cancer Care) at the University of Teesside, in 2005. I also achieved Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) in 2021.

Both my clinical and academic experience support my role as MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) Radiotherapy and Oncology programme lead, which ignited a passion for advanced practice. I was involved in the validation of the HDA MSc Advanced Clinical Practice apprenticeship and the development of the portfolio module. In addition, I am currently a Principal Lecturer in Advancing Practice for AHP’s at SHU, looking at advancing practice across AHPs.  

Within NHS England I am the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Therapeutic Radiography for the Cancer and Diagnostics team, at the Centre for Advancing Practice I am a reviewer for the feasibility study for the e-portfolio, credentials, and programme accreditation. 

Within the College of Radiographers, I am a member of the Radiotherapy Advisory Group (RAG), assessor and member of the Accreditation and Approval Board (AAB) and chair of the special interest group (SIG) for Advancing Practice in Therapeutic Radiography. 

I am honoured to have been elected as committee member within AAPE, representing Therapeutic Radiographers and AHPs, but also continuing my development and passionate in advancing practice with likeminded colleagues. 

Currently, I am leading the national consultation on the non-surgical oncology ACP curriculum framework and the enhanced level practice schema for Therapeutic Radiographers. I am also involved with the ACP impact group for the Council of Deans and HEE, and the ACCEnD project with HEE and Macmillan.

My research activity links to the projects I am involved in, inclusive of patient and public perceptions of advancing practice and international communities of practice for education of advancing practice.