Our Member CEOs

Dr Waqar Azmi OBE

Chief Executive Badger

Waqar was appointed as Badger’s Chief Executive in 2022, and aims to build on the consistent and reputable services Badger has offered since its creation in 1996 as a renowned GP Out-of-Hours provider. As Chief Executive, Waqar has overall responsibility for the leadership and management of Badger Health Group. Additionally, he is the CQC Registered Manager and the Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO) Lead. Waqar has a comprehensive national profile, serving previously as Managing Director of TMP Worldwide, listed in NASDAQ with a turnover of $1.4 billion and was also Chairman and Managing Partner of Waterhouse Consulting Group. He was the UK Government's Chief Talent & Diversity Advisor in the Cabinet Office and EU Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, as well as a former Member of the Foreign Office Advisory Group. In 2001, Waqar received an OBE in recognition of his contributions to the UK.

Jonathan Pearce

Chief Executive BrisDoc Healthcare Services

Experienced leader, manager and problem-solver in health and social care sector, with early career experience in journalism, publishing and law, and an interest and qualification in data science. Focused on strategic development, organisational growth, and modernisation, especially for groups and communities facing significant health or care challenges. Passionate about the power of data to transform businesses, to make better decisions and to gain insights and market advantage that they wouldn’t otherwise have, based on first-hand experience of how senior executive decision-making is only as good as the quality of data, insight and business metrics. Interested in working with companies that have big problems to solve and where unlocking the stories that a business has to tell will be part of the solution. I’ve worked nationally and internationally, within large organisations and small ones, run projects and been part of teams of all disciplines. I’m a guaranteed change-maker within a business, driving data-driven, evidence-based improvement, modernisation, growth and transformation. I want to work with organisations that feel the same way – get in touch to discuss how we can work together.

Susan Blakemore

Chief Executive Cumbria Health

Susan began her career as a midwife and subsequently took on a Primary Care Development Manager role working with the evolution of Primary Care Groups and Primary Care Trusts in Cumbria. During this period she worked successfully towards an MBA which she completed in 2001. Susan subsequently worked in a number of Primary Care settings, moving into the world of Out of Hours in 2002 where her initial responsibilities involved reshaping the out of hours service and ensuring a strong clinical mix. In 2009 the merger of CueDoc – Cumbria Emergency Doctors on Call – and Baycall, the out of hours service covering the South Lakes and Furness localities, created Cumbria Health to which Susan was appointed Chief Executive. As Cumbria Health moves into the future, Susan is keen to develop services 24/7, becoming a key central point of contact for Cumbrian patients.

Ann Convery

Chief Executive Dalriada Urgent Care

Ann joined the staff at Dalriada in August 1996. Prior to this, she worked in the health sector since leaving university. Ann is part of the management team and her role in Dalriada involves overseeing the running of a large organisation with 500+ P/t time covering the Northern area. Ann’s ongoing aim is to develop and improve Dalriada and is keen to be involved in future projects and Regional work.

Stephen Bateman

Chief Executive DHU Health Care

Stephen joined DHU as Chief Operating Officer on 6th January 2014, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in July 2014. Stephen has had a successful career in healthcare where he has previously worked for Allied Healthcare Group and Saga Healthcare. He has a wealth of operational, finance, customer service, project management, and commercial experience in the UK and abroad. Stephen is a Chartered Accountant (CPFA) and Member of Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT). Stephen resides in Nottingham and is married with 3 children. He is interested in football, cricket, golf, gardening, travel and DIY.

Matt Widdows

Interim Chief Operating Officer EBPC OOH

Matt joined EBPC in October 2022 as Head of Operations and Data Protection Officer with responsibility for all aspects of EBPC operations. Matt has spent the last 20 years in the ambulance service operating in both 999 emergency operations and 111 transformation and development regionally and nationally. Matt is passionate about high performing operational delivery to support patients, their families and our people. Matt has extensive experience in using technical innovation to collaborate with other providers and mentor to develop individuals and teams to succeed.

Suzy Layton

Chief Executive FCMS

Suzy Layton is the CEO of FCMS (NW) Ltd, a social enterprise, not for profit organisation founded in 1994. FCMS is proud to provide medical, dental, specialist call handling and support services to the NHS and private sector, both on a local and national footprint. Suzy joined FCMS in 1997 and has tirelessly developed the organisation whilst in a senior post until she naturally evolved as CEO in 2004. A physiotherapist by profession, Suzy’s natural place and passion is people grounded with a strong strategic focus, she is driven by what ‘feels right’ which to many is perplexing but is what essentially maintains energy and sound business. Always inclusive, Suzy likes nothing more than “building things”. Suzy is determined to ensure that national policy is firmly anchored into local health care, with the patient truly at the heart of genuinely slick, smooth and better patient/caller journeys.

Ally Fisk

Managing Director FedBucks

Ally brings a wealth of HR, finance and leadership experience to FedBucks after 16 years of working in the care sector. To support her career development, Ally has qualified in the CIPD Advanced Award, Reward Management in 2012 and the London Business School Women in Leadership Executive Programme in 2019. Ally was appointed as the Human Resources Director for FedBucks in October 2022, with responsibility for developing the organisations’ HR strategy, and to input into its overall business aims and objectives. A champion of wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, Ally’s personal mission statement is to focus on humanity and kindness, with the expectation that everyone should be treated as you would like to be treated personally.

Dr Andrew Catto

Chief Executive IC24

Andrew joined IC24 in 2017 as Chief Medical Officer and was promoted to Chief Executive in 2020. Andrew’s background is a Geriatrician and General Physician, and he has a wealth of experience in multiple, senior medical leadership roles across primary and secondary care. Following his academic career with the Medical Research Council, Andrew moved back into clinical practice joining Airedale Hospital as a Consultant in Stroke and Elderly Care, delivering care in a community setting before progressing to Medical Director at the Trust. In 2009, Andrew was appointed as Medical Director at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT), moving into an Interim Chief Executive role before being appointed as Deputy CEO. In March 2015, Andrew became an Associate Director at NHS England, gaining experience of developing new models of care and system transformation, such as the four West Midlands Service Transformation Plans. Andrew’s leadership style is ‘leading from the front’ and he strongly believes in empowering others and is extremely supportive of employee development.

Jan Randall

Chief Executive Kernow Health CIC

Jan Randall joined Kernow Health as CEO, bringing the benefit of her broad experience gathered from her roles outside of Cornwall. Having worked for several years in the financial sector and with a background in system wide and integrated healthcare, Jan brings a wide portfolio of skills to the organisation. She joined us from her most recent role as CEO for a Primary Care Federation since 2018, which reflects a similar patient demographic in terms of residents and deprivation to that of Cornwall. Her first experience of urgent and out of hours working was for Prime Care 20 years ago. Jan also has high level experience of dealing with the wider healthcare environment having been on the Executive Board of the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) for seven years in the early 2000s and 2010s.

Helen Carr

Chief Executive Local Care Direct

Helen leads the executive team to develop strategic plans in association with other partners and to ensure these are delivered and, as an integral member of the Board, reviews performance and oversees effective governance of the company. A key priority is to champion patient services and standards, as well as influencing and supporting national, regional and local healthcare policy and decision-making. Helen is also a financial specialist in Internal Control Environments and Procedures and has experience in internal audit, negotiation, organisational set up, acquisitions, quality assurance. Helen has worked with audit, legal and banking professionals at PLCs, private companies, social enterprises and charitable organisations.

Tessa Harvey

Chief Executive LCW

Michaela Buck

Chief Executive Mastercall

Experienced leader with more than 25 years experience in urgent ‘out of hospital’ healthcare; passionate about providing high quality, safe patient centred services and being a caring and nurturing employer. Specialising in the development and delivery of innovative services, embracing the use of digital technology, with a specific focus on hospital admission avoidance and early supported discharge to improve patient outcomes, reduce inequalities and maximise return on investment for the benefit of the NHS. Michaela is also a director of the Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance (in partnership with Bardoc and gtd Healthcare) and has been instrumental in the collaborative partnership approach to developing the Greater Manchester Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) and dental helpline.

Lucy Dadge

Chief Executive NEMS

Lucy became NEMS Chief Executive in October 2024. She has been a senior civil servant and worked for the NHS in Executive Director roles in acute and mental health/community provider Foundation Trusts. She was the Nottinghamshire CCGs lead executive responsible for commissioning all health and care services for 5 years. Lucy has just stood down as Director of Integration and Accountable Emergency Officer for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. Lucy is an experienced Non-Executive Director, and has sat on Boards of social housing and primary and further education providers for many years, and also been chair of a GP Federation joint venture with an NHS Foundation Trust. Closely aligned with NEMS core values, Lucy is passionate about eradicating health inequalities, and tailoring services to meet the needs of those most at risk of exclusion and discrimination. Lucy is delighted to join NEMS and work with other UHUK members to support the NHS with the essential reform of out of hospital health and care services. Lucy is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb)

Felicity Greene

Chief Executive NHUC

Felicity has over 20 years of experience in the Pharmaceutical industry much of which was at Director level. During that time she has lived and worked in the US and Germany and managed teams around the world. Felicity then joined the NHS as a Divisional General Manager for a major acute, before going on to an Exec Directors role with the only combined Trust in the country. To gain primary care experience Felicity then joined South, Central and West Commissioning support unit as their Director of Operations working with 44 CCGs across the south of England before joining NHUC in September 2016. Felicity is a Pharmacist with an MBA from Cranfield and she is also a fellow of the chartered institute on marketing.

Steve Rubery

Chief Executive PELC

Steve has over 35 years’ experience of working in the NHS, beginning his career as a pharmacist and working up to being a Trust Chief Pharmacist before moving into senior management. Steve joined PELC as CEO in May 2022 from North East London CCG (NEL) where he was Director of Planning and Performance. Prior to this he was Director of Commissioning and Performance and Deputy Chief Executive of Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge CCGs (BHR). Steve has a wealth of experience in the Urgent and Emergency Care arena having been the commissioning lead for UEC while at NEL and BHR and having managed ED Services at both Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust. Steve lives in Ilford and is married with two grown up children and two dogs.

Dave Horsfield

Chief Executive Primary Care 24

Dave Horsfield is the CEO at Primary Care 24, a not-for-profit social enterprise. Primary Care 24 provides a range of Urgent and Primary Care services, including out-of-hours GP services, GP practices in Liverpool and Sefton, and Community Services, covering 1.6 million residents across Merseyside and Cheshire. After 20+ years working in trading standards, workplace wellbeing, programmes, commissioning, and transformation for various local authorities and NHS Trusts across the North West, Dave joined Primary Care 24 as Chief Executive Officer in 2022. With a deep understanding of the digital transformation needed to improve patient care across all healthcare services, Dave champions the role Primary Care plays in the NHS. Working exclusively with NHS contracts, Dave’s goal is for Primary Care 24 to help improve patient care across Merseyside, Cheshire, and beyond.

Steven Pink

Chief Executive SELDOC

Since joining SELDOC in 2017, Steven has delivered his new strategy successfully, substantially improving performance clinically, operationally and commercially. Throughout the Pandemic Steven has led the team to deliver new and improved services while supporting SELDOC staff and colleagues at a challenging time. Steven’s ‘patient first’ values permeate the organisation which has built a strong reputation with local GP Surgeries, NHS Commissioners and partner organisations. SELDOC is known for its service quality, ability to mobilise quickly and dedication to patient care.

Dan Robinson

Chief Executive Shropdoc

Daniel has led Shropshire Doctors' Cooperative (Shropdoc) as its Chief Executive Officer since 2019. He brings a wealth of experience from a diverse career path. Following services in the British Armed Forces, both domestically and internationally, Daniel transitioned to the defence education consultancy sector in the Middle East. Upon returning to the UK he leveraged his passion for service and community by joining the health care sector. Daniel Robinson embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the helm of Shropdoc. Since taking the reins as CEO, his passionate leadership has driven Shropdoc's modernisation; transforming it into a social enterprise with an even greater social impact. Daniel’s leadership extends beyond strategy and innovation. He understands that a motivated workforce is the backbone of a successful organisation. His dedication to his people ensures a positive and supportive work environment, empowering staff to deliver exceptional care to patients.

Dr Dawood Anwar

Chief Executive SPCT

Dawood is a clinician by background, holding membership with the Royal College of General Practitioners as well as the Royal of College of Surgeons. He has been working with Salford Primary Care Together since September 2018. He is a proven healthcare leader and possesses strong communication skills, empathy, adaptability and ability to inspire and motivate others. He has proven himself to be a strategic thinker and has a commitment to growth and development for himself and others around him. He is currently undertaking an MBA in healthcare leadership. Dawood has recently led on significant development and transformation within SPCT to ensure it remains a strong and sustainable organisation. He has developed a keen interest in primary urgent care service provision, especially the integration of services to simplify the patient journey. Other than urgent care, Dawood’s clinical interests include MSK medicine in both primary and secondary care settings.

David Pannell

Chief Executive Suffolk GP Federation

David is the Chief Executive of Suffolk GP Federation which he helped form in 2012. The Federation is one of the leading GP owned organisations enabling primary care to work at scale. The Federation runs a series of innovative services including most of the diabetes in North East Essex, ultrasound, Lymphoedema, community cardiology and pain. David has worked with a variety of primary care organisations in Suffolk since 2007. Prior to working in health he spent fifteen years as a management consultant with Price Waterhouse and as Director of Research at Durlacher, an investment bank in the City of London. He has a BA Economics from Manchester University, MA in Political Sociology from Leeds and an MBA from Strathclyde Graduate Business School.

Dr Mike Hearne

Managing Director Taurus Healthcare

As well as being MD of Taurus Healthcare, Mike is a local GP with experience across a wide range of primary and secondary care settings. Mike has a good insight into the various pressures on healthcare throughout the county of Herefordshire. He is committed to supporting the core elements of the traditional model of primary care alongside primary care at scale to support 24/7 high quality care, where continuity of care and making every contact count are core to the ethos. Herefordshire General Practice is a collaborative that wraps around practices, LMC, clinical directors, and is supported by the infrastructure of the GP Federation, Taurus Healthcare.

Dee Ward

General Manager Western Urgent Care

Details to follow

Richard Bowen

National Programme Director NHS 111 Wales

Richard has over 25 years NHS experience having originally joined as a National Management Trainee (1992). He spent the early part of his career in various operational roles within acute hospital and primary care organisations in NHS England and Northern Ireland. Since 2007, Richard has held a number of senior roles within NHS Wales, initially as the Director for the Delivery and Support Unit and then promoted to the Director of Operations, NHS Wales based in Welsh Government. Latterly, Richard was the Executive Director of Planning for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and since January 2015, was appointed as the National Programme Director for 111 /out-of-hours service. This service will ensure that all Welsh patients who have an urgent need for health advice and support will be able to do so via a free telephone line and /web based support and also access out-of-hospital services.

Liam Quinn

Chief Executive Northdoc Medical Services

Liam Quinn is Chief Executive of northdoc Medical Services. Involved from the very start, his initial contract was to set up the company on behalf of the local North Dublin GP population. He was subsequently appointed Chief executive. He is passionate about service delivery that is underpinned by the best governance at all levels and by seeking innovative ways of improving primary care in out of hours. He believes that standing still is not an option and that we must continue to assess our performance by seeking the input of GPs and patients, and all the staff involved in the organisation. Since joining Northdoc he has invited MPS audits, the introduction of Clinical audit, and web-based support for GPs in out of hours, and linking Northdoc in with UHUK. His background in not for profit includes the setup of housing and drug addiction services to the homeless in Dublin with The Peter McVerry Trust and in fundraising.