Ed joined Council of Deans of Health as Chief Executive on 1 July 2023. He was previously Director of Insight and Engagement at Research England, part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), with responsibility for stakeholder engagement with the HE sector across England.
Prior to that, he spent over 15 years at the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and at the Office for Students (OfS), most recently as Head of Health and Medicine at both HEFCE and the OfS. He led HEFCE’s work in partnership with Health Education England on the expansion of medical schools, and the Strategic Interventions in Health Education Disciplines programme to increase awareness of Allied Health Professions amongst prospective students and develop a better understanding of student recruitment and retention patterns for nursing, midwifery and allied health courses.
Whilst at HEFCE, Ed held a number of senior roles including as Manager of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise on behalf of the four UK HE funding bodies, and as Regional Consultant with responsibility for leading HEFCE’s relationships with universities and colleges in the South East of England. Alongside his role as Regional Consultant, Ed had responsibility for HEFCE’s engagement nationally with further education colleges delivering HE, and led HEFCE’s work to support social enterprise in the HE sector.
Jonathan Eames
Head of Membership and Operations
Jon has been with the Council of Deans of Health since 2013. His role is focused on leading the Council’s operations and member services. Before joining the Council, Jon’s career focused on widening participation in higher education where he worked for London Higher, the Aimhigher West, Central and North London partnership and Aimhigher Bedfordshire and Luton.
James Hallwood
Head of Policy and External Affairs
James joined the Council as the new Head of Policy and External Affairs in September 2021, having previously led the Russell Group’s external relations work. He has a background in political engagement and policy development from a range of organisations including healthcare, education and international development.
Senior Finance and Procurement Officer
Marsha joined the Council of Deans of Health in April 2018 to work in the new role of Business Support Coordinator. She previously worked in Local Government for 7 years in the Children and Young People Service in several business support roles.
Nadia Butt
Programmes and Events Manager
Nadia joined the Council of Deans of Health in 2018 and manages the Council’s projects and events programme. Nadia has previously worked in non-for-profit and membership organisations, including in running a national debating competition and managing a STEM programme for young people in London. She holds a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Birmingham.
Robyn Cooke
Policy and Research Manager
Robyn joined the Council as a Policy Officer in November 2018. Previously she has worked in various frontline and development roles within the non-profit sector. She is a Charityworks Fellow after completing their Graduate Leadership scheme. Robyn holds a BA in Comparative American Studies from the University of Warwick and a MA in International Slavery Studies from the University of Liverpool.
Felix Do Nascimento
Projects and Events Officer
Felix joined the Council of Deans of Health as Project Officer in April 2022. He has worked in non-for-profit-organisations managing Erasmus+ strategic partnerships projects and European students mobilities. He holds a BSc Law and Political Science from the University of Toulouse and a MSc Research in Political Science from the University of Lille.
Megan Isherwood
Senior Policy Officer (Acting)
Megan joined the Council as a Policy Officer in September 2022. She previously worked as a Research and Projects Officer for Healthwatch Southwark and a Research Assistant for the Centre for Britain and Europe, University of Surrey. Megan holds a Master of Science in Gender, Peace and Security from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Politics and Sociology from the University of Surrey.
Finance Officer
Emma Shone-Bell
Policy Officer
Emma joined the Council in September 2024. Before moving to London, she worked in New Zealand as a Senior Advisor for the Tertiary Education Commission and Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Policy, Planning and Service Delivery from Victoria University of Wellington and a Bachelor of Nursing from Te Pūkenga Canterbury.
Namita Srivastava
Policy Officer
Namita joined the Council in June 2024. Previously she has worked as a research associate in higher education and most recently as a business support officer for NHS England. Namita has a degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge and a Masters in Social Policy from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Fabrizio Silvestre
Events Manager
Josie Turner
Josie joined the Council as a Policy Officer in November 2024. She previously worked for the former Health Education England, where she led London’s Mental Health and Learning Disability Workforce Transformation Programmes. She has worked for London’s Strategic Health Authority and the South East London Workforce Development Federation. In earlier roles she coordinated a Further Education consortium with Camden Council, and worked within the voluntary sector in supported housing environments. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford.
Amna Uppal
PA to the Chief Executive Officer
Amna joined the Council in March 2022 and provides support to the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees at the Council. She also provides support to the events team as part of the Council’s busy programme of events. Amna has a BA in Politics and an MA in International Relations from Queen Mary, University of London. Her previous roles have included working for research and policy organisations, including IPPR and the Centre for Cities.
Jennifer Williams
Senior Membership and Business Improvement Officer
Jenny has worked in the charity sector for 15 years, joining the Council of Deans of Health in March 2016, and has wide-ranging experience of project management, communications, media relations, event management and marketing. Her role focuses on developing the Council’s membership and services, as well as improving systems and processes within the organisation.