I’m a multidisciplinary developer and researcher working at the crossroads of psychology, computer science, and health informatics. Right now, I’m part of the Digital Innovation Unit at NHS Midlands and Lancashire, where I design and evaluate digital solutions that support both patients and healthcare staff.
Research
My PhD at the University of Sheffield’s Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH) explored how digital tools can be better implemented in NHS mental health services like IAPT. I focused on usability, expectations, and the therapeutic alliance when working with chatbots for psychological support.
That interest has grown into a wider programme of research:
- AI in mental health – developing an AI empathy agent to explore how conversational AI can support therapeutic relationships.
- NHS staff resilience – co-developing a web-based training programme with Ultimate Resilience to support staff wellbeing.
- Interoperability and digital maturity – leading a 2025 JMIR Human Factors study on open-source adoption and interoperability standards across NHS Trusts.
- Digital innovation in NHS Trusts – analysing how new technologies are evaluated and implemented in real-world settings.
Industry
With more than 22 years of experience across the public and private sectors, I’ve worked with organisations as varied as NHS England, University Hospital Birmingham, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Argos, Bibendum Wines, and local councils in Staffordshire, Birmingham, Wolverhampton.
In the NHS, my work spans both legacy and innovation:
- Developing solutions now used by over 1.5 million NHS staff and patients.
- Maintaining and engineering critical national systems relied on daily for reporting, workforce, and patient management.
- Designing and delivering new national platforms (e.g. digital tobacco treatment, waiting list management).
Beyond the Desk
I’ve contributed to NHS England’s Digital IAPT Expert Reference Group (D-IAPT ERG), supporting the safe integration of digital technologies in psychological therapies. I also played a part in the Topol Review, helping shape thinking on the digital future of mental healthcare and its workforce.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: healthcare technology should be usable, ethical, and impactful whether it’s a critical reporting service or an experimental AI chatbot