Meet our volunteers

Our volunteers are passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated. Find out a little more about them, in their own words, as well as what they're currently working on.

Hello, my name is… John

After retiring from a career in systems design in local government and the NHS, I worked on my parish Neighbourhood Plan, then, in summer 2017, got involved with the NHS Leeds CCG.  I think my background, plus being a disabled person, lets me bring a wide perspective in putting forward the patient view while understanding the constraints facing the CCG. While with the CCG, I’ve participated in:

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

Never boring, often challenging, always worthwhile – and still some time left over for the music!

Hello, my name is… Pauline

As a retired teacher, I have always been involved in the learning potential of myself, others and supporting people to achieve their best.

When I retired I set up a social enterprise to support the community and be inclusive in the community setting up activities and groups such as art groups, salsa classes as well as a memory cafe and mental health support group. I wanted to support people with health issues and give them a voice. I’m involved in my community with the Neighbourhood Forum, a trustee of the Oulton Institute as well as volunteering with several groups.

I started supporting people at my PPG and working with the wider locality PPG. I also got involved with the social prescribing work at the CCG.

I became a CCG Volunteer to continue to represent the patient and community voice in changes to NHS services. Whilst being a volunteer I have continued to be involved with social prescribing and I recently attended a conference in London and got involved in procuring the new social prescribing service in Leeds. I am also heavily involved with the PPG Network and have helped support the urgent care engagement.

Hello, my name is… Dave

I’m passionate about learning and supporting people to make positive changes by gaining confidence and getting involved in building better communities. In 2014 I was awarded Vice-Chancellor’s certificate for student representation.

I’m currently working for the Workers Educational Association (WEA) as an adult tutor in the community, as well as being a school governor and a member of the NHS Leeds CCG Volunteer programme. I have a wealth of transferable experience and skills, and have worked in five different countries both in commercial and charity sectors.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

  •  the stroke strategy

Hello, my name is… Dick Killington

When I retired in 2012 I was Professor of Virology at the University of Leeds with research interests in Infection/Immunity and Vaccination.

Since retiring I have been very interested in the role that patients can play in helping the NHS and as such joined my Patients Participation Group (PPG) as soon as it was set up.  From there I became a member of the Leeds North Patient Assurance Group (PAG).  We had the remit to ensure that commissioning in Leeds was done only after the appropriate patient engagement.  This group was disbanded in 2018 when Leeds moved on to just one clinical commissioning group (CCG).

I became a CCG volunteer in September 2018 in order to continue my passion for ensuring patients are involved in decision-making.  I am particularly keen on developing interactions with PPGs and as such am a member of the PPG network.  It is a pleasure to work alongside the very proactive Engagement Team of the CCG.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

Hello, my name is… Tricia

I became a CCG volunteer because I firmly believe that the patient voice needs to be heard at all stages of commissioning and delivering local NHS services.  My previous professional experience, commitment to the NHS and involvement with various CCG projects has given me a useful background for championing patient involvement.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

Hello, my name is… Kath

My background is operational management in Insurance and the Legal profession, so I wasn’t sure when I retired 3 years ago if I had the right skills for a volunteer role in the NHS.  However I have always felt a strong and modern NHS is a cornerstone of our society so I applied and was accepted as a CCG volunteer.

The CCG volunteer role is to make sure when we change NHS services we understand what people are telling us and use peoples feedback to develop our services.

Working with the engagement team and other CCG volunteers I’ve seen the difference we can make . Successful teams have people in them who come from a variety of backgrounds with varied experience and skills. This is the team that is being built and I really enjoy working with this diverse and supportive group of people.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group, I am also involved in the following projects:

  • Leeds Cancer Programme – leedscancerprogramme.org.uk
  • Supporting the development of Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust Engagement Strategy
  • System Leadership
  • Direct Payment Support Service (DPSS) procurement
  • Supporting the development of the City Wide Network

I also volunteer at St Gemma’s Hospice.

Hello, my name is … Leanne

I have been involved with the CCG since before the volunteer scheme in its current form was set up, being a Patient Leader, then a Patient Champion. I decided to become a CCG Volunteer because I wanted to continue my involvement with the projects I was already involved with.

With the CCG I have been involved with the procurement of primary care mental health services and, as a member of the Engagement Hub, I have helped to plan and deliver training on co-production. I think that co-production is instrumental in providing high quality services that meet the needs of local people, and the support from the CCG in the training shows they value this too. I have spoken at many events on this topic, including in Leeds, Huddersfield, and Birmingham.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group, I have been involved with staff recruitment and the urgent treatment centres engagement.

I also volunteer for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, where I am involved in their Service User Network, and the Equality and Inclusion Group.

In my spare time, I enjoy line dancing, attending Unorthobox boxing sessions, and spending time with friends and family.

Hello, my name is… Lewis

I moved to Leeds in 2009. Although my roots are not in Leeds, I consider it my home and have always felt very safe, happy and comfortable here.

I work for a large housing association with 21,000 customers, from all walks of life. My role is to facilitate opportunities for customers to shape service delivery, and to champion their voice.

I believe Leeds offers its residents a good quality of life. That being said, I understand the challenges of involving customers in consultations and hope this role helps marginalised and underrepresented groups to have their views heard.

I enjoy keeping fit; I cycle 10 miles to work every day. I like being outdoors generally, and think Yorkshire has a great deal to offer in terms of ‘the great outdoors’ (although sometimes it is less kind with the weather!).

I am also an artist, a keen cook, and a baker – I am constantly challenging myself with new and increasingly complex recipes!

Working in customer engagement, I am keen to find out how other organisations consult their customers and involve them in decision-making. I am keen to apply my skills and experience to new challenges and become more familiar with the healthcare operating environment.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

  • Supporting work to develop Community Insight Repository
  • Supporting the Community Neuro Rehab project
  • Supporting with the Involving you document

Hello, my name is… Francis

I joined the CCG Volunteer Programme in August 2019, having graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in Politics. Since 2011, I have volunteered for several public-facing organisations including Leeds City Council’s Access and User-Ability Group and the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Youth Advisory Group.

My membership in each group has required me to scrutinise policy proposals on multiple sensitive issues, raise concerns with various stakeholders and suggest appropriate alterations and/or alternatives based on objective findings from other local authorities or countries where similar (if not identical) plans have been actioned. Ultimately, my aim is to ensure no stone has been left unturned, so to speak, and that the needs of vulnerable people, in particular, are sufficiently met.

In relation to the CCG, I have, due to my disability, periodically used NHS services, and am fascinated by how health systems are designed and function, and what impact this has on patients and staff. It matters to me greatly that as the NHS evolves, it continues to be responsive to ever-changing needs. Thus, I joined to transfer my current civic experience to the NHS whilst putting my enthusiasm to good use.

In addition to attending the Patient Assurance Group (PAG), I am currently working on the following projects:

  • The recruitment process by sitting on interview panel with the engagement team
  • A procurement process
  • The spasticity redesign project.