The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

Claire McPeake

Chief Operating Officer

Claire began work in the NHS in 1995 as a therapeutic radiographer gaining a Master's in radiotherapy studies in 2007. She originally joined The Christie in 1999 undertaking a variety of roles in radiotherapy including radiotherapy research and as a specialist radiographer with the neuro and paediatric teams. In 2014, Claire began to undertake operational management roles and has 10 years' senior management experience in acute sector NHS, covering most major service areas including A&E, cardiology, respiratory and gastroenterology; becoming the interim Chief Operating Officer at The Christie in April 2024 before being appointed permanent Chief Operating Officer in June 2025.

Dr Neil Bayman

Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Medical Director

Neil joined The Christie in 2009 as a consultant clinical oncologist with an interest in lung cancer, and he retains a clinical practice. He has extensive system leadership experience and was the inaugural Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance Clinical Director for Lung Cancer from January 2014 to June 2017. In this role he was responsible for delivering transformation of lung cancer pathways and multidisciplinary working, improving access and reducing waiting times for patients across the region. During his career, Neil has led practice changing research in lung cancer and mesothelioma, and has held a number of national positions including Specialist Advisor for Oncology for the Care Quality Commission, membership of NHS England’s Chemotherapy Clinical Reference Group and Lung Cancer Clinical Expert Group, and membership of the Royal College of Radiologists’ Clinical Oncology Faculty Board and Professional Support and Standards Board. His qualifications include Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR), Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MCRP) and Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBCHB).

Eve Lightfoot

Director of Workforce

Eve has worked at The Christie since 2008 in a variety of senior HR roles. She has previously held multiple HR roles in the Fire Service and a variety of private sector organisations. Eve is part of the executive team at The Christie and sits as part of the board of directors.

John Wareing

Director of Strategy

Having studied Law at Sheffield University, John joined the NHS in 1994 as part of the NHS graduate management scheme. He has worked in a number of strategic and operational roles in hospital and community trusts across the North West, mainly focusing on strategic capital development, service development and service transformation. John has continued his professional development through an MBA at the University of Cardiff where he focused on the application of Lean thinking and supply chain management in healthcare. Most recently, John was Director of Strategy at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where he worked in in a variety of roles and hospitals supporting Saint Mary’s, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital and the Local Care Organisation. John was appointed Director of Strategy permanently in 2024.

Professor Fiona Blackhall

Director of Research and Innovation

Her research is focused on optimising care and treatment for patients with lung cancer. In 2020, Fiona was the first UK clinician to receive the Heine-H. Hansen award. This award, established by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), acknowledges a lung cancer investigator who has made a significant contribution to lung cancer research and education on an international basis. Fiona has held numerous leadership, committee and expert advisory roles, including for the Manchester National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Northwest Genomics Laboratory Hub, Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, UK National Cancer Research Institute, European Thoracic Oncology Platform, Cancer Research UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Professor Rikki Goddard-Fuller

Director of Christie Education

Her main research interests focus primarily on educational assessment, working with a cross-institutional group of research colleagues, which has led to over 200 key outputs (significant journal papers; invited and peer reviewed presentations to learned societies and institutions; educational consultancy). This portfolio of work centres on the ‘personalisation’ of assessment, to support individual learner journeys, drawing on impact-based research including the application of intelligent assessment design in campus and workplace-based assessment formats, assessor behaviours, mobile technology delivered assessment and the impact of sequential testing methodologies. Rikki publishes and speaks regularly at leading international medical education conferences, and is an active PhD supervisor, with current students focusing on assessment and curriculum research. Rikki holds a number of UK and International educational advisory roles, including acting as an assessment expert for the General Medical Council (GMC), and leadership of the GMC's Tests of Competence Panel. She is the current chair of the global ASPIRE to Excellence Board which recognises and rewards excellence in health professions education and additionally is a trustee and member of the governing committee of the International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE).

Sally Parkinson

Executive Director of Finance and Business Development

Sally is responsible for the finance, business development and capital planning teams within the Trust and is a director of The Christie Private Care, The Christie Pathology Partnership as well as being one of the Foundation Trust trustees on The Christie Charity Board. Sally grew up in Kent, and moved to Manchester to study at the University. She is a qualified accountant and a fellow member of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales). She lives locally with her family and enjoys her daily walk to and from work.

Tom Thornber

Future Christie Director

Tom originally joined The Christie in 2007 working in a divisional management role before being promoted to managing director for Research and Education, developing both functions and the collaborations with public and private partners. In 2015, he was appointed as Executive Director of Strategy at North Staffordshire Combined Health Care leading on the strategic planning and integration with the GP federation and social care services. In 2017, Tom returned to The Christie and took up the role of Director of Strategy for The Christie and Greater Manchester Cancer, supporting the improvement in patient outcomes for Greater Manchester patients. He played a key role in The Christie’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic planning, the sustainability of services and supporting neighbouring trusts in continuing cancer care. In August 2021, Tom became a Christie patient himself undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and three operations before returning to work in 2024. Tom has now taken up the role of Director of Future Christie, drawing upon his professional and patient experience to set the Trust on a large-scale modernisation agenda.

Vicky Sharples

Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Quality

Vicky began working in the NHS as a registered nurse in 2000, having completed her nurse training at Salford University. She has worked clinically across a number of specialities in hospitals across Greater Manchester and held leadership positions since 2008, including Deputy Director of Nursing at Wythenshawe, Trafford, Withington and Altrincham hospitals and Deputy Chief Operating Officer at The Christie. Vicky has a particular interest in patient safety, quality improvement and patient experience and is passionate about nursing and AHP professional development and staff wellbeing.

Alveena Malik

Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair

Alveena is Chief Executive and Co-Founder of One Million Mentors, a unique community-based mentoring programme, quickly growing roots around the UK. The aim is to transform young lives by connecting one million young people with one million mentors. Previously she was Head of UpRising, a national leadership charity. Prior to this, Alveena was Principal Associate at the Institute for Community Cohesion (iCoCo) with lead responsibility on Education and Cohesion Policy and Intercultural Dialogue. She began her career at the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) where she became Head of Communities and Integration Policy, leading the development of policies tackling issues such as segregation and extremism. Alveena has held a number of senior level appointments including Faith Panel Advisor to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and Special Advisor to the CLG Committee Inquiry into Migration and PREVENT. She is also Head Moderator for the Rising Leader's Fellowship at the leading thinktank Aspen Institute UK. Alveena is also a mentor to a number of local young people in Manchester.

Amanda Oates

Non-Executive Director for Freedom to Speak Up and Wellbeing Guardian

Amanda is a seasoned executive leader, with over 30 years of experience in human resources and organisational development, primarily within the NHS, having worked as a Chief People Officer and Deputy CEO. Amanda now runs her own company supporting organisations in the design and delivery of people interventions with impact, specialising in restorative just cultures, transformation and change. Amanda is also a Board Director for the international Restorative Just Culture Foundation. Throughout her career, Amanda has played a pivotal role in shaping workforce strategy, driving cultural transformation, and embedding restorative and inclusive practices across large, complex healthcare organisations and systems. Her leadership has been instrumental in navigating acquisitions, improving staff engagement, and aligning HR strategies with broader organisational goals. Amanda is nationally and internationally recognised for her pioneering work in restorative just culture, psychological safety, and anti-racism strategies. She has led the development of award-winning programmes such as Just and Learning Culture and civility and respect initiatives, which have significantly reduced formal HR cases and improved staff wellbeing. Her influence is wide ranging, contributing to national NHS strategies and advising bodies like NHS England. Amanda’s achievements are underpinned by a strong academic foundation, including an MSc in Strategic HR and Chartered Companion status with the CIPD—the highest level of recognition. She is a published author and speaker, contributing to research and thought leadership in workforce wellbeing, organisational culture, and leadership. Her work for the NHS has influenced practices across sectors including healthcare, utilities, aviation, rail and finance. Her appointment as Non-Executive Director to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust reflects a personal and professional alignment with its mission and values. She brings a unique blend of strategic insight, cultural leadership, and a deep commitment to equality and inclusion. Amanda’s track record of transformation, innovation, and compassionate leadership positions her as a valuable asset to any board seeking to navigate complex challenges while prioritising people and performance.

Dan Bate

Non-Executive Director

Alongside his executive career, Dan has held non‑executive roles in a number of companies contributing to audit, remuneration and governance oversight. He is a Qualified Executive for AIM listed companies and a member of the London Stock Exchange’s Regional Advisory Group. A long‑standing resident of West Didsbury, he combines extensive professional insight with a strong personal commitment to improving outcomes for patients, families and communities.

Dr Diana Tait

Non-Executive Director

In 2017, Dr Tait was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Bowel Cancer UK. As well as carrying out general board duties, she participates in reviewing patient information publications. She also sits on their research and nominations sub-committees. From 2018 to 2021, she was Senior Associate Editor for the Gastrointestinal Team for the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, overseeing the reviewing process for submitted papers. Between September 2013 to 2015, Dr Tait was Vice-President and Dean for the Faculty of Clinical Oncology at Royal College of Radiologists. She sat on numerous national committees looking into developing, setting and maintaining national standards and implementing modern radiotherapy techniques to improve quality of care for cancer patients. In June 2022 Dr Tait, became faculty member of the Gastrointestinal Cancers Section in Faculty Opinions. This involves reading and writing short commentaries/recommendations of published papers that would be high interest to the clinical community. She is Principal Investigator on the “Deferral of Surgery” trial, a rectal cancer study which involved intensive follow-up for patients who may be able to avoid rectal surgery by adopting a “watch and wait” policy (Deferral of Surgery trial). This study is now closed having reached accrual and the data is presently being evaluated prior to publication. Dr Tait is also Principal Investigator on 6 v 12 study, a multi-centre randomised trial looking at the timing of assessment following chemoradiation for advanced rectal cancer. Dr Tait’s main research interests focus around using new radiotherapy technologies to improve treatment delivery, reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes.

Dr Jim Hughes

Non-Executive Director

Jim currently serves as Strategic Advisor for Digital and Data Programmes at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool. His career includes Chief Information Officer, Chief Operating Officer and strategic leadership roles at Board level across NHS organisations, alongside a strong research track record including through NIHR‑funded work. A values‑driven leader with lived experience of cancer, Jim is committed to safe, inclusive and accountable use of digital technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr Marisa Logan-Ward

Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director

Marisa is a highly experienced director and board leader, with over 2 decades of experience in the field of laboratory medicine and diagnostics. She currently holds a Non-Executive Director role at the Health Service Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB), an arm’s-length body of the Department of Health and Social Care responsible for conducting national patient safety investigations. She is also a Trustee at Greater Manchester Moving, a charity changing lives through movement, physical activity and sport across the city-region. Her executive and non-executive experience spans both public and private sectors. Prior to joining The Christie, Marisa was a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. Between January 2024 and April 2025, she was the Interim Chair providing board leadership through significant operational and financial challenges across the Stockport and the wider system. Marisa brings commercial acumen from her roles in the independent sector. As Managing Director of Kingsbridge Health Ltd, she has advised high-profile organisations such as NHS England, Medica Group and Spire Healthcare Plc on strategy and transformation. Prior to running her own consultancy, she held senior roles with Europe’s two largest providers of medical diagnostics (SYNLAB and Unilabs) and was Group Pathology Director for BMI Healthcare with operational responsibility across 45 private acute hospitals. Marisa has a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Bath. Her connection to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is both professional and personal. She has been a partner and collaborator on several major programmes including The Christie Pathology Partnership. She has lived experience as a patient, having been successfully treated at The Christie following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. Marisa’s experience has played a significant role in shaping her passion for improving outcomes for everyone affected by cancer. She is deeply committed to achieving The Christie’s vision: caring for patients and staff, discovering through world-leading research, and teaching using pioneering cancer education.

Grenville Page

Non-Executive Director

Grenville is CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) qualified accountant and has held Finance Director positions in health, a social enterprise and a local authority owned care organisation. He started his career in local government, before moving into the NHS and then into the Civil Service. He moved out of full-time employment in 2011 to fulfil his ambition of developing a portfolio career working across sectors to support organisations in improving their governance and financial management arrangements for future successes and drive collaborative working and innovation. Grenville has had a diverse range of roles throughout his career as a Non-Executive Director, Trustee, Executive and business consultant across the public, charities / social enterprise, housing and education sectors. Grenville currently holds other Non-Executive Director / Trustee positions in primary care and a multi-academy trust. He is also the independent chair of the audit committee of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Oldham Council.

Nick Williams

Non-Executive Director

Nick brings extensive non‑executive experience, currently as a board director of the Finance & Leasing Association and previously serving 11 years on the board of Mersey Care NHS Trust. He has chaired finance and investment committees, provided assurance on long‑term financial stewardship, and supported governance across diverse and high‑risk environments. Known for a collaborative and values‑led leadership style, he brings independent challenge, strong financial oversight and a commitment to transparency, integrity and public service.

Roy Dudley-Southern, MBE

Non-Executive Director

Roy began his career in the NHS by joining the National Graduate Management Training Scheme in 1968 after completing his degree in Economics and International Politics at Aberystwyth University, His final placement was at The Christie, marking the start of an association with the hospital that would continue in different ways throughout his career. Roy’s broad experience covers working and leading in the management, planning and commissioning fields, working with clinical and service experts, locally, regionally and nationally. Both as a Board Member in the NHS and in the voluntary sector, Roy has extensive experience in chairing formal and informal board, task group and clinical network meetings. Throughout his career, Roy has held several different positions, including operational management at Tameside General Hospital and serving as the first NHS Management Information Officer in Oldham. His leadership roles spanned from Director of Planning for South Manchester Health Authority to Deputy Director of Clinical Strategy for Manchester Health Authority and Collaborative Commissioning Team Leader for Greater Manchester Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Roy has been involved in several major NHS projects, such as chairing the multi-disciplinary planning team that developed heart and lung transplantation services at Wythenshawe Hospital and the clinical group that planned the relocation of orthopaedic, rheumatology, and specialist rehabilitation services from the Devonshire Royal Hospital in Buxton. He played a key role in planning the centralisation of Greater Manchester in-patient Neurosciences, redeveloping Children’s Tertiary Services to Central Manchester, and relocating services from Withington Hospital to the Wythenshawe and Manchester Royal sites. Due to work in other clinical areas, following his retirement, he was appointed as a Board Member and Chair of the Patient Liaison Committee of the British Thoracic Society and a lay member of the British Burn Association and the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. For many years, Roy was an active member of the South Manchester Local Research Ethics Committee, which included considering research proposals from The Christie, and he was also a member of the Central Manchester University Hospitals Infertility Services Ethical Committee. His work across the North West included developing regional strategies for Adult Cystic Fibrosis, Allergy and Palliative Care Services and involvement in planning for Cleft Lip and Palate Services and Enzyme Replacement Therapy. In recognition of his contributions, Roy was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year’s Honours. He took flexible retirement in October 2008, continuing to work part-time as Associate Director (Strategy) for the North West Specialised Commissioning Group until 2012. Roy's ongoing involvement in the healthcare sector has included being a member of various boards and committees such as the National Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN), the Manchester Allergy, Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery (ManARTS) Biobank Steering Committee, the Manchester University School of Pharmacy Public and Patient Advisory Group, the national Burn Informatics Governance Group and several NHS Respiratory Strategy groups. Roy has 2 daughters and 2 grandsons and has been a Church Steward and School Governor for many years, was a Trustee of Allergy UK for ten years and is a Trustee of Supportability. Roy has been a full-time wheelchair user since contracting polio during his childhood and has required night-time ventilatory support since 1984. His life experience has enabled him to consider challenges from both patient and clinically-informed, managerial perspectives.

Sarah Corcoran

Non-Executive Director

Since retiring from her full-time NHS post in January 2022, Sarah has committed her time to the following: Sarah is deeply committed to the NHS and the provision of high quality, safe care to the people of the North West and beyond.