Perioperative practice


He stresses the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing across the profession, particularly during a period of sustained strain.


A longstanding commitment to AfPP John’s relationship with AfPP stretches back to 2008, when he became the organisation’s Student Lead, a role he held for five years. It gave him a first-hand view of how mentorship and professional guidance shape the confidence of early-career practitioners. Teaching remains a passion for him. He has lectured, mentored, and consistently advocated for learning spaces that are fair, open, and grounded in real-world practice. Now, as a newly elected Trustee, John feels ready to give back even more. “I’ve always been hugely passionate about the


work of AfPP,” he said. “I could never understand why any perioperative practitioner wouldn’t be a member. I’m at a stage in my career where I can give more time to it.”


Looking ahead with purpose Stepping into the Trustee role, John is committed to being an active voice for practitioners. “I want to become a vocal member of the


organisation and help protect and give a voice to practitioners,” he said. “What continues to strike me about theatre is the people who choose to work in it. Practitioners are a breed apart: skill, humour, resilience, compassion. I’ve always had deep respect for the people who make theatre work, and that respect guides how I show up for them.” With a career forged through service, shaped by resilience, and driven by a deep commitment to perioperative practice, John brings a powerful voice, and a steady hand, to the AfPP Board of Trustees.


New AfPP Trustee Georgia Headley: Experience across diverse sectors With over a decade of human resources experience across public,


private and charitable sectors, Georgia Headley brings strategic workforce insight and a strong people-first approach to the AfPP Board. Currently a People Consultant at Nuffield Health, she oversees HR operations and workforce strategy across two hospitals, with a focus on wellbeing, engagement and organisational culture. Her previous roles span the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Ark Schools, the Ministry of Justice and Chelsea


The appointment of John, Thomas and Georgia reflects AfPP’s dedication to robust governance, diverse leadership, and a future where perioperative practitioners are supported, empowered and valued.


Football Club. This breadth of experience has shaped her ability to support inclusive, high- performing teams within complex settings. Her areas of expertise include employee


relations, policy development, recruitment, organisational design, trade union engagement and data-informed workforce planning. A committed advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, she chairs ED&I working groups across her hospitals and champions staff voice and compassionate leadership.


Championing inclusion and valuing hidden teams Georgia said: “I am incredibly passionate about culture, equity, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that all members of our profession are supported to succeed in their chosen field. My experience across HR and in mixed sectors, including education and football, has given me insights that I believe can meaningfully support the work of AfPP. I want to help shine a spotlight on the hidden heroes of healthcare. The teams working in hospital theatres are often unseen, yet they are essential to patient safety. They deserve a bigger platform, and I am proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to giving them one.” Georgia’s appointment strengthens AfPP’s continued focus on creating safe, supportive and inclusive workplaces across perioperative settings.


New AfPP Trustee Thomas Roberts: championing clinical leadership, innovation and compassionate practice A dedicated and


compassionate leader with over a decade of NHS experience, Thomas Roberts began his perioperative career as a hospital porter before undertaking his Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) training at Birmingham City University. Inspired by his father’s 30-year career as an ODP, Thomas brings a deeply personal connection to the profession. Now a Trauma and Elective Orthopaedic Theatre Team Leader, he provides clinical,


operational and strategic leadership across anaesthetics, scrub and recovery roles in both emergency and elective settings. His academic achievements include Chartered Management Institute accreditation and a BSc in Health and Social Care Management. Thomas is passionate about digital innovation, robotic- assisted surgery, AI, big data, and the future of technologically enhanced patient care. His leadership style prioritises civility, compassion, coaching and team collaboration, building environments where safety, communication and respect underpin practice.


A personal commitment to the profession Thomas said: “I’m incredibly proud to be an ODP, especially following in my father’s footsteps. I’m passionate about advancing the profession and increasing the visibility of the many roles within the theatre environment. With family members who have undergone surgery, I know how vital it is that theatres are safe and that every member of the team is recognised for the critical work they do. Returning to the hospital where I once worked as a porter, now as a lead practitioner, shows what is possible, and I hope to inspire others. I’m excited to contribute to national and international guidelines for safer surgery through my role on the AfPP Board.” As a Trustee, Thomas aims to strengthen


perioperative safety standards, support professional development, and contribute to evidence-based governance across AfPP.


A strengthened Board for a stronger future The appointment of John, Thomas and Georgia reflects AfPP’s dedication to robust governance, diverse leadership, and a future where perioperative practitioners are supported, empowered and valued. AfPP President Oliver Tierney added: “The


future of safe surgery depends on strong, compassionate and visionary leadership. Our new Trustees embody exactly that. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to drive standards, promote education, and advocate for the perioperative community across the UK and beyond.”


CSJ February 2026 I www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 49


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