Council
Made up of national and regional representatives elected by IBMS members, IBMS Council makes key decisions and develops policy on behalf of the biomedical science profession. Council members are directors of the company and trustees of the charity and must fulfil the responsibilities of both roles.
Sarah Pitt
Sarah is a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Specializing in microbiology, Sarah has a particular expertise in clinical virology and parasitology. She holds a BSc in Microbiology from Bristol University and trained as a Biomedical Scientist at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School in London. Throughout her career, Sarah has gained extensive experience working in hospital diagnostic laboratories across the UK, Africa, and Central Asia.
With a strong passion for education and training, Sarah is deeply committed to the development of future Biomedical Scientists. She plays an active role in managing clinical placements for BSc Biomedical Science students at local hospital pathology departments, helping to prepare them for careers in diagnostic laboratory work.
In her professional capacity, Sarah serves as the IBMS Chief Examiner for Virology, contributing to the development of professional exams, the Specialist portfolio, and continuing professional development initiatives.
Sarah has also made significant contributions to educational resources, publishing three textbooks to support student learning: Introduction to Biomedical Science in Clinical and Professional Practice (co-authored with Dr. Jim Cunningham), Parasitology: An Integrated Approach (co-authored with Dr. Alan Gunn of Liverpool John Moores University), and Clinical Microbiology for Diagnostic and Laboratory Scientists, for which she was the sole author.
Joanna Andrew
Joanna began her career in August 1990 with a placement in the Biochemistry Department at St Albans City Hospital. Initially unfamiliar with the workings of a hospital laboratory, Joanna quickly discovered a passion for the field, realizing this was the professional path they were meant to pursue.
After graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in 1992, Joanna embarked on her career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at the Yorkshire Clinic. This was followed by roles as a Biomedical Scientist in various hospital laboratories, including the Chemical Pathology and Immunology department at Leeds General Infirmary, the Biochemistry department at the Royal County Hospital in Winchester, and the Biochemistry department at York Hospital.
During her time in York, Joanna advanced through the career grades and is now the Network Lead for Blood Sciences within the Scarborough, Hull, and York Pathology Service (SHYPS).
A highlight of Joanna's career was serving as the department's training officer in the early 2000s when the registration and specialist portfolios were introduced. During this time, Joanna took great pride in mentoring trainees and biomedical scientists, helping them achieve their qualifications. Today, Joanna is proud to see many of those individuals in senior positions both within the department and across the country.
In addition to her clinical work, Joanna became deeply involved with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). Initially serving as a portfolio assessor, Joanna later became an employer representative for degree accreditations. Joanna went on to join the Clinical Chemistry Specialist Advisory Panel, was elected to the IBMS Council, and currently serves as Chair of the Yorkshire Region and a member of the East Yorkshire Branch.
Nigel Coles
Nigel Coles is a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and a Chartered Scientist, with a distinguished 34-year career at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, from which he recently retired. For the final 16 years of his career, Nigel served as the Quality Manager and Clinical Governance Lead for the Genetics and Pathology Directorate. Prior to this, he held the role of Head Biomedical Scientist, specializing in Neonatal and Maternity Clinical Biochemistry.
With 44 years of NHS experience as a Biomedical Scientist, Nigel's career began in 1985 when he qualified as a Fellow of the IBMS. Over the years, he has worked in a range of positions, including Head Biomedical Scientist in Clinical Chemistry at Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
Nigel served as an IBMS Council member for nine years and continues to contribute as the Honorary Treasurer of the IBMS Council. He is also Deputy Chair of the IBMS Specialist Advisory Panel Quality Management Committee. In addition, Nigel is a director of the Association of Quality Managers in Laboratory Medicine (AQMLM) and serves as a Specialist Laboratory Advisor to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Victoria Bradley
From a young age, science was Victoria’s favourite subject, perfectly suited to her logical nature. This passion led her to pursue GCSEs and A-levels in science, followed by a week of work experience in a local pathology laboratory—a pivotal moment that solidified her career aspirations.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, Victoria realized that her love for science could not only fuel a rewarding career but also have a direct impact on patients' lives.
Victoria currently teaches at Cardiff Metropolitan University, specializing in Clinical Biochemistry and Professional Practice in Biomedical Science and Healthcare Science. As a registered HCPC Biomedical Scientist, she also serves as a Program Director and Clinical Learning Facilitator, working closely with NHS stakeholders to bridge academic knowledge and clinical practice.
Victoria has been actively involved with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) since 2009, when she first became a verifier and examiner. Her subsequent role on the Clinical Chemistry Specialist Advisory Panel gave her the impetus to run in the IBMS Council elections, and in 2020, she was elected to the Welsh seat. In addition to her other roles, she also undertakes external examiner duties for the IBMS, further contributing to the profession's development.
Sheri Scott
Sheri Scott is a senior lecturer in Biomedical Science and course leader for the BSc Applied Biomedical Science at Nottingham Trent University. As a Chartered Scientist and registered HCPC Biomedical Scientist professional, Sheri is both an active fellow and council member of the Institute of Biomedical Science. Sheri is an advocate for both continual professional development and sustainability and within this capacity she leads Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for Biosciences.
Sheri began her career as a Biomedical Scientist at Nottingham City Hospital, dedicated to delivering accurate and timely results for patients. Over the course of 21 years in Clinical Biochemistry within NHS laboratories, her role evolved to encompass training, leadership, and professional development.
As Training Lead within the Blood Sciences department at Royal Derby Hospital, Sheri managed and delivered pre- and post-registration training, fostering the development of future biomedical scientists. She later advanced to the role of Senior Biomedical Scientist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, where she led a team of professionals in the provision of high-quality diagnostic services.
In January 2018, Sheri transitioned into academia, bringing her extensive clinical and training expertise to the next generation of biomedical scientists. Throughout her career Sheri has actively contributed to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), undertaking various roles to support the advancement of the profession.
Tahmina Hussein
Tahmina is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science and Programme Lead for Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Salford.
Tahmina earned her degree in Applied Biomedical Science from Manchester Metropolitan University, which included a 12-month sandwich placement during the third year. This invaluable opportunity allowed her to complete the IBMS Registration Portfolio, gain the IBMS Certificate of Competence, and successfully establish a pathway into her professional career.
Since then, Tahmina has further advanced her expertise by completing the IBMS Specialist Diploma in Haematology and Hospital Transfusion Practice and obtaining a Master’s degree in Haematology and Transfusion Science. These qualifications have significantly expanded her skills, knowledge, and experience, contributing to her professional development and career progression.
In addition, Tahmina has achieved the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training and Quality Management, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in laboratory training and quality assurance. With a particular passion for Training and Education, she is dedicated to mentoring students, trainees, and colleagues, helping them build confidence and develop professionally.
Charlie Houston
With over 40 years of experience in healthcare and laboratory medicine, Charlie has built a career centred on quality, innovation, and patient-focused care. Holding key leadership positions, including Chief Biomedical Scientist, Biochemistry Laboratory Manager, and POCT Coordinator, Charlie has successfully implemented systems and strategies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes.
As a Chartered Scientist (CSci) and Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (FIBMS), Charlie remains dedicated to continuous professional development and excellence in laboratory medicine. With a strong commitment to healthcare quality and safety, Charlie leverages expertise in strategic decision-making, data-driven policies, and laboratory management to drive improvements in diagnostic services and patient care.
Nicola Rouse
Nicola Rouse is a lecturer in biomedical science with a strong passion for teaching, professional development, and career progression within the field.
With 17 years of experience as an HCPC-registered biomedical scientist specialising in haematology and transfusion, Nicola has held senior roles, including eight years as a departmental training lead. She has extensive experience supporting professional development through IBMS portfolio qualifications, serving as both a Registration Portfolio Verifier and Specialist Portfolio Examiner. In these roles, she has developed learning materials, designed documentation to meet IBMS requirements, collaborated with local universities to inform course content, and participated in IBMS accreditation events.
Nicola is a Fellow of the IBMS, a Chartered Scientist, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). She holds an MSc in biomedical science, a postgraduate certificate in teaching, and qualifications in assessment, allowing her to teach across multiple levels, from NVQ Level 3 to postgraduate study. She is also a member of the haematology advisory group for the International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Scientists.
Nicola is particularly passionate about raising awareness of red cell disorders, including sickle cell and thalassaemia, to reduce stigma and promote screening. She works to educate and encourage individuals from high-risk communities to “know their status” when planning a family, ensuring early identification of carrier status. This approach leads to better health outcomes for mothers and babies, as early intervention can prevent many complications associated with these conditions.
Nicola is a strong advocate for authentic learning design and assessment, ensuring that biomedical scientists are equipped to meet the current and future needs of patients. With pathology laboratories contributing to over 70% of all medical diagnoses, she emphasises the crucial role of biomedical scientists in healthcare.
She is also committed to making higher education more inclusive and accessible, supporting diversity in the biomedical science workforce and empowering students from all backgrounds to reach their full potential, as well as championing diversifying the UK’s blood donor pool to better support patients requiring lifelong transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell disease.
Jennifer Collins
Jennifer is an award winning Microbiology and Virology Laboratory Manager at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Alan Deacon
Alan Deacon is the National Pathology Programme Lead working as part of the NHS Wales Executive. He has a background as a Biomedical Scientists in Cellular Pathology and has been a Chartered Scientists with The Science Council since 2004. Deacon is currently a National Council Member of the IBMS.
Alan has a keen interest in workforce development and advanced clinical practice, having been Chair of the West Midlands Pathology Workforce Planning Committee for several years. He has also held several senior leadership roles at NHS England, where he has been involved in service redesign and organisational collaboration.
Angela Jean-Francois
Angela is a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist specialising in Immunology and has been Director of Operations for North West London Pathology since 2019.
Angela has a passion for professional development, education and training. Angela registered as a Biomedical Scientist in 1998 in the field of Immunology. As a Fellow of the IBMS and chartered scientist, she has led the profession within this field scientifically, with an active role within the IBMS.
Angela is an editor for the Oxford University Press series of Biomedical Science textbooks on Clinical Immunology.
Nicola Small
Nicola is a Compliance and Transformation Manager at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.