North West
James Lindley
I believe paramedics should have a strong voice in shaping the future of our profession across the NHS and beyond. The paramedic role has expanded significantly and it's essential that the Royal College of Paramedics continues to represent members working across healthcare.
I currently work as a Paramedic Advanced Practitioner in primary care in Chester. Through this role, alongside my postgraduate education, I have developed a strong interest in professional development, advanced practice and the integration of paramedics into multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
If elected, I would aim to represent the views of colleagues across the North West, ensuring our experiences and concerns are heard within the Royal College, including undergraduate and postgraduate students training and studying within the region. I would also support initiatives that strengthen professional identity, promote high clinical standards and expand opportunities for paramedics across different areas of healthcare.
I want to ensure that all paramedics, wherever they work, feel represented by our Royal College. I'm committed to listening to colleagues across the region and contributing constructively to the work of the Paramedic Council to help shape the future of our profession!
North East
Jakob Eastlake
Have worked around the globe, starting in Wales, UK, moving to Australia working for QAS and then working in some of the remotest areas in the mining sector. Returning to the UK to work for SCAS and currently employed with NEAS.
Have experienced different guidelines and protocols, different methods of emergency healthcare and how services perform.
To be an effective and transparent council member you must show self-sacrifice with impartiality for service users in making decisions on evidence-based information. In addition to having the fortitude not to be influenced by groups, individuals or other organisations to benefit oneself.
I am a strong advocate for being honest, open and to stand up and be accountable for decisions or actions taken. This also incorporates showing good leadership and by this leading by example.
Diversity is a prominent subject today, irrespective of anyone’s personal background or identity the best candidate must be selected based on their merits. But there must be efforts to encourage and support those with the potential to excel.
Over the years have mentored many students, passed on my knowledge and experiences but I have also learnt from students as well on their topic dissertations and what they have learned.
Simon Thompson
Development of the paramedic profession and representing our industry have been a longstanding interest of mine since changing careers in my late twenties. My commitment to the profession was demonstrated through my role as the College of Paramedics North East Student Council, where I contributed to representing the voice of students between North Yorkshire and Scotland. After completing my tenure and graduating from university, I’ve continued to support the College as a liaison, promoting the value of membership to colleagues and highlighting the range of educational opportunities available for professional development. I strongly believe the college plays an important role in supporting paramedics throughout their journey and strengthening the profession.
More recently, I have moved into the role of Paramedic Clinical Practice Co-ordinator within my organisation. This position reflects my interest in practitioner-centred development planning and in recognising that individuals and teams have diverse professional needs. I believe the same principle applies to this post. Practitioners in the North East may face different challenges and priorities compared with other regions, and effective representation should reflect those local perspectives. I value the opportunity to represent our regional workforce and advocate for the priorities that matter most to those working within it.
Eastern
Kevin Cowan
My name is Kevin Cowan, and I have served as the Eastern Rep for the last two years and also Vice Chair of the Paramedic Council for the last year.
Over the last 2 years I have immensely enjoyed and been proud to be the Eastern rep for the RCOP. In addition to this I have been actively part of the overall of how the RCOP uses liaison’s, Vice Chair of the Paramedic Council and part of the ongoing work to increase membership.
I am standing again as I believe there is lots of work still to be completed over the next 2 years.
I currently work in Higher Education as a Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Science and also work for EEAST as a bank Paramedic. This puts me in a excellent position to see many of the challenges our members both Full and Student face in the current climate.
Notably the challenge of our graduates to get jobs within their trusts, workload and the need to balance training and education with ongoing service demands and staff and student wellbeing whilst at work on placement.
Part of the work I hope to undertake if re-elected is to continue the work around our membership and ensure that the RCOP is there for all Paramedic's no matter where you work. This is in addition to supporting members across the Eastern region and representing you all at Council, Congress and Board within the RCOP.
Harrison Young
I am a registered paramedic with experience across the NHS, the private sector, medical education and enterprise. I am a University of East Anglia alumnus and previously served in the military before transitioning into paramedicine. Alongside operational practice, I have developed a strong interest in workforce development, education and the broader advancement of the profession. I also maintain an active commitment to the Royal College of Paramedics through my Companionship. These experiences have given me a broad perspective of the profession, spanning frontline clinical practice, education, leadership and the factors that support a sustainable and developing workforce.
I would like to serve on the Eastern Region Council to help ensure paramedics across the region feel represented, connected and supported by the College. I am particularly passionate about strengthening engagement between frontline clinicians, educators and leaders so that regional voices help shape the future direction of the profession. I would advocate for clear and accessible pathways for professional development, leadership, education and research. Ultimately, I want every paramedic, regardless of where they work, to feel represented, supported, and able to progress in a role where they feel happy, safe and fulfilled in their work.
Benjamin Haselwood
I am a senior clinical leader within an NHS Trust and your Trustee for Education, including Chair of two Royal College governance, assurance and accountability groups / committees. This commitment complements the principles of Trustee public life evidenced within my practise and credibility.
Maintaining stability is vital as we develop our future direction under royal status. It is incumbent on us to ensure our profession continues to be progressive with influence, voice, and impact across AHP and national spheres. Closer engagement and collaboration with both our current and potential membership tranches is vital to ensure momentum, cohesion, and longevity of our regional endeavours.
My NHS, Royal College, and leadership coaching portfolios deliver advocacy and enablers for the next generation of Paramedic leaders who will continue this legacy. My work forms a catalyst for the voices and innovative ideas generated by our passionate clinicians, and I relish the opportunity to be that conduit for our region as we navigate our strategic journey.
In summary, I provide the knowledge, skills, experience, credibility and voluntary time commitment to further the Royal College’s strategic objectives; supported by an altruistic drive, and an aligned vision via the critical lens the Member Representative position demands.
South West
Simon Tutt
I am standing for election to the Paramedic Council because I believe deeply in the power of collective professional leadership to shape the future of our profession. As a dual‑credentialed RCEM Advanced Clinical Practitioner, HCPC‑registered Paramedic, educator, and clinical leader, I have spent my career championing high standards of practice, autonomy, equitable access to education, and the development of clinicians at every stage of their journey.
My experience spans frontline practice, advanced practice, curriculum design, service improvement, and strategic educational leadership. This breadth allows me to understand the realities faced by paramedics across settings and to advocate effectively for the needs, aspirations, and wellbeing of our members. I am committed to strengthening the communication channel between the College and the workforce, ensuring that members’ voices shape policy, strategy, and the College’s future direction.
I bring a collaborative mindset, a strong grounding in evidence‑based practice, and a passion for developing inclusive, supportive professional environments. If elected, I will work tirelessly to represent our region with integrity, transparency, and ambition—ensuring that every member feels heard, valued, and empowered within the Royal College of Paramedics.
Nat Le Blancq
I love being a paramedic, and whilst the way in which we work is constantly changing in response to the pressures we face, I still absolutely love the art and science of what we do. I want every paramedic to enjoy their work as I do. That’s why I’m standing for council for another term.
Over the last 2 years I’ve managed to achieve some great things for the Southwest: delivering the first (of hopefully many) face-to-face CPD days for as many paramedics as possible, regularly meeting with HEI's delivering pre-registration education to tackle challenges around student placement and graduate jobs, and for the first time establishing meetings and a line of communication with the executive team of SWAST, to work together to drive clinical development for the profession in generalist paramedic practice.
However, there’s still so much more to do across the biggest UK region, with a huge spread of paramedics working in ambulance, primary and secondary care alongside private practice, we need loud voices to drive change in the college.
I’d love to have another 2 years of being that voice, being as accessible as possible to you and advocating for all of us paramedics in the Southwest.
Alexander Grainge
My personal work experience as a Paramedic spans ambulance services, primary & urgent care, education and private services across differing levels of practice. This means I have a broad understanding of issues faced by College members across different settings, can support these members at a local level and represent these issues at a strategic national level. I am committed to development of the profession and believe that education is at the heart of this, which will enable College members to develop both themselves and the wider standing of the Paramedic profession. Delivery of education will enable collaboration from both within the College and external to it and will also support the increasing engagement of members of the College.
I firmly believe that the Royal College of Paramedics is the key driving factor behind the development of the entire Paramedic profession, and this is why I am keen to support this journey. I would relish the opportunity to ensure that the voices of Paramedics and College Members in the South West are heard on a national scale, to improve their career development, working lives and overall delivery of patient care whilst also holding the College to account on their behalf.
South East
Will Woodley
I am a paramedic practitioner based in Bracknell, having recently completed my prescribing course and currently in the process of completing the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice. I’m passionate about advancing the paramedic profession and I’m keen to support the Royal College of Paramedics by ensuring the voices of our members in the southeast are heard clearly. I’m currently based in primary care and have worked across various sectors including ambulance, urgent care, primary care, and police custody.
I have experience of representing colleagues on staff councils within previous organisations, by gathering local views and advocating for these on a national level. I’m also currently serving as a charity trustee so have a good understanding of the principles of governance and expectations of serving on a committee.
If elected I would aim to focus on engagement with members across the southeast region, trying to identify any recurring themes and feeding these into the council so that our activities can reflect the realities of those working on the frontline. I am committed to the values of integrity and inclusivity and feel I am a good candidate to model these and do my part to continue developing a positive culture for all paramedics.
David Davis
I joined the profession in 2004 as a 'direct entry' paramedic and remain immensely proud of its vital role in society and healthcare. Continuing to work frontline, I am also a digital leader, expert witness and colleague supporter – particularly for those with mental health challenges and neurodiversity, of which I have lived experience. As former Director of Communications, I have a proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with paramedics and stakeholders across diverse settings.
It is hugely important that the College remains meaningful and relevant to members across all settings – frontline, diverse healthcare environments and leadership roles alike. My career-long experience as a union and professional representative, governor and trustee has equipped me to listen to, gather and authentically articulate member themes, trends and views, whilst also meaningfully informing organisational strategy and governance – skills I bring with real confidence to the College Council.
My interest in the South East seat arises from many years of working in the region. Living here, with children who are paramedic and student paramedic, I feel a deep and genuine commitment to supporting the profession in this area. As a member of the South East Clinical Senate Council, I bring networks to support professional development and engagement.
Fergus Carter-Brazier
I am applying to be a member of the council in my area because I believe I can bring a strong representation of paramedics working across a wide range of clinical environments.
My career as a Paramedic has seen me undertake a variety of roles within the profession and I currently practise as an advanced paramedic and independent prescriber across primary care, out-of-hours services, and urgent treatment centres, while continuing as a specialist paramedic in the ambulance service.
It is within these roles alongside my experience in education and leadership roles that enables me to understand the challenges faced by colleagues and I would be dedicated to representing colleagues’ views effectively to the college. I am committed to contributing to the continued development of the profession and understand the importance that members voices play in such change.