My background is in education, working with adults returning to education and I am a qualified counsellor. After health problems (including ME), and being a carer for my elderly parents, I became a member of the Royal College of Physicians’ Patient and Carers Network.

Later, having become interested in user-engagement in clinical research, I joined the UK Clinical Research Collaboration public and patient involvement pilot group. I became a member of INVOLVE in January 2010.

I also sit on National Institute for Health Research sub-panels for award of programme grants and am a member of the Enfield Local Involvement Network.