About us

Garry has been Director of the Institute for Health and Care Improvement since it was launched in 2023. He leads the Research Pillar and is a Professor of Clinical Exercise Science.

Spencer joined the Institute in 2023 as Deputy Director. He works part time for the institute and part-time as a Senior Manager for the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance.

As manager of the institute, Vicki facilitates opportunities for researchers and projects that aim to improve health, wellbeing and care in the community.

Vanessa leads the Health and Care Research & Evaluation Service which undertakes project evaluation and primary research that is commissioned by health organisations, local authorities, charities and third sector organisations. She has previously undertaken a wide variety of research and evaluation projects while working for Essex County Council and the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Essex.

Sophie is the Research Administrator for SPACES - an NIHR funded programme of research to develop and evaluate a coproduced physical activity intervention for people with serious mental illness. Sophie also supports the work of the Institute.

David joined the Institute in 2026 as a Professor of Health and Physical Activity. David’s research focuses on the effects of exercise and physical activity on PCOS, obesity and associated comorbidities.

Laura joined the Institute for Health and Care Improvement in 2025 as a Health Services Research Fellow. Laura aims to advance research in cancer care, comorbidity, person-centred care, health service design and reducing health inequalities.

Divine leads our partnership with Tees Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust. He is Programme Director for the Doctorate of Counselling Psychology at York St John University and is a Professor of Counselling Psychology.

Garcia joined the Institute in 2024 as a University Research Fellow. Her research focuses on physical activity, mental health, weight stigma and body image.

Zana joined the Institute in 2026 as a Health Services Research Fellow. Zana is a qualitative researcher with an interest in equity of access to, and provision of, health care and social care. Her research focus lies in palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC) and is currently working on a fellowship exploring coastal inequity of PEolC, alongside work at Sheffield University supporting communities in implementing evidence into practice.

Amie joined the Institute in 2023. Amie delivers research on the impact of physical activity and exercise on cardiovascular disease risk. She is currently leading on a community-based research programme to improve cardiovascular health in menopause.

Matthew is the programme manager for SPACES - an NIHR funded programme of research to develop and evaluate a coproduced physical activity intervention for people with serious mental illness.

Becky joined York St John University in 2026 as part of the Health and Care Research and Evaluation Service within the Institute for Health and Care Improvement. Her research focuses on healthcare inequalities, particularly cancer care and access to services in coastal communities.

Philip Hodgson is a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and a part-time PhD candidate at York St John University. His clinical background is in adult mental health, with his research investigating the interplay between physical and psychological health.

David is a Professor of Emotional Intelligence in Care. His work focuses on the education of health and social care professionals and the application of theories of person centredness towards self, drawing from the field of emotional intelligence.

Fran is an Advanced Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Chronic Respiratory Disease and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and leads the service for respiratory outpatients and Pulmonary Rehabilitation across sites York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As a Visiting Fellow at the Institute, Fran aims to advance links and collaborations with colleagues at York St John University and York Hospital within the field of clinical-based research.

Alex joined the Institute in 2023. Her main priority is delivering research in the field of bereavement support for children and families. Alex is very interested in participatory research and is currently working on projects supporting families following brain injury and supporting bereaved children in a forest setting. Alex also works as a Matron for end-of-life at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Sarah works as Associate Chief AHP and Head of AHP Research at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is a Visiting Fellow at the Institute. Sarah’s aim is to support research activity, strengthen cross-institutional collaboration, develop joint working practices and translate research evidence into practice for the benefit of patients.

Sam is a Senior Partner at the Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme and joined the Institute as a Visiting Fellow in 2025. Sam is a pioneering social-entrepreneur and Senior Occupational Therapist in the dementia care field focusing on improving the quality of life of people living with dementia in care homes.