Ian has held chief executive (CE) positions in the NHS for over 15 years. As NHS Manchester CE for 10 years to 2023, he managed a £1.3 billion budget. Ian has now left the NHS and has trustee roles including as lead Member of Link Learning Trust (a primary school academy), vice chair of Gaddum mental health and carer support charity, and volunteers with a food bank in south Manchester.

Ian brings significant experience in strategy, finance, service and organisational change, and community engagement. For example, he set up the Nightingale Hospital in Manchester in the Covid pandemic, leading the team of army personnel, construction companies, national agencies, and disaster emergency experts.

GP from 1971 at Castlefields Health Centre Runcorn, retiring in March 2007.
Formerly visiting professor of the Centre for Public Policy & Health, School of Health, Durham University.

Appointed as National Director for Primary Care and medical adviser to commissioning and system management directorate, DH 2007 and retired December 2010, Prof Colin-Thomé was previously National Clinical Director for Primary Care, DH 2001-2007.

Prior to being appointed as National Clinical Director, Prof Colin-Thomé was for two years adviser on primary and integrated services for Central Manchester University Hospital 2005-2007, director of primary care at the Department of Health’s London Regional Office (1998-2001), and senior medical officer at the Scottish Office NHS Management Executive (1997-1998)

Helen started her career as a biomedical scientist and went on to work in hospital management, commissioning for a health authority and primary care development in a PCT.

Her experience, which includes contract development and implementation, equips her with first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day contracting and commissioning issues facing the NHS as well as the wider strategic implications.

A passionate believer in the role of primary care in driving change through the rest of the system, Helen now leads the PCC team in supporting commissioning organisations and providers to work together to improve delivery of health services.

Before PCC, Helen worked at national level in several organisations.