News of Wales - Issue 1
October 2005
Working for you: the BMA staff in Cardiff
Welsh Secretary
Dr Richard Lewis – a former Maesteg GP - was appointed Welsh Secretary in July 2003. He has held the posts of medical director of Mid Glamorgan FHSA and medical director of Mid Glamorgan Ambulance NHS Trust. He was also a founder member of the Faculty of Pre-hospital Care.
Deputy Welsh Secretary
Tony Chadwick came to the BMA in 1979 from the Engineering Employers Association where he was an industrial relations officer. He held a similar post in the BMA until becoming the deputy Welsh Secretary in April 1999.
Public Affairs Officer
John Jenkins joined the BMA from the Sports Council for Wales in 1999 when the National Assembly was set up. His role is at act as both press officer and assembly officer. He was previously public relations officer for BBC Wales, South Glamorgan Health Authority and Bro Taf Health Authority.
Information, Research and Policy Officer
Steffan John has recently joined BMA Cymru Wales to take up the new post of Policy, Research and Information Officer. He has previously worked as a university administrator and as a researcher in the Assembly. He also stood as a candidate for a target seat in the last assembly election. His role will be to strengthen the evidence-based policy and research of BMA Cymru Wales and well as contributing to the association’s communications and lobbying work with opinion-formers and decision-makers.
Committee Executive Secretaries
Sarah Ellmes joined the Cardiff office in December 1988. She is currently on maternity leave. As well as committee executive secretary to Welsh Council, GPC Wales and Public Health, Sarah also organises the Annual Welsh Conference of LMCs. Sarah is currently on maternity leave.
Karen Morris joined the BMA Cardiff office in July 2000. She is currently on maternity leave. Karen is responsible for the Welsh Consultants Committee, WSASC and Welsh Local Negotiating Committee Forum and associated sub committees.
Donna Martin joined the BMA in February of 2005 and is responsible for WJDC, WMASC and WMSC. Previously she worked for Sony UK for ten years as executive personal assistant to the managing director and the board.
Sarah Miller joined the Cardiff office in July this year and is covering the maternity leave for Karen Morris. Sarah will take responsibility for Welsh Consultants Committee, WSASC and Welsh Local Negotiating Committee Forum and associated sub committees. Previously she has worked within the health department of the National Assembly for Wales and for a local council in south Cheshire as Democratic Services Officer.
Sharon Harford joined the BMA Cardiff office in August of this year as a maternity cover for Sarah Ellmes and will be responsible for WMASC, WMSC and WCPHMCH. Previously she worked for 12 years as the UK Operations Business Development Manager for a London based construction consultancy organisation.
Employment Advisors
Fiona Jackson joined the Cardiff office in February 2003 from the GMC via MLM Solicitors.
Rebecca Williams joined the Cardiff office in October 2004 from North Glamorgan NHS Trust.
Fiona and Rebecca deal with member queries as well as attending committee meetings and co-ordinating student activities.
Secretarial Assistants
Kay Montgomery has been with the Cardiff office since August 2002, as a secretarial assistant to the Deputy Welsh Secretary. More recently (December 2004) Kay took on the role of office coordinator. Kay joined us following relocating from Chicago where she was an officer manager for an Asthma & Allergy Practice.
Suzanne Webb joined the Cardiff office in December 2003 firstly, as a temp covering a secretarial assistant position. In October 2004 she became a permanent staff member in the role as personal assistant to the Welsh Secretary. Suzanne's background includes various customer service and secretarial roles in the manufacturing/plant hire industry.
Julie Feane joined the BMA in February of this year. Julie's varied employment background includes office management within the construction industry for 8 years and office administrator/client advisor for the Central Cardiff Citizens Advice Bureau for 12 years.
Jill Beddoes was employed in November 1997 to service the BMA craft committees. Prior to joining the BMA Cardiff office, Jill was a personal secretary working in the Engineering Department at Cardiff University.
Diane Rosser joined the BMA in Cardiff in August 1988. During that time, she has amassed great experience and knowledge whilst supporting all national office departments.
Assistant Secretaries
Andrew Cross joined the BMA as the Assistant Secretary for the South Western Region in March 1993 and transferred to Wales the following year. Andrew is a qualified solicitor and prior to joining the BMA worked as a legal advisor for DAS Legal Expenses, where he specified in employment law.
Erica Stamp joined the BMA in March 2002 as an assistant secretary covering north west Wales, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. Before joining the BMA Erica worked as a solicitor for Hugh James, specialising in employment law.
Alison Edwards joined the BMA in 1988 as a regional officer and was appointed as Assistant Secretary in 1999 having qualified in law and employment relations. Alison previously worked in the NHS.