#Proud2bOps - An Operational Movement

Meet the
Team...

Meet Emma

The Proud2bOps story began in 2017 with a passionate and determined Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Emma Challans-Rasool. Emma had a burning desire to create a professional network for senior operational leaders in the NHS, but to her surprise, she found that such a network didn't exist!

Undeterred, Emma rolled up her sleeves and set about gathering a group of like-minded Deputy Chief Operating Officers who shared her vision. Together, they collaborated and shaped the beginnings of what would become the Proud2bOps movement.

This group collaborated to define Proud2bOps' core values and purpose, which have since become the guiding principles for the entire community. Thanks to Emma's determination and the hard work of the founding members, the movement has grown into a thriving network that supports, connects, and inspires operational leaders in the NHS and beyond.

The Proud2bOps
Team

Ready to meet our team? From strategists to problem-solvers, our diverse crew brings a kaleidoscope of skills and experiences to the table, ensuring we tackle every challenge with finesse and flair.

Emma Challans-Rasool

Founder and Director

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Emma has worked across healthcare for over 20 years and is an experienced Board level Director and leader within the health and care sector. She is a values driven leader centred around people, continually striving for innovation and improvement that enhances patient, colleague, and partner experience.

Emma is proud to have led in various senior leadership roles including Operational Management, Service Improvement, Organisational Development, Leadership and Culture Transformation. Emma’s public sector experience spans acute, community, primary care and independent. She has also gained experience within the private healthcare sector and worked across Europe as a Senior Healthcare Consultant supporting organisational change and effectiveness.

She is the Founder and Chair of Proud2bOps, an innovative, multi award-winning national network of operational professionals from health and care providers. Emma is a member of the BMJ Leader International Editorial Advisory Board and an Ambassador of the OD Academy.

Ian Baines

Associate Director

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Ian joined the NHS Graduate Financial Management Training Scheme in 93, qualified as a CIPFA accountant in 97, and went on to work across both the private sector, including KPMG, and NHS roles before becoming Director of Finance at a NHS trust in 2008.

In 2015, Ian changed direction to work in organisational development, supporting the integration of three Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). He later joined NHS Horizons, a group of specialist improvement and OD professionals within the NHS.

Ian has a strong curiosity about people and teams, and completed a Masters in People and Organisational Development. His dissertation focused on failure and personal transitions, and how these can be used as a positive frame in wider life. The work was later published as an academic white paper by the Roffey Park Institute.

At Proud2b, Ian leads programmes of work, leadership development, partnerships, business insight, organisational development, and reflection on systems and organisational governance. Outside of work, he enjoys time outdoors with his family, photography, riding his Triumph Bonneville motorcycle, and listening to vintage 1950s rockabilly music.

Alex Baldwin

Associate Director

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Alex Baldwin is an experienced NHS operational leader and Associate Director with Proud2bOps, passionate about strengthening the voice, confidence, and capability of operational managers across health and care.

Alongside his national role with Proud2bOps, Alex has worked at Executive Director level within the NHS, including serving as Interim Chief Operating Officer and most recently leading major transformation programmes aligned to a ten-year Clinical and Care Strategy and new hospital development.

Through Proud2bOps, Alex works with colleagues across the country to build networks, share learning and support the development of the operational management profession.

Alex is a strong advocate for collaboration, kindness, and practical improvement — and believes operational leaders play a vital role in shaping the future of health and care.

Katy Stant

Network Manager

Katy is the Network Manager for Proud2bOps, bringing experience in project management and data analytics across the NHS and wider public sector. She is passionate about creating meaningful spaces for operational leaders to connect, learn from one another and feel part of a supportive national community.

In her role, Katy oversees membership experience, digital development, event coordination, and network engagement for the Proud2bOps community. She is committed to ensuring members have a smooth, positive experience - from joining the network, to accessing resources, to taking part in regional and national events. She particularly enjoys working with colleagues across the country to shape sessions that spark insight, share best practice and celebrate the vital work of operational managers.

Before joining Proud2bOps, Katy worked in a range of analytical and project roles within the NHS and policing. Across all her work, she has built strong relationships, improved processes and helped teams deliver high‑quality work in fast‑paced environments.

Katy is energised by the Proud2bOps mission and is dedicated to supporting the network to continue growing, evolving, and championing the operational management profession.

Lesley Greenfield

Network and Business Support Officer

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Lesley Greenfield is an experienced Personal Assistant and Network and Business Support Officer with Proud2bOps. She has extensive expertise in business and personal management, event planning and organisational development.

Alongside her role with Proud2bOps, Lesley has worked at Senior levels within the public and private sector, including the further education sector and the NHS. Her NHS career has focussed on working with senior managers and their peers to support healthcare delivery and drive service improvement across Lincolnshire.

Through her work with Proud2bOps, Lesley plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the network. She supports members and communication/ facilitation of events and programmes.

Lesley values colleagues who are passionate about their roles and committed to making a meaningful difference. She is inspired by those dedicated to continuous learning and career development.

Her personal mantra reflects her drive and determination: Stay committed, work relentlessly, and achieve great things.

Manish Verma

Communications Manager

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Manish Verma is a communications professional and startup founder with extensive experience across journalism, digital marketing and community engagement.

Based in Leicestershire, he's worked with charities, membership organisations and media brands to create clear, engaging and audience-focused communications that deliver impact. His background includes work with the BBC, Spotify’s Sound Up initiative and Curio, as well as digital communications roles in the charity and non-profit sector.

Manish is passionate about using communications and digital tools to help organisations connect with people, strengthen communities and make ideas easier to understand.

Our Advisory Group

We are very pleased to introduce you to the members of our new Proud2bOps Advisory Group. On becoming a CIC back in March 2023, our vision was to have a collection of dedicated volunteer members who advocate for Proud2bOps and contribute to the success, value, and impact of Proud2bOps.

Through this support we hope our advisory group members will help Proud2bOps protect and support health and care operational professionals across the UK, ensuring members continue to have a positive experience of the network and that we thrive as a professional network.

Welcome and thank you to Michael, Jack, Cheryl and Anna.

Michael Watts

Jack Bramhall

Cheryl Samuels

Anna Winyard

Our EDI Ambassadors

We are proud to introduce our EDI Ambassadors. They are highly skilled and poised to support our efforts to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies in every step we take and across our regional boundaries.

Suresh Packiam
EDI Ambassador

Meet Suresh

Munya Zinyama
EDI Ambassador

Meet Munya

Find out more about our EDI initiative

Reach Out

Eager to learn more? Our team at Proud2bOps is here to assist you. Whether you're seeking insights about our operational management webinars, looking for tailored solutions, or simply want to connect, we're just a click away.

Reach Out

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