A steering group made up of representatives from Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) and Custody Nurses from around the United Kingdom was soon established to provide direction for the then UK Association of Forensic Nurses (UKAFN), lately becoming the UK Association of Forensic  Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP). It was clear from the onset that there was enthusiasm to meet the need for an association in the UK. The steering group felt it was paramount for a body of professionals not only to provide a continuum of best practices but also to raise standards and facilitate access to learning and educational needs.

Jennie Smith 

President

Jennie has been a Nurse since 1990 and her experience has been wide and varied. Jennie has worked in a busy inner-city Accident and Emergency Department. Jennie also worked in the biggest dance clubs of Liverpool for several years. Following which Jennie became a Pharmaceutical Rep, where she gained extensive knowledge in cardiovascular medicine, HIV, psychiatry and microbiology. For the past eleven years, Jennie has been a Forensic Nurse Practitioner working with both Merseyside and Greater Manchester Police Forces. Currently, Jennie is the Lead Nurse for what was the first Integrated Health and Liaison and Diversion Service in the United Kingdom, a fascinating and challenging role which she loves.

When Jennie started working in forensic nursing, she found it an emerging area of nursing that she was and remains totally passionate about and a speciality which continues to challenge and fascinate her every day. So much so Jennie has recently completed an MSc in Healthcare in Secure Environments and she also holds the UKAFNP Advanced Standards in Education and Training (ASET) certificate, after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice.

Jennie became involved with UKAFNP in 2008, subsequently becoming the National Conference Organiser and Vice President. Jennie was honoured to be elected as President in May 2013, and aims to continue the positive work that UKAFNP has done since inception. UKAFNP is something Jennie most proud of for being able to improve quality and standards of care for our detainee population and hopefully improve outcomes as a result.

Jennie has a wonderful partner, lives by the sea and enjoys wonderful sunsets throughout the summer and sometimes winter evenings. She loves to travel, has a passion for shoes (some would say a problem) and fashion and is an avid rugby union fan.

SUE FEWKES 

Vice President

Sue, who has served on the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics (UKAFNP) committee since its inaugural meeting in London in 2004, commenced her nursing career at King's College Hospital, London, in 1979. Initially training as an Enrolled Nurse, she primarily worked in an Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU). Her career trajectory then led her to undertake a conversion course, enabling her to become a Registered Nurse in 1997. She pursued this role in a private hospital's surgical department.

Yearning for a new challenge, Sue transitioned into the realm of forensic nursing in 2001 when she joined Kent Police as a Forensic Nurse Practitioner. She found the unpredictability and inherent challenges of the role exhilarating. Throughout this tenure, she maintained active membership with the UKAFNP, contributing significantly as a Vice President. Moreover, Sue has an integral role in various UKAFNP subcommittees and is part of the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine (FFLM) Scientific Subcommittee. Who meet bi-annually to formulate guidelines for forensic sample collection for complainants and suspects. The group’s multidisciplinary nature encompasses Forensic Scientists, kit providers, Forensic Nurse Examiners, Forensic Medical Examiners, and occasionally, representatives from the Metropolitan Police.

In 2013, Sue undertook a new challenge as the Clinical Coordinator for the Kent Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Despite the challenges in establishing the service, Sue played a significant role in its success, now operated by Mountain Healthcare. However, Sue realised her passion lay in Custody Nursing, leading her back to her role as a Forensic Nurse Practitioner with Kent Police. Her involvement with SARC has enriched her practitioner role and provided valuable insights and experiences when working with victims.

Outside of her professional commitments, Sue is a wife and mother to two adult children and enjoys many hobbies. She is an avid traveller, swimmer, and skier, loves walking and exploring on her e-bike, and passionately organises charity events. Sue's commitment to her professional roles and personal interests is a testament to her versatility and dedication.

Tom BIRD 

Treasurer

Tom currently serves as the Clinical Lead for Sussex at Mitie Care & Custody, bringing a wealth of experience from various domains, including neurorehabilitation, substance misuse, and child learning disabilities. After gaining diverse experience, Tom pursued a qualification as a Paramedic from the University of Portsmouth.

Following his qualification, Tom worked in front-line NHS ambulance services on the South Coast. However, in 2016, he embraced a new role in police custody, with a pronounced interest in road traffic medicine and substance misuse.

Continuing his professional development, Tom is currently undertaking an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. Additionally, he is an accredited Advanced Life Support instructor. Tom's dedication extends beyond his clinical roles; he has been actively involved with the UK Association of Forensic Nurses and Paramedics since 2020, where he assumed the role of Treasurer in 2021.

Tom is also a proud member of the College of Paramedics and is passionate about recognising the valuable contribution paramedics make while working in police custody settings.

RACHEL ainsworth

Secretary

Rachel's professional journey is both diverse and impressive. Initially dedicating 15 years to front-line prehospital care as a Paramedic, she has since transitioned into the dynamic realm of forensics, embracing the challenges of a custody healthcare professional. Throughout her career in this field, Rachel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, culminating in her ascent to the position of senior Healthcare Professional (HCP). She has also served as a temporary Lead Senior, showcasing her adaptability and skill in guiding her team through various challenges.

With a passion for nurturing talent and expanding the team, Rachel has spearheaded initiatives focused on the induction and recruitment of staff. Her commitment to these areas is not just about filling positions but ensuring that new recruits are fully equipped and integrated into their roles seamlessly. Rachel's dedication to her work in custody healthcare continues to flourish, driven by her eagerness to develop and support her colleagues. Her journey reflects a blend of acute medical expertise and a deep commitment to the advancement of forensic healthcare services.

matt peel

The Helix Editor

Matt is a Registered Nurse (Adult) who began his career in 2002 after obtaining a DipHE in Nursing Studies. His diverse clinical background includes roles in Acute Medical Admissions, Accident & Emergency, Intensive Care, and General Surgery. In 2012, he transitioned to the custody arena in Yorkshire after broadening his horizons by travelling and working Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

In 2013, Matt enrolled in an MSc in Advanced Forensic Practice (Custody) at Staffordshire University, achieving distinction by 2018, earning him the UKAFNP’s Advanced Standards in Education and Training (ASET) certificate. His dissertation research explored the attitudes of police custody nurses and paramedics towards self-harm. He later added another feather to his cap with an MSc in Advanced Practice (Clinical Practitioner).

Matt joined UKAFNP when he began as a Custody Nurse. In 2014, he began editing UKAFNP's quarterly newsletter, "The Helix". Matt has contributed articles to the Nursing Standard and Emergency Nurse on subjects relating directly to custody healthcare and wider forensic issues relevant to professionals outside of custody. Matt co-authored a chapter titled ‘Professional Conduct - Nurses’ in ‘Forensic and Legal Medicine – Clinical and Pathological Aspects’.

Between 2022 and 2023, Matt was seconded to NHS England as a Clinical Nurse Fellow (Forensics) to spearhead a review of forensic healthcare practitioner standards in England. This significant undertaking was part of Dame Ruth May's Senior Clinical Nurse Fellowship programme. In 2023, the Queen's Nurse Institute honoured Matt with the title of Queen's Nurse in recognition of his exemplary service and contributions to the nursing profession.

Today, Matt is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in police custody across West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Humberside with Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

Matthew barker

Education Officer

Matthew is an experienced clinical leader with 36 years in the public and private health and care sectors. He is an executive nurse with clinical, management, education and workforce development experience.

Previous roles include; Deputy Chief Nurse for an Acute Trust through Covid-19, Assistant Director for Transformation, National Deputy Chief Nurse for the Royal College of Nursing and Managing Consultant for General Electric Healthcare Partners. He is also an executive and performance coach who focusses on building self-awareness and unlocking potential.

Matthew trained at St Thomas’ Hospital the Nightingale School, followed by his emergency nursing career to Senior Charge Nurse / Practitioner in London Teaching Hospitals. He has worked in a wide range of roles to support nursing, multi-professional teams’ development and transformation projects.

Matthew is currently the Healthcare Director for the Metropolitan Police Service in London. Since joining in 2022 he has worked with the team to transform the approach to safer custody care, updating the police risk assessment, driving forward recruitment and professional development for healthcare practitioners. In addition to the healthcare portfolio, he is the Command lead for Strategy, Workforce, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion.



As the newly appointed UKAFNP Education Officer, Matthew is committed to maintaining professional standards, facilitating access to education and raising the profile of Forensic Healthcare Practitioners in all settings.

RACHEL FELL 

Steering Group Member & Conference Organiser

Rachel proudly serves as the Lead Senior Healthcare Professional in Leicester and the Clinical Lead at the British Transport Police in London. With a rich background spanning 18 years in custody healthcare, her career has been marked by significant contributions and developments within this specialised field. Her experience is rooted in emergency care, including experiences in Accident and Emergency (A&E), Clinical Decision Units (CDU), Medical Assessment Units (MAU), and practice nursing.

Over the last eight years, Rachel has been a vital part of our  organisation, dedicating herself to knowledge-sharing among colleagues and striving to enhance standards in forensic healthcare. She  recently achieved  the LFFLM (GFM) qualification is a testament to her ongoing commitment to advancing  knowledge and skills within this fascinating sector.

Aside from her professional responsibilities, she is deeply involved in organising our annual national conference, an event that stands out as the highlight of the year. It's a time that Rachel looks forward to with great anticipation, enjoying the opportunity to collaborate and celebrate with  peers.

Living in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, offers Rachel the serene beauty of the National Forest right at her doorstep, a privilege that enriches her life beyond measure. Her time is joyfully divided between there and London, allowing her to embrace the contrast and diversity of urban and countryside living. Travelling is another passion of hers, exploring the scenic landscapes of our country and venturing to warmer climes with family and friends.

mhairi macdonald

Steering Group Member

Mhairi is an Adult Registered Nurse who began her career in 2000 after obtaining a DipHE in Nursing Studies. Mhairi spent her early career in critical care including roles in Intensive Care, Coronary Care and Emergency Department working between Raigmore Hospital Inverness, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Hawkes Bay District Health Board New Zealand. In 2010 she commenced her Health Visiting training and worked both in urban and remote and rural areas including the Small Isles of Scotland. Mhairi then transitioned to Forensic Nursing in 2019.

In 2021, Mhairi studied in the first cohort of Advanced Forensic Practice at Queen Margaret's University Edinburgh, achieving a Post Graduate Certificate, earning her the UKAFNP’s Advanced Standards in Education and Training (ASET) certificate. Presently, she continues studying Person-Centred Care.

Today, Mhairi is Forensic Nurse Coordinator for NHS Highland's Sexual Assault Referral Coordination Service (SARCS).

carl denton

Chaplain

Carl has carved a distinguished path as a Forensic Paramedic since 2012, following an illustrious tenure in the Ambulance Service. His journey in this specialised field has seen him work extensively across numerous British Police Forces, where he has developed a keen interest in forensic photography and forensic human identification.

A long-standing member of the steering group, Carl embarked on a profound journey of personal and professional development in 2021, commencing Ministerial Training. This significant milestone culminated in his Ordination as a Reverend, after which he embraced the role of UKAFNP Chaplain with dedication and fervour.

While continuing to serve in his capacity as a Forensic Paramedic, Carl brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work, particularly in the context of police custody. His role as Chaplain extends beyond the confines of his forensic expertise, offering pastoral, spiritual, and wellbeing support to all members of the UKAFNP. Carl's unique blend of professional acumen and pastoral care enriches the association, providing a pillar of support and guidance to its members. Carl can be contacted via email for pastoral, spiritual and wellbeing support.

Barry nevin

Steering Group Member

Barry started his nursing career in 2013 after completing a BSc (hons) degree in Nursing Sciences from Queen's University Belfast. His nursing career includes working with the acute care of the elderly, followed by a role within Northern Ireland's largest emergency department (ED) and trauma centre, where he honed his skills in a high-pressure frontline healthcare service. Through his work within the ED, he began his interest in police custody healthcare, assessing patients within the ED. Following his ED experience, he moved to a charge nurse position within an acute care at home team, which focused on providing optimal care to patients in their own homes and ensuring equitable care for the vulnerable within the community. In 2018, a new pilot service was initiated in Northern Ireland police custody, providing a nurse-led service that included clinical assessment, referral, and forensic assessment of patients in custody. He worked in this service as a custody nurse practitioner for over two years. Throughout these years, he completed a postgraduate non-medical prescribing qualification at Queen's University Belfast and obtained an NMC recorded qualification (V300). He then took up the post of lead nurse within the custody healthcare service in 2020, where he has led a team of custody nurse practitioners and mental health practitioners for over 4 years. Barry’s focus is on ensuring that the patient is at the centre of the service and tackling the health inequalities that patients face while jointly working with the police concerning custody healthcare. He completed the Diploma of Legal Medicine (DLM) through the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine to gain a deeper understanding of the complex engagement between healthcare and justice. He led a quality improvement project that focused on assessing blood-borne viruses in police custody, including screening, referral, and follow-up of patients from custody healthcare, which won runner-up in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust chairman’s awards in 2023.

Barry also embarked on the MSc in Advanced Forensic Practice at the University of Staffordshire and completed it in 2024 with a dissertation that focused on the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the term 'safe healthcare practice' in police custody. Through this course, he completed the Advanced standards in education and training in advanced forensic practice through UKAFNP. He actively promotes the work of UKAFNP, as a newly appointed steering group member, he looks forward to promoting professional standards, especially in health inequalities in the patient population we see.