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Professor Dave Clarke – Associate Director for Education 

Dave worked in higher education for 24 years before joining the RCN in 2022 to head up the (now) King’s Cadet Scheme. He has held roles at Cardiff University, the University of West of England and the University of Leicester where, as professor, he developed the university’s first nursing programme. Dave has published internationally and continues to be an editorial board member for health care journals.

Heather Randle – Head of Education

Heather has 35 years’ nursing experience working across NHS primary care, mental health, learning disability and community care, as well as in higher education institutes and private settings. She’s passionate about nursing leadership, education, advanced practice and portfolio careers. She joined the RCN in 2018 to provide vision and leadership to members nationally. She commends being able to progress in leadership, while maintaining a clinical role, and considers it a privilege to influence policy and the future of nursing. 

Dr Owena Simpson – Head of Education 

Owena is a registered nurse with a cardiac care background and 20 years in higher education. She held roles including Deputy Course Leader and Head of Subject. Her doctorate explored mature female nursing students from widening participation backgrounds. Owena is committed to quality assured education and empowering nurses to deliver safe, compassionate care. 

Gill Coverdale – Head of Education 

Gill has been a nurse for over 40 years and with the RCN for 11. She led the RCN Education Strategy and RCN Learn. Gill heads a team designing and delivering education, influencing standards for pre and post-registration education with the NMC and other stakeholders. She remains passionate about high quality services. 

Lorna Mayles – Head of Students and RCN King's Nursing Cadets

Lorna is a dual qualified nurse and midwife with experience in clinical, education and strategic roles. She influences pre-registration nursing education and widening access. Lorna works across local, regional and national levels, collaborating with stakeholders to develop opportunities for young people and nursing students. Her expertise includes public health, education and leadership. 

Gina Newton – Professional Lead Education (England)

Gina is a registered adult nurse with over 30 years of experience in diverse health care settings. Skilled in performance improvement, coaching, team building and facilitation, she collaborates with stakeholders to apply clinical knowledge, ensuring patient and staff safety. Gina is passionate about supporting and fostering growth with individuals in reaching their full potential, regardless of their career stage.

Lucy Tomlins - Professional Lead Education (England) 

Lucy is an RGN/RM with 40 years’ experience in medicine, cardiology and university lecturing. She holds a BSc Psychology, PGCE and MSc Health & Social Care. Lucy champions CPD, genomics and leadership, and lectures on an ACP programme. Her interests include emotional intelligence in leadership and promoting a psychologically safe workforce.

Christine McKenzie - Professional Lead Education (England)

Christine is a senior nurse leader supporting growth across health and social care. She uses education to drive change, build confidence and foster inclusive care. Her expertise includes consultancy, coaching, team dynamics and EDI. Christine’s work is informed by system psychodynamics and she led the RCN ELD staff Repository initiative.

Caroline Steven - Professional Lead Education (England)

Caroline is a registered adult nurse with 18 years’ NHS experience. She supports regional and national initiatives to advance nursing education. Caroline designs and delivers learning events, contributes to strategic programmes including Preceptorship and Infection Prevention and Control, and promotes consistent, high-quality education and practice standards across the UK.

Donna Munroe - Professional Lead Education (England)

Donna is a Registered General Nurse and qualified educator. Her career spans the NHS, charity sector and RCN. She specialises in acute oncology, communication skills and vicarious traumatisation. Donna supports the workforce in managing burnout and distress. She serves on the RCN Quality Assurance Panel, ensuring meaningful, evidence-based education.

Linda McGrath – Professional Lead Education (Accreditation)

Linda is a registered adult nurse with 38 years’ clinical and educational experience. She has worked in HEIs and held roles including NMC Fitness to Practise Panellist and External Examiner. Linda joined the RCN in 2024 and is committed to high quality, evidence-based education. Her interests include AI, ethics and law.

Andrea Childe – Professional Lead Education (UK)

Andrea is dual qualified in adult and paediatric nursing with over 40 years’ experience across the NHS, third sector and RCN. She has worked internationally and with the British Armed Forces. Andrea designs and evaluates education to support professional development. She values collaboration, lifelong learning and empowering others.

Catherine Swan – Professional Lead Education (UK)

Catherine is a registered nurse and midwife with over 35 years’ experience. She specialises in neonatal transport and retrieval, and holds advanced qualifications including an MSc in Advanced Practice. Catherine led clinical education for ScotSTAR and teaches neonatal stabilisation. She now leads on leadership and sustainability in nursing education.

Dr Helen Elliott – Professional Lead Education (Quality Assurance)

Helen is a registered adult nurse, children’s nurse and health visitor with extensive experience across acute, community and academic settings. In higher education roles, she’s helped shape public health curriculum and practice. Helen has extensive experience in research – focusing particularly on domestic abuse – and holds a Doctorate in Education. Her expertise also spans public health nursing, leadership, academic skills and research methods. Helen is a Queen’s Nurse and Principal Fellow of Advance HE. She’s also a published scholar and peer reviewer. 

Will Malcher Professional Lead for Students (UK)

Will is a senior nurse, associate lecturer and researcher in infectious diseases. He received the Florence Nightingale Award for his work on COVID 19. Will empowers student nurses through leadership, activism and inclusion. He amplifies student voices, supports networks and shapes strategic engagement across the UK, inspiring the next generation.