About us
Raising the Profile of Data and Analytical Professionals in Health and Care
Providing a professional support network
About us
Raising the Profile of Data and Analytical Professionals in Health and Care
Providing a professional support network
AphA is the membership organisation for data and analytics professionals working across health and care. We bring together analysts, data scientists, engineers, developers, statisticians and other specialists who use data, intelligence and evidence to support data-driven decision making. We help members throughout their careers through professional registration, continuing professional development, learning, mentoring, networking and professional standards.
We promote the relevance and applicability of robust data and analytics across the health and care system and work to raise awareness of the vital contribution our members make to health and care. Ultimately, AphA aims to strengthen and professionalise the healthcare data and analytics workforce, with professional registration providing an important recognised standard.
AphA is the membership organisation for data and analytics professionals working across health and care. We bring together analysts, data scientists, engineers, developers, statisticians and other specialists who use data, intelligence and evidence to support data-driven decision making. We help members throughout their careers through professional registration, continuing professional development, learning, mentoring, networking and professional standards.
We promote the relevance and applicability of robust data and analytics across the health and care system and work to raise awareness of the vital contribution our members make to health and care. Ultimately, AphA aims to strengthen and professionalise the healthcare data and analytics workforce, with professional registration providing an important recognised standard.
member benefits
What we provide
Support
Support data specialists/analysts working across the healthcare sector.
Development
Support professional and personal development.
Conferences
Annual Conferences with key National Speakers.
Opportunity
Opportunities to influence, training and education.
Innovation
Promote best practice and innovation amongst all NHS staff.
Online Resources & Magazine
Access to online resources and community.
Expertise
To promote the highest standards in health and care data analytics.
Networking
Platform for data and analytical professionals to engage & share.
2012
AphA is formed
To address the lack of professionalism in data and health analytics
UK & Beyond
Growing community
Promoting the highest standards in healthcare and data analytics
Development
Professional registration
Support, networking opportunities and practical resources
The board
Executive Directors
Emma Wright
Co-CEO
Programme Director – Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
Emma Wright is a nationally recognised leader in healthcare data and digital transformation. As Programme Director for Data Readiness at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, she is leading initiatives to enhance data quality in readiness for an electronic patient record (EPR) implementation across one of the UK’s largest NHS organisations.
With over 25 years of experience in health and care, Emma has held senior roles across the data and digital spectrum and is a passionate advocate for the professionalisation of the health and care data and analytics workforce. As AphA Co-Chief Executive, she is dedicated to the empowerment of data and analytics professionals, shaping national policy, and embedding data-driven decision-making at every level of health and care delivery.
She is a registered Leading Practitioner with the Federation of Informatics Professionals (FEDIP) and is a Director of the FEDIP Board.
Jane Johnston
Co- CEO
Health & Care Data and Analytics, PHM, Strategy Consultant
I support organisations on data, analytics and PHM strategy and development, promoting integrated working, developing neighbourhood teams and devising target operating models for sustainable intelligence functions.
I have 30+ years in the NHS in Senior management roles in acute, community, mental health and commissioning organisations with extensive experience managing analytical, performance and business intelligence teams, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate reporting, analysis, intelligence, insight and predictive analytics, delivering service improvement, service redesign, transformation, and integration through evidence based decision making. I produce digital and data strategy, identifying use cases to support cross system intelligence, with a strong emphasis on Population Health Management and value based healthcare, always maintaining high standards of governance and ethical consideration.
I am passionate in supporting and driving the professionalisation, career and skills development of the data and analytical community which is all that AphA embodies. And together with all of our networks and strategic partnerships, we are making our voices heard.
My hobbies include eating (not necessarily out, just anywhere), watching Bake Off and Strictly, reading, sailing and travel. And I can’t resist the opportunity to design a spreadsheet in my spare time so my entire family has their lives organised in spreadsheets.
Robert Robson
Director of Finance
Head of Data Strategy & Governance NHS BSA
Rob began his NHS career in 2003 within finance and has since developed extensive experience across financial management, change management, and digital, data and technology roles in both national and local NHS organisations. His professional background includes financial accounts preparation, management reporting, business planning, budget setting, strategy development, and performance management, alongside strong stakeholder and relationship‑management capabilities.
Over the past eight years, Rob has held senior leadership roles within the NHSBSA’s Digital, Data & Technology directorate. In his current position as Head of DDaT Strategy & Data Management, he has led enterprise-wide functions in data governance, quality, architecture, insight, and analytics. Rob is widely recognised for his strategic leadership, system-level influence, and contributions to national data policy forums.
Rob holds a degree in mathematics and is a part‑qualified accountant, bringing strong analytical and financial acumen to his leadership roles.
Ruth Holland
Director of Regions
Deputy CIO – Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Ruth is currently Chief Data & Analytics Officer for OneLondon and Director of Data & Analytics for the London Secure Data Environment. She previously held the role of Deputy CIO at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and has also been a board-level director in South London. Ruth is passionate about digital and data professionals being recognised as part of the multidisciplinary team delivering quality patient care. She volunteers her own time leading the healthcare data and analytics profession in the UK in her roles as Director of Regions at the Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts (AphA) and Deputy Chair of the Chief Data and Analytical Officer Network (CDAON). Ruth is an alumni of the NHS Digital Academy, having completed a postgraduate diploma in Digital Health Leadership and is a champion for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.
Kate Thomas
Director and Company Secretary
Head of Performance – University Hospitals Dorset
I have worked in the NHS since 1987, although I only intended to fill a gap year, before starting a fine art degree!
I started in district finance, in the days of directly managed units, as a trainee, and was an internal auditor before embarking on an information role within commissioning when the new NHS Trusts came into being. I finally squeezed in a business degree before heading off for a more generalist role within one of the new PCGs being set up, moving back to a more focused role as Information Manager at Bournemouth and Poole PCT several reorganisations later.
I currently work at University Hospitals NHS Trust Dorset as the Head of Performance Monitoring within the Business Intelligence Team; it’s a varied and challenging role but a thoroughly enjoyable one.
When I’m not out dog walking with my 3 lovely rescue greyhounds (my 7th, 8th and 9th!) or chairing the school PSA, I like to spend my free time riding, volunteering with Pony Club and attempting to beat my daughter at dressage competitions. Who am I kidding, even our horse knows who the better rider is!
Neil Morgan
Director of Advocacy and Strategy
Chief Analytics Officer – Midlands & Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU)
An informatics and analytics leader with over 25 years’ experience across government, health, and research, I am passionate about professional development and the responsible use of data and technology to improve service planning, quality, and population outcomes.
I am currently Chief Analytics Officer at Midlands & Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit (MLCSU), where I lead the strategic and operational design and delivery of business intelligence and analytical services for Integrated Care Boards. My role focuses on working collaboratively with clients, partners, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, high-quality analytical solutions that support insight generation and evidence-based decision-making at system scale.
Alongside my executive role, I serve as Director for Advocacy and Strategy on the Board of the Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts (AphA), championing the development, recognition, and professionalisation of the healthcare analytics workforce. I also maintain strong academic links through collaboration with the University of Manchester and contribute nationally as Deputy Chair of the Advisory Council for the National Health Data Observatory.
I am a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), an accredited FEDIP Leading Practitioner, and a Chartered Manager and Member of the Chartered Institute of Management (CMgr MCMI).
Corielyn Bromley
Director of CPD
Data Governance Specialist (Metadata Lead) – NHS Business Services Authority
Corielyn Bromley is a Data Governance Specialist (Metadata Lead) at the NHS Business Services Authority, where she has spent the past three years driving the development of a data-driven culture. Her work focuses on enhancing data literacy, embedding metadata management practices, and supporting the organisation in managing data as a strategic asset.
As Director of Continued Professional Development and co-EDI Lead at AphA, Corielyn has a strong commitment to advancing the analytics profession, she advocates for the recognition of analysts across the health and care system, championing their expertise and promoting their role in improving healthcare outcomes. She is equally passionate about fostering inclusive environments and driving meaningful progress in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Prior to joining the NHSBSA, Corielyn spent five years as a secondary science educator, where she developed a deep foundation in communication, data analysis, and educational leadership. This unique blend of experience enables her to bring a holistic and human-centred approach to data governance.
Corielyn holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s in education. She is a vocal advocate for increasing data literacy, diversifying the data and analytics workforce, and empowering the next generation of professionals. Her ambition is to continue demonstrating the transformative power of data through storytelling, strategic leadership, and a relentless enthusiasm for making data meaningful and accessible.
Non-Executive Directors
Sonia Patel
AphA President
Chief Technology Officer – Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Sonia is a passionate advocate for the power of data to drive positive change and she will lead AphA in championing the role of data and analytics and in improving health and care data to provide exemplary intelligence and insights to support the visions of the 10 year plan.
Prior to pursuing a technical career path, she brought valuable experience working with international genomic databanks and developing software for big data management. She began her NHS career as a senior information analyst in 2003, subsequently moving into regional roles in performance analytics and leading business intelligence functions across London. She is also recognised for launching England’s first population health data service in 2015.
As President, Sonia will work closely with the board, our members, partners and stakeholders to support professional development and foster collaboration to promote the value of evidence based decision making across the health and care sector.
Dr Marc Farr
Chair, Chief Data and Analytical Officer Network
Chief Data and Analytical Officer – Kent and Medway ICB and East Kent Hospitals NHSFT
Dr. Marc Farr is the Chief Data and Analytical Officer at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, bringing over 20 years of expertise in data science and health informatics to his role. With a PhD in Health Informatics from the University of Lancaster, an Honorary Professorship from UCL and a Senior Research Fellow Role at Canterbury Christchurch, Dr. Farr is renowned for his contributions in predictive analytics, inequalities analysis, and the implementation of advanced health information systems. He leads initiatives that optimize healthcare delivery and patient outcomes through innovative data strategies.
Beyond his role at East Kent Hospitals, Dr. Farr is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a trusted advisor to governmental and private sector organizations. His influential research has been widely published, shaping both academic discourse and practical applications in healthcare analytics. Committed to education, Dr. Farr serves as an adjunct professor, nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders in the fields of health informatics and data science.
Dr. Farr’s leadership and dedication continue to drive advancements in healthcare, ensuring data-driven insights are leveraged to their fullest potential for improving global health outcomes. In 2026 he was named as one of the top 100 most influential people in the NHS.
Prof Martin Pitt
Non-Executive Director Lead for Academia and Research
Professor of Applied Healthcare Modelling and Data Science – University of Exeter Medical School
Martin was appointed as the first president of AphA in 2018. He has recently retired as director of the Peninsula Collaboration for Health Operational Research and Data Science (PenCHORD) based at the University of Exeter Medical School. PenCHORD has been highly effective in delivering a wide range of applied models to support services working directly with health and care professionals and organisations, it has also promoted capacity building within the health professions through its highly acclaimed Health Services Modelling Associates (HSMA) programme.
Martin’s main interest is in promoting the implementation of modelling, simulation and analytic solutions to support, inform and improve health policy and decision making. A large part of this is achieved through enhancing collaboration and communication as well as through capacity building for those working directly in healthcare analytics.
In 2004, Martin established the Modelling and Simulation in Healthcare Network (MASHnet) the forerunner of AphA’s Research Liaison Network which aims to promote closer co-operation between professionals in health, research and commercial organisations and improve the application of healthcare modelling and data science. He currently chairs HaCORN (Health and Care Operational Research Network) which brings together relevant professionals from across communities and also helped establish AphA’s Evaluation and Accreditation Committee looking at the quality assurance of relevant training offerings for health service analysts.
John O’Connell
Non-Executive Director
John O’Connell is the Director of Strategic and Service Innovation at NHS SCW and a Non-Executive Director for AphA, where he is a passionate advocate for the professionalisation of the healthcare analyst community. With extensive leadership experience across the public and private sectors—including roles at St Mary’s London, the BMJ, and Dr. Foster—John is a systems-thinker dedicated to “putting data to work” through intelligent automation and evidence-based medicine. He is committed to helping NHS Analysts advance their careers by ensuring they have access to the professional registration, support networks, and recognition required to lead in a modern, Digital and AI data-driven health system.
As we amp up the pace of digital transformation, John is championing new and diverse voices to drive the cultural shift necessary to unlock the full value of the NHS’s digital assets. He is focused on forging stronger, more effective links between local areas, regional hubs, and the national centre, ensuring that innovation is both scalable and locally impactful. His strategic work includes scoping the future of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programme to embed entrepreneurial thinking.
Prof Adele Marshall
Non-Executive Director
Professor of Statistics – Queen’s University Belfast
Adele Marshall is a Professor of Statistics at Queen’s University Belfast, Co-Chair of the AphA Research Liaison Network and Adjunct Professor at Ontario Tech University in Canada. She is a Member of the Operational Research Society currently serving on the Research Committee and Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society having previously served as a Member of Council for the Royal Statistical Society and President of the Irish Statistical Association.
Adele’s main research interests are in healthcare modelling and advanced analytics with experience working on patient flow modelling, survival analysis, decision support systems for health, predictive analytics, agent based models, process mining and digital twins.
Associates and Deputies
Mark Foy
Associate Director of Professional Registration
Associate Director of Performance & Planning, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Associate Director of Performance & Planning at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Mark also serves as the Associate Director of Professional Standards at AphA, where he has been a committed member for over a decade.
With more than 15 years of experience in healthcare, Mark has held a variety of analytical and operational roles, allowing him to bridge the gap between data-driven insight and frontline service delivery. His unique blend of expertise enables him to help teams and organisations understand complex challenges and co-create effective, sustainable solutions. At MFT, Mark plays a pivotal role in leading the Trust’s performance and planning agenda, overseeing strategic initiatives that improve patient access, reduce waiting times, and enhance service coordination—particularly across cancer and urgent care pathways
Within AphA, Mark has held several key positions including North West Branch Lead, Board Member, and currently Chair of the Professional Development Committee, where he oversees the professional registration process for healthcare analysts. His work supports the development of standards and recognition for the analytical profession across the NHS.
Simon Wellesley-Miller
Deputy Director of Regions
Senior Analytical Manager, South West Intelligence and Insights Team, NHS England
Simon is a Senior Analytical Manager with the NHSE South West Intelligence and Insights Team. Prior to that he worked for a mental health provider for 7 years and has worked in management information for the police and child protection for around 5 years. Previous work roles have been DVLA prosecutor, legal cashier, costume designer and professional goblin (yes he was paid to goblin).
Simon has completed a MSc in Healthcare Data Science and very keen in seeing how to embed robust statistics and modern data science into more day-to-day analytics. He firmly believes we should be bringing these together into the operational day job to support data driven decisions. Simon has a keen interest in building analytical questions and has been researching various visualisation and data story telling techniques.
A NHSR community fellow and SPC champion lead for the AphA South West region for the last 3 years. In his spare time Simon is a massive nerd and loves to play dungeons and dragons and enjoy running (very slowly).
Jasper Cain
Deputy Director of Finance
Principal Analyst for Quality and Nursing at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Jasper Cain is Principal Analyst for Quality and Nursing at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and is shortly taking up the role of Deputy Director of Finance for AphA. He began his NHS career in Internal Audit, qualifying as an accountant, before moving into analytics during the Covid pandemic. Jasper has a strong interest in the automation of reports and analysis to improve consistency and efficiency across healthcare settings, and is an active supporter of AphA in its work to advocate for the professionalism and value of the analytics workforce.