Meet the Team

Martyn is a Caseworker who joined Beacon in 2018. As a Caseworker Martyn works on a variety of cases, from assessing the strength of a case (as part of Beacon’s Expert Analysis service) to assisting clients with CHC appeals from the Local Resolution stage to Independent Review (NHS England) and the Ombudsman (PHSO). Martyn is a qualified Independent Advocate (City and Guilds) who previously worked for SeAp (The Advocacy People) as part of the Devon team. Prior to this Martyn worked in journalism, teaching, public relations and social care.

Martyn says:

‘[During my time at Beacon] there have been a number of highlights but the one that stands out is helping a client to recoup over £280K in care home fees (for her late father’s care) after a very long, complicated and drawn-out process.’

Jocelyn is an Information Officer who joined Beacon in 2022. As Information Officer Jocelyn is part of the Information & Advice team that responds to CHC enquiries via the advice line or email enquiries. Jocelyn has had a variety of roles in the field of health, including delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses, which taught people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. She also practiced healthcare law as a solicitor, dealing with clinical negligence claims and regulatory proceedings.

Jocelyn says:

‘I always feel a sense of achievement at the end of a phonecall when someone tells me that I have helped them and that they are grateful for this. I also feel proud when someone takes the time to email me to thank me for the help I have provided, as it is good to know that what I am doing is making a positive difference to people.’

Dan has been the Managing Director of Beacon since its formation in 2013. Dan has worked in NHS Continuing Healthcare since 2003 when he joined the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority as part of their newly-established retrospective assessment team, following the landmark Coughlan judgment. In 2005 he joined Age UK Oxfordshire as a CHC advocate, becoming service manager in 2008 and developing a team of specialist caseworkers. In 2013, following the successful expansion of the CHC advocacy service and in response to growing demand outside of the Thames Valley, he worked with a range of third-sector stakeholders to set up Beacon as a national social enterprise.

Dan says:

‘Over the course of my work in CHC I have always been passionate about using our expertise and knowledge of the national picture to help the NHS improve their CHC systems, influence policy and robustly challenge poor practice. This is something I continue to strive to do through our regular engagement with statutory services, media and the PHS Ombudsman, and via the delivery of training.

In the 20+ years I have worked in the field of CHC support and influencing, the most enjoyable part of my work has always been getting to know the people and families that we work with over a long period of time, getting to understand the ‘individual’ behind the assessment and then seeing the result of our collective work as we bring their needs to life through high quality representation. Whilst I miss working directly with those people and families in my current role, I now get to work alongside a team of talented and genuinely caring professionals who are building those same relationships with the families they work with, and to see the positive impact of months or sometimes years of work.’

Bella is the Business Development Manager, who joined Beacon in 2019. As Business Development Manager Bella is responsible for developing growth and providing support with all matters relating to CHC funding. Bella worked as a lawyer with private legal firms for some years before transferring her skills and working within UK and international government organisations to develop investments for businesses.

Bella’s proudest moments with Beacon have been knowing that individuals have felt they have been listened to, and that regardless of the outcome of their applications, they have had the appropriate support.

Afia is an Advocate who joined Beacon in 2018. Afia has over 25 years’ experience supporting vulnerable adults with complex decisions, including working with palliative clients in a cancer setting, and helping people with learning disabilities and in mental health support.

Afia says:

‘I love working with people and supporting them to understand and gain the confidence to participate as fully as possible in the CHC process. Speaking in depth about care needs is difficult and people often benefit from being guided on what to explore further at assessment. I really enjoy listening to my clients and then delivering at assessment the information which makes a difference regarding eligibility.’

Chris is the Information and Advice Service Manager, who joined Beacon in 2016. As Information & Advice Service Manager Chris manages Beacon’s Free Information & Advice service, ensuring it runs smoothly and that our clients receive the best advice. Prior to joining Beacon, Chris was the Business and Administration Team Leader for a CHC team in the north of England. This role involved him in every part of the CHC process and gave him an in-depth understanding of its complexities.

Chris says:

‘Since joining Beacon, I have seen the organisation grow and change dramatically and I am very proud to have been a part of that. My greatest achievement has been helping to steer the Advice service through the uncertainty of the global pandemic in 2020. It was a difficult time, but we came out of it stronger than ever. I love to see the genuine and heartfelt feedback that we receive on a regular basis, it is so enjoyable to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference at a very difficult time in people’s lives.’

Anna is Specialist Adviser who joined Beacon in 2022. As a Specialist Adviser in NHS Continuing Healthcare Anna provides telephone consultations as part of our Free Information & Advice service. Anna is a qualified solicitor, a background which helps her to analyse the facts of a client’s situation and apply the relevant legal and procedural rules. She also spent some years as a carer for a family member which gives her insight into what clients and their families may be going through.

Anna says:

‘It has been fantastic to find out that my guidance has helped clients to obtain care or recoup fees that they are entitled to. However, it is also extremely rewarding on a day-to-day basis to hear the stress leave a client’s voice as they gain more confidence in navigating CHC after having spoken to you on a consultation.’