Michael Mordey has been appointed as Senior Public Affairs Manager, bringing almost 20 years’ experience in local and regional government.

Michael most recently served as Leader of Sunderland City Council and has a strong track record in strategic leadership, with extensive experience navigating local government issues, developing community-focused public policy and securing multi-million-pound investment partnerships. Michael has worked closely with MPs, regional combined authority mayors, local residents and partners to drive inclusive growth and deliver positive outcomes for the North East.

Michael’s new role coincides with a number of other of staff changes at the NHSA. Rosina Read, a recent graduate from The University of Manchester, who has experience working in policy engagement within academic institutions, has been made permanent Communications and Public Affairs Officer. Ruth Boston, formerly Head of Communications, has been appointed to the organisation’s Executive Team as Lead for External Affairs, overseeing the NHSA’s communications and public affairs operations. Vanessa Nolan, formerly Office Manager, has been promoted as the organisation’s Operations Manager, whilst Charlotte Thompson has been promoted to Senior Communications and Events Manager.

Hannah Davies, CEO of the NHSA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to the NHSA, his political background and deep knowledge of national and local government will be invaluable as we continue to champion the North’s health and life sciences strengths at a national level. Rosina has already made a significant contribution to our communications and public affairs work over the past year, bringing insight, energy and a strong understanding of policy engagement to the team. Together, these appointments will further bolster our public affairs capacity, helping to ensure the North’s research excellence, innovation and evidence-led outputs reach the policy space and have real impact and influence with policymakers. We are also thrilled to recognise Ruth, Charlotte and Vanessa in their new roles as we continue to strengthen our team and expand our public affairs, communications and operational capacity.”