Meet the Team

James Orr

Managing Director

James Orr joined NHS Professionals (NHSP) in 2019 as the Managing Director of Doctors Direct and Specialist Services. James took the additional role as Managing Director of the NHS Professionals Academy in February 2025.

During the pandemic, James created a bespoke recruitment response service, which continues to support wider members of the healthcare ecosystem today, as part of a more tailored workforce solution.

At NHS Professionals, James’ team initially focused on developing the service for Bank Doctors and client NHS Trusts, but have since broadened their offer to Allied Health Professionals and Non-Clinical staff. In addition, James has also led the highly successful Gateway programmes delivering international medical graduates into the NHS and has responsibility for our international support teams.

With over 20 years’ working in the staffing industry, James’ experience has been firmly focussed within the healthcare sector. Prior to joining Doctors Direct, he successfully led a major change programme as UK Managing Director of Global Medics. During his eight-year tenure, he successfully built the business, including the development of their sub-brand Doctors On Call, before leading the company to acquisition by the Medacs Global Group.

Stuart Lowry

Service Development Director

Stuart Lowry is the Service Development Director for the Academy from NHS Professionals and heads up our account services team.

Stuart has over 25 years’ experience in education and training. He holds a master’s degree in occupational psychology from Birkbeck College, University of London. He holds several learning accreditations, is a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute, TAP Certified and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute. He is an Insights Discovery and DISC practitioner. Stuart has managed large learning design and delivery teams and has led major leadership programmes in the public sector.

He has led several major global learning outsourcing contracts including the UK Civil Service, HSBC and Novartis. 

Cathryn Henry

Business Manager

Cathryn oversees the operational and governance activities of the NHS Professionals Academy.

Cathryn has over 20 years of Further and Higher Education and training experience and has a deep understanding of the skills sector. With a background in the civil service, Cathryn has demonstrable experience of all elements of the employer and learner journey.

Cathryn was part of the National Apprenticeship Service’s drive to grow apprenticeships within the UK and has provided support to many public and private organisations including the Finnish and Korean governments on their own apprenticeship strategies.

Since joining NHS Professionals in 2022, Cathryn led the team to establish the systems and structures within the Academy and now leads the team delivery Statutory and Mandatory training to over 30,000 bank members while mobilising the Academy to become a provider of apprenticeship training.

Cathryn is an executive coach and mentor and recently completed a Level 7 senior leadership apprenticeship at Cranfield University as part of the NHS Professionals' High Potential Programme

Hannah Manners

Education Trainer

Hannah qualified as a Midwife in 2017 and has worked in all areas of maternity to include case loading, community, and labour ward.  She joined NHSP as an Educator to help develop professional and academic skills through teaching in subjects she is passionate about; Recent reports in Midwifery have shown significant issues around safety in maternity and as an educator, she is keen to apply her knowledge and experience into developing learning programmes and supporting others to consolidate their skills to encourage high standards of care.

Sharon Smith

Education Lead - Health Care Support Worker Development Programme

Sharon is a Registered Nurse and Health visitor, and a highly experienced academic within healthcare education. Sharon is committed to providing high quality professional education and pastoral care for our HCSWD Learners to ensure the delivery of safe, high quality and compassionate care. Sharon works with our Practice Development Nurses and works closely with Trust Service Partners, NHS Trusts and clinical staff. Sharon also contributes to wider educational and research projects within the NHSP Academy, HEE and HEIs. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a member and author for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Children and Family Health.

Rhoda Woller

OSCE Trainer

Rhoda qualified as a mental health nurse in 2020 and has worked in various challenging settings, including acute care, Psychiatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), and psychiatric liaison services. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities and unique demands associated with mental health care delivery in different settings. In addition to her clinical experience, she has held various leadership positions, where she has successfully managed teams and implemented strategies to enhance patient care and outcomes. She has a desire to inspire and empower healthcare professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional care to individuals.