Our Senior Leadership Team

Deborah McCain

Deborah qualified as a Nurse in 1991 and has worked throughout a number of clinical settings before moving into management roles across Health and Social care.

Recognising the need for experienced solutions to overcome the challenges in workforce management, Deborah joined the Healthcare Recruitment sector 25 years ago and has been responsible for working with providers to deliver safe and competent workforce solutions globally.

Deborah joined Hallam Medical in 2013 to focus on the UK’s challenges within Urgent Care, Primary Care and Community Services. Deborah worked with providers nationally to deliver effective solutions to their staffing challenges.

Lisa Locker

Lisa Locker is an extremely experienced nurse, holding over 30 years’ experience within a number of NHS settings as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and as a Senior Clinical Manager with additional international experience in Trinidad. Within a large NHS Trust, Lisa was one of the first ANP’s to qualify with her MSc Advancing Health & Social Care Practice course, whilst working as Deputy Nurse Director and separately as Chief Information Officer.As Chief Nurse, Lisa brings strategic vision, strong leadership, effective management, professional advice, safeguarding lead and has significant clinical expertise. Lisa works closely with our trusted partners, is responsible for Clinical Governance & Safeguarding, works closely with our clients and supports our teams of highly skilled Clinicians.

Chris Whawell

Chris Whawell is a recruitment professional with over 20 years’ experience in the temporary health and social care arena.

As our Chief Operating Officer, Chris is responsible for shaping the company’s operational structure in terms of compliance, contractual obligations, regulation requirements and legislative changes.

With a passion for raising the standards provided to all candidates and clients, Chris is able to identify and evaluate wider issues that may directly or indirectly influence the way that Hallam Medical operates.

Chris is also the company’s lead with public sector frameworks and client agreements, including the implementation of internal changes derived out of the contractual obligations specified within the agreements.

Charlotte Heaton

Charlotte Heaton moved to Sheffield to study Economics and Management at the University of Sheffield. Having a real passion for the development and progression of people, Charlotte started her career in HR and Recruitment after graduating in 2009.

Beginning her Hallam Medical career as a Recruitment Consultant in July 2013, Charlotte has climbed through the ranks of Hallam Medical, managing multiple teams across the Sales and Operations departments.

As Director of People and Organisation, it is Charlotte’s passion to ensure we have the best talent working at Hallam Medical, ensuring our service to both our clients and candidates is second to none.

Julia O’Connor

Julia O’Connor joined Hallam Medical in August 2022 has Deputy Head of Finance. By February 2024, she was promoted to Head of Finance and subsequently took on the role of Finance Director later that year. A Fellow of the ACCA since 2002, Julia brings a wealth of experience to her role. Julia has transitioned through a series of senior financial roles, including Financial Controller, Head of Finance, and Finance Director positions. At Hallam Medical, Julia leads our Finance Team responsible for payroll, credit control, purchase ledger processing, the preparation of monthly management accounts, and annual budgets. She also ensures  the business complies with HMRC requirements and oversees the company’s annual statutory audit.

Gemma Smith

Gemma Smith moved to Sheffield to study and graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 2005.

She began her recruitment career in 2006 and joined Hallam Medical in 2017 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant.

Since then, Gemma’s commitment and vision have driven her through the ranks from Managing Consultant to Sales Manager, and now, a key member of our Senior Leadership Team. As Head of Business Development she supports our clients across England, working closely with Primary Care, Urgent Care, Community, and 111 services.

Gemma is the key stakeholder for building client relationships with all our prospect clients and has been elemental in our development and the startup of our Digital Health Care division.

Alex Munro

Alex Munro is a Registered Nurse with a background as an Advanced Practitioner within Urgent Care services, including A&E, Walk-In Centres, and the Ambulance Service.

In 2007 Alex founded Hallam Medical to be the only agency that truly understood Advanced Practitioners and how they can support the evolving role of Urgent Care within NHS healthcare.

In addition to working as an Advanced Practitioner, Alex has previously been a director of an Admission Avoidance healthcare provider. Alex was also invited to participate in the 2023 NMC/Nuffield Trust report on The Regulation of Advanced Practice.

Simon Ratcliffe

Simon Ratcliffe is an experienced finance professional with over 30 years’ experience gained in the pharmaceutical, technology and service sectors.

He has held senior management positions in both multinationals and entrepreneurial owner managed businesses, including seven years living and working in mainland Europe and Asia.

With experience of numerous company transactions including mergers, acquisitions, disposals and fund raises, Simon brings a wealth of commercial acumen to the team in his role as Non-Executive Director.

Faith Shaughnessy

Faith joined Hallam Medical in March 2011, bringing a wealth of experience for delivering exceptional recruitment services. Starting as a Managing Consultant, Faith led the sales team, supporting clients across a variety of healthcare sectors. Before joining Hallam Medical, Faith worked in Social Care Recruitment, working with organisations ranging from local, independent agencies to international firms. In April 2023, Faith joined the Senior Leadership Team as a Business Manager. In this role, she leads the Clinical Recruitment Team. Faith’s experience in sales, new business development, resourcing, and compliance has significantly enhanced the candidate experience, enabling improved service delivery.

Warren Tomlinson

Warren joined Hallam Medical in March 2012 and became a member of the Senior Management Team in April 2022. As our Business Manager – Strategic Sales Operations, Warren plays a key role in ensuring the company achieves its sales performance goals while driving strategic growth initiatives. Beginning as a Payroll Assistant in the Finance Team, Warren quickly demonstrated exceptional capabilities and progressed to the role of Business Analyst after just three years. In this position, Warren delivered industry-leading data and business intelligence, establishing himself as a cornerstone of operational insights. In 2022, Warren advanced further to become Payroll Business Manager before taking on his current role. Warren’s is instrumental in integrating the executive sales strategy throughout Sales.

Peter Burkitt

Pete started at Hallam Medical in February 2017 and joined the Senior Management Team in May 2023 as our Business Manager. Before joining Hallam Medical, Pete was one of the company’s valued clients, managing rotas for a client organisation based in Nottinghamshire. Pete’s dedication and talent quickly became evident, leading him to play a pivotal role in the Community Division, where he supported the growth of some of the company’s longest-standing clients. From there, he transitioned into the Advanced Practice division, further showcasing his commitment. Today, Pete is responsible for the growth, development, and retention of all existing clients and clinicians, ensuring they receive the exceptional support and service that Hallam Medical is known for.