Yvonne is currently the National Programme Lead for the NHS Breaking Through initiative, Breaking Through is designed to empower and enable Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff to secure positions at the most senior levels in the NHS.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Yvonne came to England age five. She commenced nurse training in 1977 and following qualification as a staff nurse, went on to train as a mental health nurse and health visitor.

Yvonne secured her first management post in 1986 becoming a team leader for Health Visitors, School Nurses and Community Paediatric Nurses. She has since worked in a variety of clinical leadership and general management posts in the NHS.

In 2004 Yvonne worked at the Department of Health as Sir Nigel Crisp’s (then CEO of the NHS) private secretary; following which she worked as Nursing Officer for external relations and communications reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Yvonne has a particular interest in actively encouraging people to reach their full potential and is passionate about supporting colleagues to be the best that they can be in terms of personal and professional development. Yvonne currently mentors five people; is qualified to give feedback for MBTI steps 1&2 and The NHS LQF 360◦ tool and Belbin Team roles. Yvonne holds the Institute of Coachings diploma in executive coaching and is also a trained image, style and colour consultant.

Yvonne was awarded an OBE for services to Healthcare in the 2010 New Years honours list.