Heather Simpson is a Non-Executive Director (NED) on the Board of Pennine GP Alliance (PGPA) and serves as the organisation’s Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO).
In this role, she leads PGPA’s approach to risk management and governance, ensuring robust systems are in place to safeguard information and support operational resilience. Heather chairs the monthly Risk Management Subgroup (RGSG), reporting to the Board and aligning risk processes with PGPA’s strategic priorities.
Heather joined PGPA shortly after its inception in 2014, bringing experience as a GP Practice Manager and representative on the Local Medical Committee (LMC). Her motivation was rooted in a strategic interest in how practices could navigate the shifting NHS landscape—an interest that continues to drive her work today.
Her career spans both clinical and commissioning roles in the NHS. After beginning her professional journey at Halifax Building Society, she moved into healthcare in 2003, working in risk management at Barnsley PCT. She progressed to Commissioning Manager for secondary care services while completing an MSc in Health and Social Care Management.
In 2012, she transitioned into general practice management with Virgin Healthcare, and later became Practice Manager at King Cross Surgery until 2021. She now works as a Senior Business Development and Contracting Manager at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT), bringing valuable cross-sector insight to her PGPA role.
Heather’s areas of expertise include governance, risk management, and strategic positioning. With experience across both primary care and mental health services, she helps PGPA respond effectively to national policy changes while supporting local practices. Her vision is for PGPA to remain a strong voice for general practice in Calderdale and a key enabler of integrated neighbourhood teams.
What Heather finds most rewarding is seeing PGPA’s tangible impact on patients and frontline teams—especially during times of pressure. Having worked as a Practice Manager, she knows first-hand how vital PGPA’s support can be.
As a Board Member, Heather champions inclusive communication, critical thinking, and constructive challenge. She describes PGPA as an agile and forward-thinking organisation, backed by a highly motivated leadership team.