Chris initially became involved in the development of the IRCM back in 2011, as a VRA representative in the first meetings between BABICM, CMSUK, and VRA. She feels this has been an enormous learning experience for everyone tackling so many challenges and dilemmas; working together to define, clarify, and develop our mission to “Safeguard people who use case management services, by setting and upholding standards for registered Case Managers”. Over these years her remit has developed to focus more specifically on the professional and educational aspects involved in the development of the IRCM and she will, initially, be chairing the Professional Development Committee as well as being on the new IRCM Board.  

With a professional background in Physiotherapy, Chris has specialised for many years in community rehabilitation, chronic pain, complex rehabilitation cases, interdisciplinary working, clinical leadership, and promoting the work and health agenda in practice. In 2005 she progressed into an academic role at the University of Salford, initially concentrating on teaching and learning, with a remit for chronic pain management and vocational rehabilitation (VR) at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research and enterprise activities centre around health, work, and wellbeing; coordination between all relevant players; and the promotion of an upstream VR approach, having healthy work conversations throughout healthcare practice.  

Chris is based in the northwest of England and now works just two days a week for the University of Salford. She is delighted to also be able to continue to volunteer in support of the IRCM and looks forward to seeing the vision through to fruition after such a long journey.