The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is delighted to welcome three new Trustees, one elected and two appointed, whose diverse professional backgrounds and commitment to the perioperative workforce will strengthen and enhance the governance of the organisation.
AfPP President Oliver Tierney welcomed the appointments, saying: “We are thrilled to welcome John Biddle, Thomas Roberts, and Georgia Headley to the Board. Each brings a unique blend of experience, perspective and commitment that will strengthen our governance and deepen our connection with the perioperative community. Their leadership will help ensure AfPP continues to champion excellence, advocate for practitioners, and drive forward our mission at a pivotal moment for the profession.”
Together, John, Thomas, and Georgia bring leadership grounded in clinical expertise, strategic people management, and a shared commitment to improving safety, culture and visibility within perioperative services.
New AfPP Trustee John Biddle: a career shaped by service, resilience and commitment
AfPP’s newly elected Trustee John Biddle describes the moment he was chosen as deeply emotional and profoundly meaningful.
“When I found out I had been elected, I got quite emotional,” John shared. “It was lovely to know the members wanted me as a Trustee. It meant a lot.”
From military life to the operating theatre
John’s journey into perioperative practice began long before he first entered an operating theatre. Coming from a strong military lineage, he joined the British Army expecting it to be his lifelong career. But at 27, a severe injury led to a medical discharge and an unexpected search for a new direction.
“I thought I was a career soldier,” he said. “When I was discharged, I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
For a period, John focused on raising his young children at home. Then he spotted an advert for a Health Care Assistant role at Salisbury District Hospital, a decision that opened the door to a completely new profession.
His first experience in theatre was transformative. Watching a general anaesthetic being administered, he noticed the easy, natural rapport between the anaesthetist and the ODP.
“It reminded me of the military,” he said. “There was such natural banter.”
That moment lit the spark for a new vocation.
Crafting a career in perioperative practice
John soon began training as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), mentored by Kevin, the very ODP he had observed during his first theatre experience. Kevin became one of three major influences in his career, alongside his lecturer John, and an anaesthetist who shaped his understanding of theatre dynamics.
After qualifying in 2005, John’s work took him across the South and Southwest of England, including London, via agency placements that broadened his clinical experience. He has always believed in keeping his practice wide-ranging.
“Being an ODP is lifelong learning,” he said. “It’s a craft, not just a practice.”
Today, John works at the Hampshire Clinic in Basingstoke, part of Circle Health Group, as a Surgical First Assistant, Perioperative Practitioner, and Infection Prevention and Control Lead. He continues to work occasional agency shifts, believing that staying close to frontline practice “keeps you honest.”
John has also trained with UK-Med and served on their on-call deployment rota, an experience that strengthened his adaptability and reinforced the importance of maintaining high standards in challenging environments. In addition, he serves as an expert witness in perioperative cases, deepening his understanding of professional accountability.
Recognising the lasting impact of Covid
John openly acknowledges the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on perioperative teams.
“Many practitioners are still traumatised by Covid,” he said. “People are tired. Throughput and pressures are high above and below. It’s crucial that someone is keeping an eye on people.”
He stresses the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing across the profession, particularly during a period of sustained strain.
A longstanding commitment to AfPP
John’s relationship with AfPP stretches back to 2008, when he became the organisation’s Student Lead, a role he held for five years. It gave him a first-hand view of how mentorship and professional guidance shape the confidence of early-career practitioners.
Teaching remains a passion for him. He has lectured, mentored, and consistently advocated for learning spaces that are fair, open, and grounded in real-world practice.
Now, as a newly elected Trustee, John feels ready to give back even more.
“I’ve always been hugely passionate about the work of AfPP,” he said. “I could never understand why any perioperative practitioner wouldn’t be a member. I’m at a stage in my career where I can give more time to it.”
John lives in Salisbury, near Stonehenge, and outside of theatre he is a published fiction author currently working on a non-fiction book about medicine.
Looking ahead with purpose
Stepping into the Trustee role, John is committed to being an active voice for practitioners.
“I want to become a vocal member of the organisation and help protect and give a voice to practitioners,” he said.
“What continues to strike me about theatre is the people who choose to work in it. Practitioners are a breed apart; skill, humour, resilience, compassion. I’ve always had deep respect for the people who make theatre work, and that respect guides how I show up for them.”
With a career forged through service, shaped by resilience, and driven by a deep commitment to perioperative practice, John brings a powerful voice, and a steady hand, to the AfPP Board of Trustees.
New AfPP Trustee Georgia Headley: fostering inclusive, high-performing environments
With over a decade of human resources experience across public, private and charitable sectors, Georgia Headley brings strategic workforce insight and a strong people-first approach to the AfPP Board. Currently a People Consultant at Nuffield Health, she oversees HR operations and workforce strategy across two hospitals, with a focus on wellbeing, engagement and organisational culture.
Experience across diverse sectors
Her previous roles span the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Ark Schools, the Ministry of Justice and Chelsea Football Club. This breadth of experience has shaped her ability to support inclusive, high-performing teams within complex settings.
Her areas of expertise include employee relations, policy development, recruitment, organisational design, trade union engagement and data-informed workforce planning. A committed advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, she chairs ED&I working groups across her hospitals and champions staff voice and compassionate leadership.
Championing inclusion and valuing hidden teams
Georgia said: “I am incredibly passionate about culture, equity, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that all members of our profession are supported to succeed in their chosen field. My experience across HR and in mixed sectors, including education and football, has given me insights that I believe can meaningfully support the work of AfPP. I want to help shine a spotlight on the hidden heroes of healthcare. The teams working in hospital theatres are often unseen, yet they are essential to patient safety. They deserve a bigger platform, and I am proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to giving them one.”
Georgia’s appointment strengthens AfPP’s continued focus on creating safe, supportive and inclusive workplaces across perioperative settings.
New AfPP Trustee Thomas Roberts: championing clinical leadership, innovation and compassionate practice
A dedicated and compassionate leader with over a decade of NHS experience, Thomas Roberts began his perioperative career as a hospital porter before undertaking his Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) training at Birmingham City University. Inspired by his father’s 30-year career as an ODP, Thomas brings a deeply personal connection to the profession.
Leadership and professional expertise
Now a Trauma and Elective Orthopaedic Theatre Team Leader, he provides clinical, operational and strategic leadership across anaesthetics, scrub and recovery roles in both emergency and elective settings. His academic achievements include Chartered Management Institute accreditation and a BSc in Health and Social Care Management.
Thomas is passionate about digital innovation, robotic-assisted surgery, AI, big data, and the future of technologically enhanced patient care. His leadership style prioritises civility, compassion, coaching and team collaboration, building environments where safety, communication and respect underpin practice.
A personal commitment to the profession
Thomas said: “I’m incredibly proud to be an ODP, especially following in my father’s footsteps. I’m passionate about advancing the profession and increasing the visibility of the many roles within the theatre environment. With family members who have undergone surgery, I know how vital it is that theatres are safe and that every member of the team is recognised for the critical work they do. Returning to the hospital where I once worked as a porter, now as a lead practitioner, shows what is possible, and I hope to inspire others. I’m excited to contribute to national and international guidelines for safer surgery through my role on the AfPP Board.”
As a Trustee, Thomas aims to strengthen perioperative safety standards, support professional development, and contribute to evidence-based governance across AfPP.
A strengthened Board for a stronger future
The appointment of John, Thomas and Georgia reflects AfPP’s dedication to robust governance, diverse leadership, and a future where perioperative practitioners are supported, empowered and valued.
AfPP President Oliver Tierney added: “The future of safe surgery depends on strong, compassionate and visionary leadership. Our new Trustees embody exactly that. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to drive standards, promote education, and advocate for the perioperative community across the UK and beyond.”
Pictures show John, Thomas, and Georgia.