Sunny Kalsy-Lillico
Chair, Psychological Professions Network (PPN), Midlands
Sunny is a HCPC registered Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in NHS healthcare in Birmingham and Solihull and is Chair of the Midlands Psychological Professions Network. Her current role is Chief Psychologist. Sunny’s own personal professional interests and areas of speciality are in ageing, disability issues, the integration of physical health with mental health needs and the promotion of psychological mindedness across systems, teams and organisations. She is a recipient of the British Psychological Society’s May Davidson Award for contributions to British Clinical Psychology with her work published in national and international peer reviewed journals and books. Sunny is also a qualified Family Therapist, Mediator, Executive Coach & Mentor and a BPS accredited Occupational Test User for Ability and Personality. Equality, diversity and inclusivity are core to Sunny’s values and practices as is her commitment to biopsychosocial approach to health and care.
James Varty
Programme Manager, Psychological Professions Network (PPN), Midlands
James has worked in healthcare for over 20yrs. Much of this time has been spent in the Addictions treatment sector, where James began his career working as a Substance Misuse Worker delivering psychosocial interventions to individuals involved with drug related crime. After completing a BSc in Addictions, James progressed into management positions, complimented by a level 7 Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) Executive Management qualification. James led the business development and quality improvement agendas for Wales's largest voluntary sector Substance Misuse treatment provider, which included a period acting as CEO. He moved back into the NHS in 2019 to lead a 2-year regulatory compliance project across the Midlands. Since 2021, James has worked on an interim basis to support Sunny with oversight and delivery of the PPN Midlands programme of work.
Helen Smith
Portfolio Manager (Midlands) – Mental Health, Health Education England
Helen joined the NHS in 2002, following a career in vocational education and delivering employability projects for people with disabilities. During her NHS career, Helen has held a number of roles all focusing on education, training and workforce development and planning. Helen joined Health Education England at its inception in 2013 and since 2017 she has worked on a range of Mental Health workforce projects and programmes. Helen is currently the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Portfolio Manager for the NHS England Workforce, Training and Education Directorate in the Midlands. She has held this post since late 2020.
Experts by Experience (EbEs)
Psychological Professions Network (PPN), Midlands
Experts by experience can be broadly defined as individuals, family/friends and carers who have lived experience of mental and physical health difficulties (or of caring for somebody who does) and who have accessed NHS mental health services as a result of these difficulties. There are benefits associated with experts by experience and health care staff working in partnership to enhance the learning and practice of health professionals and in the delivery of better outcomes for those who use services.