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Supporting the People Who Care for Derbyshire

The Hub Plus exists for one simple reason: because great patient care starts with great people.

What began in 2016 as a small project funded through Health Education England, with just three members of staff and a passion for supporting general practice, has grown into an invaluable, trusted workforce, leadership and development partner for Derbyshire.

Over the years, we have evolved alongside the changing needs of general practice and wider primary care. As general practice has faced increasing pressures, workforce shortages, new roles, changing populations and growing expectations, we have remained focused on supporting the people at the heart of care.

Today, The Hub Plus works with every general practice across Derbyshire, alongside Primary Care Networks, neighbourhood teams, educational partners, commissioners and system leaders. Our support reaches thousands of colleagues every year through training, professional development, wellbeing initiatives, leadership programmes, coaching, mentoring, apprenticeships and workforce transformation projects.

While much has changed since 2016, our purpose remains the same: helping people thrive in their roles so they can deliver the best possible care for their communities.

More Than a Training Hub

We are often known for our education and training programmes, but The Hub Plus is much more than that.

Our team brings together clinicians, educators, workforce specialists, coaches, facilitators, project managers and support staff who understand the realities of working in primary care.

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We listen first, understand the challenges facing teams, and work alongside colleagues to create practical support that makes a real difference.

Whether we are supporting a newly recruited receptionist, helping a practice manager develop leadership skills, coaching a GP Partner through change, strengthening a Primary Care Network team, or helping neighbourhood partners work differently together, our focus is always on people.

Because when people feel valued, supported and empowered, organisations thrive.

Growing Through Partnership

The Hub Plus was formed through the coming together of the General Practice Task Force (GPTF) and Health Education Derbyshire, bringing together years of experience, expertise and relationships across the healthcare system.

That collaboration remains at the heart of how we work today.

Our role is often to connect people, ideas and opportunities—creating the conditions for individuals, teams and organisations to succeed.

We believe the most complex workforce challenges are solved through partnership. We work closely with practices, PCNs, community providers, local authorities, educational institutions, voluntary sector partners and system leaders to develop solutions that are practical, sustainable and grounded in the realities of frontline care.

Looking Ahead

Primary care is changing. Neighbourhood working is growing. New roles are emerging. Expectations continue to evolve.

The Hub Plus is proud to play a part in shaping that future.

Alongside our established training and workforce support programmes, we are increasingly supporting leadership development, organisational development, neighbourhood transformation, workforce innovation and new ways of working across Derbyshire and beyond. This reflects the wider role The Hub Plus now plays as a workforce, leadership and organisational development partner supporting practices, PCNs and neighbourhoods.

While our organisation has grown significantly, we remain guided by the values that started our journey: caring about people, listening to what matters and helping colleagues achieve their potential.

Because behind every successful healthcare organisation are the people who make it happen.

And that's who we're here for.

Meet the Team

Behind The Hub Plus is a passionate team of clinicians, educators, workforce specialists, project managers and support colleagues united by a shared commitment to strengthening primary care. We bring diverse experience but a common purpose: supporting the people who care for Derbyshire's communities.

Dr Susie Bayley

Job Title: Medical Director

Responsibilities: "I am a Derbyshire-trained GP and Director of the Hub+ in Derbyshire. My experience as an inner-city GP sparked a deep interest in medical politics and addressing the challenges faced by those working in general practice. Over the past eight years, I have balanced my clinical work with leading numerous projects aimed at supporting the general practice workforce. These initiatives have focused on enhancing wellbeing, creating portfolio roles, and providing hands-on support to practices."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "Having experienced burnout as a GP Partner, I am a strong advocate for self-care in my personal life. Outside of work I find joy in taking part in daft sporting events, walking my dogs, and beating my teenage sons at board games."

Claire Leggett

Job Title: Business Director

Responsibilities: "I have been with The Hub Plus since the very beginning when we launched a large project called General Practice Task Force (GPTF) delivering resilience support to practices in Derbyshire in 2016. Since then, we have been expanding our programmes for general practice, became a fully independent company in 2022 and took on the service contract for the local Primary Care training hub increasing our staff from 4 to 20+. I am proud to be one of the Company Directors on the board, ensuring value and impact for general practice within our not-for-profit company ethos.

My role is overseeing the business delivery and strategy for the company including business development. I have a background in commissioning, contract management, programme management and training. I am a qualified Coach and enjoy supporting people to progress and meet their coaching goals."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "I love hiking in the Peak District, travelling, Zumba and spending time with family and friends."

Dr Shehla Imtiaz-Umer

Job Title: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Director

Responsibilities: "I am a GP in Derby city and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Director for The Hub Plus. Alongside my clinical work, I lead on embedding inclusive practice across the healthcare system and chair the Training Hub Board. My work is driven by a commitment to addressing health inequalities and increasing participation in research from underrepresented communities as well as understanding and addressing inequities in the workforce. I have led local and national projects focused on inclusive leadership, workforce development, and creating opportunities that reflect the diversity of the populations we serve."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "Outside of work, I enjoy hiking in the Peak District, reading, and have recently taken up the more sedate hobby of embroidery."

Paula Partington

Job Title: HR & Operations Manager

Responsibilities: "I manage the day-to-day operations of The Hub Plus."

Interesting/fun fact/ hobby: "I am a CIPD HR professional with over 30 years of experience delivering across multiple sectors, always putting people at the heart of the conversation. I am a committed Francophile learning French in my spare time."

Laura Bentley

Job Title: Programme Lead

Responsibilities: "I'm Passionate and skilled programme lead, excelling in project planning, data and budgets. I'm known for fostering collaboration across teams to ensure successful project outcomes."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "I enjoy going to the gym, especially weightlifting. I lived and worked in upstate New York for a year. I love taking time off from work to travel the world, some of my favourite spots include Helsinki, Yosemite and Khao Sok National Park."

Sue Knott

Job Title: Finance officer

Responsibilities: "I joined Hub Plus in 2022 and currently oversee all aspects of finance and budgeting. I played a key role in the company’s financial transition to independence that same year, as well as in the acquisition and integration of the Training Hub contract. As a member of the Board, I represent and lead on all financial matters within the organisation."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "in my spare time I like to go to the gym and especially enjoy Yoga. In addition I have a motorhome and can be frequently found all over the UK and Europe discovering new beauty spots."

Jess Doyle

Job Title: Project Coordinator - Education & Educators

Responsibilities: "As a dedicated project coordinator in sector of training and education, my role involves ensuring Derbyshire Primary Care has access to comprehensive training. Additionally, I actively collaborate on various projects, engaging with stakeholders to enhance the overall educational experience."

Interesting/fun fact/hobby: "I love to spend my time with family and friends and going on walks."

Ola Sobolewska

Job Title: Project Coordinator

Responsibilities: “I am the main contact for QUEST, focusing on engaging with practices, fostering strong networks, and supporting the Resilience Programme”

Interesting/fun fact/ hobby: “I love adventure and travelling the world to find my next favorite place.”

Irenka Arroyo-Goodman

Job Title: Work-based Learning Lead

Responsibilities: “I am the main contact for Placements, Apprenticeships, CPD opportunities and facilitating ACP training opportunities and funding. With a background of over 20 years in education I am passionate about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn and achieve their dreams.”

Interesting/fun fact/ hobby: “Until very recently I owned and managed a luxury wedding cake business in Nottinghamshire. I love going for long dog walks with my husband and two children, having family movie nights and listening to audio books and music.”

Amy Yeoman

Job Title: GPN Champion

Responsibilities: "I support GPNs, Nursing associates and student nurses in their training and development. I am passionate about promoting nursing within Primary Care and developing the Nurse workforce."

Interesting/fun fact/hobby: "I am the Hub Plus crazy cat lady; I have two cats named Elvis and Thea."

Charlotte Darby

Job Title: GPN lead

Responsibilities: "I am the GPN lead for the Hub Plus which means I coordinate all of the GPN workstreams from within the team and support GPNs across Derbyshire by raising the GPN voice at leadership levels. As the GPN lead I am focused on all aspects of GPNs, from students all the way to Lead GPN's, I am passionate about training and education and also for Primary Care being a recognized destination for nurses to work. I still practice as a GPN and feel this will help me in my GPN lead role."

Interesting/fun fact/ hobby: "I have a little boy who loves going outside with our two dogs Brian and Charlie, normally on nice big countryside walks. You will also find me on the side of a Rugby pitch watching my little boy and husband every Sunday, or watching rugby on the television. I am a very big reader and will always have a book in my bag and will find any opportunity to read."

Georgia Hunt

Job Title: New To Practice Nurse Lead

Responsibilities: "I am the New to Practice Nurse Ambassador, supporting newly qualified and new-to-GP nurses as they settle into their first couple of years in post. I help signpost training opportunities, run monthly peer networking groups based on a clinical topic relevant to the nurse's practice, and mentor GPNs at all stages of their careers. I am currently working with colleagues to develop a New to Practice Portal and have also contributed to the creation of Derbyshire’s Lower Limb Pathway for Primary Care."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "Outside of work, I enjoy reading and gardening, love the changing seasons of spring and autumn, and adore spending time with my two Greek rescue dogs."

Luke Testro

Job Title: Marketing & Content Officer

Responsibilities: "I’m responsible for shaping our brand voice, creating engaging content, and managing campaigns that connect with our community. I focus on telling stories that highlight who we are and what we do, while ensuring our message is clear and consistent across all channels."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "Outside of work, I enjoy watching films, following basketball, and spending quality time with my children."

Lauren Nichols

Job Title: Adminstrative Coorindator

Responsibilities: "As a dedicated administrative coordinator, my role involves the day-to-day administrative assistance in line with business needs."

Interesting/ fun fact/ hobby: "I love running, I enjoy spending my spare time outdoors with my dog, I love travelling- my favourite destinations I have been to so far are Thailand, where I spent some time volunteering for an elephant Sanctuary and Southern Italy. "

Our Core Values

We Care

We nurture and support the workforce of today and tomorrow. We listen to, connect with, and advocate for the professional communities we serve.

We Commit to Excellence

We strive for excellence at every level of our organisation, providing responsive programmes and services. We are humble and put things right if we fall short.

We are Creative

We utilise our unique position to form new ideas, problem solve and innovate.

We are Inclusive

We are mindful of perceived and real barriers in providing accessible opportunities. We campaign for better equality and parity and are ready to learn from our partners, stakeholders, and the workforce.  

We Collaborate

We work in partnership with our stakeholders and commissioners co-creating programmes, acting as an important strategic voice and critical friend.

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