We’re pleased to announce that Richard Stephens and Vee Mapunde have been appointed as NCRI Consumer Lead and Associate Consumer Lead, respectively. They took up their roles on 1 April and will work in partnership to lead the Consumer Forum.

Richard brings with him a wealth of experience in galvanising patient involvement in research – he has been interim NCRI Consumer Lead for the past year, and has been involved in cancer research since the very early days of NCRI. He is a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has first-hand experience of participating in clinical trials. He’s also served on the NCRI Board and a number of NCRI groups. Richard says, “I’m honoured to continue leading the Consumer Forum in its work – sharing our knowledge and expertise as patients and carers across the cancer research community. I would also like to welcome Vee, NCRI’s Associate Consumer Lead, who brings with her some valuable insights and perspectives that are new to the Forum.”

Vee has been involved in various patient and public involvement events and has trained researchers on the topic of patient and public involvement. Vee was a carer for her father, a prostate cancer patient who was involved in clinical research. She has worked in the clinical research environment for the last 12 years, currently as Industry Manager for the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Clinical Research Network. Vee says, “I’m really excited to take on this role and am looking forward to working alongside Richard and with the rest of the Consumer Forum. Being a carer for my father during his cancer journey and working in the clinical research arena has given me a dual perspective and it has long been a dream of mine to bring these two worlds together more actively. If I can help to promote collaboration amongst patients and researchers and help others enhance their awareness and involvement in research, then I’ll be one happy lady.”

Richard’s appointment is for two years and Vee’s is for three years – Vee will take over form Richard as NCRI Consumer Lead in the third year.

» Find out more about the NCRI Consumer Forum (NCRI webpage)