Our Trustees
Meet the trustees who work with The IBS Network.
Do you want to give something back to the community?
The IBS Network is expanding its activities and wishes to recruit locally based Trustees to strengthen its current Board and determine the charity’s strategy for growth.
We are looking for people with senior-level leadership skills and an enthusiasm to work alongside patients and health care professionals to make a difference to the lives of people with IBS. We welcome applicants who have worked in the third sector, public services or commercial organisations, preferably at a senior management level, particularly those with a background in accountancy and human resources. Some knowledge of health care and IBS would also be useful, but by no means essential. For the right candidate, this role may lead to the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Contact info@theibsnetwork.org for more information.
Dr Simon Smale
Trustee -Gastroenterologist
Simon undertook his early medical training in Nottingham and Northampton then worked for Dame Prof Black at the Royal Free Hospital before doing his Specialist training in Gastroenterology based at Kings College Hospital, London. During that time he undertook research into the use of faecal markers in gastro-intestinal disease and briefly collaborated with Prof Q Aziz.
He was appointed Consultant at York District Hospital in 2005, developing his interest in functional disease and the psychosocial aspects of medicine. Whilst in York, he was appointed Endoscopy Lead and Trust Lead for Gastroenterology as well as being involved leading a range of IT developments, eating disorder management, patient safety and infection prevention initiatives. He was College Tutor for six years and Deputy Training Program Director for Continuing Medical Trainees in the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery, 2015-2018.
In 2018, he left York to join the team at Manchester University Foundation Trust to support the development of functional gastroenterology services within the Trust.
He is a patron of a local charity, Selby Hands of Hope, and Trustee of The IBS Network. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, reading, cycling and has in the past competed as an age group triathlete for Great Britain.
Jennifer Hodgson
Trustee-Associate Solicitor
Jennifer is an Associate Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell LLP, specialising in international serious injury, with a 10-year background of working in the legal sector. Through her work, Jennifer represents claimants who have developed post infectious irritable bowel syndrome as a result of bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, E.Coli and Campylobacter. Jennifer works with many Gastroenterologists, who are instructed in her cases as expert witnesses, and as a result she has a wealth of knowledge on IBS.
Jennifer has worked alongside The IBS Network for many years supporting her clients’ rehabilitation journey.
Having graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Law in 2010, Jennifer went on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the University of Law in 2012, before qualifying as a Solicitor in 2014.
Jennifer joined the Board of Trustees in December 2022 and is passionate about making a positive difference to the charity.
Jennifer is based in Birmingham, and in her spare time enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, including her two-year-old daughter, and long walks with her golden retriever, Jessie.
David Riddell
Trustee
Having started his career as an engineer, David is a programme manager at the Met Office and is responsible for managing research programmes in weather and climate science, working with the UK and international science community to deliver impact. He has extensive experience in running multi-disciplinary research and innovation programmes and working with organisations in research and introducing new products. This includes involvement in a wide range of strategic areas such as strategic planning, intellectual property, business management, and stakeholder engagement.
David was diagnosed with IBS a number of years ago and is keen to work with The IBS Network to support those with the condition and further develop ways the charity can support the IBS community.
In addition to being a trustee at The IBS Network, David is also a trustee for the Exeter charity, Ride On – Cycling for All, who help people access and keep cycling for both their health and the environmental benefits. David spends his free time with his wife, cycles as often as he can and enjoys looking after their cat and dog.
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