Staff
Charlotte Augst
Charlotte is the Chief Executive of National Voices. Prior to joining National Voices in March 2019, Charlotte led the work of the Richmond Group for five years, developing strategy, facilitating discussions and representing the Group externally. She came to London in 1997, after completing a law degree in Germany, to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of London. She holds a PhD in law and medical ethics. Charlotte has held senior positions in health and research policy – in Parliament, for national regulators, and in the charitable sector. She has been a Trustee of Mosaic Clubhouse, a Brixton based mental health recovery charity, since 2015.
Sam Batey
Sam works on various aspects of external communications, member engagement and events organisation. Amongst other things, Sam contributes on newsletters, social media, digital design and content for the National Voices website. Prior to this, Sam worked for a PR agency called Alpaca Communications, where he worked with national charities. He has also volunteered on a number of health awareness projects in developing countries around the world.
Jess Brayne
Jess is Head of Membership and Engagement for National Voices. She is responsible for shaping and implementing National Voices’ membership strategy, ensuring high levels of member engagement in National Voices’ work, recruiting new members, and leading a varied and active programme of events. Prior to joining National Voices Jess worked for various charities, holding membership roles at Equality Challenge Unit and Design Business Association. Outside of work Jess is a Councillor in the London Borough of Barnet.
Kate James
Kate leads on managing and deepening the relationships National Voices has across its members and wider stakeholders. She has responsibility for implementing National Voices’ membership strategy, working with members to put policy into practice and to narrow the gap between the experience of people using NHS services and decision makers.
Kate has a professional background in volunteer, community and patient engagement in the VCSE sector and is an active Patient Partner at local and national level having lived with multiple long term conditions for over 30 years.
Rachel Matthews
Rachel is an experienced health professional with clinical, research and leadership experience, specifically in patient and public engagement and involvement in healthcare research and quality improvement. She is committed to working with diverse teams including patients, carers, service users and community representatives to improve healthcare systems. Rachel is an Alumna of the King’s Fund Top Manager Programme and NIHR Leadership Programme.