LOC Support Unit Staff
Local Optical Committees are supported by the Local Optical Support Unit which comprises 4 staff and associates based across the country. To contact anyone from LOCSU, please ring Jacque Hudson on 020 7202 8156.
You can read more about our Associates and their roles and responsibilities here.
You can find out about our staff below:
Richard Carswell - Acting Head of Unit
Is responsible for the strategic lead of unit and reporting on the Unit's activities to the LOCSU Board. Richard has a wealth of experience in the optical healthcare sector and is also Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Regulatory Activities for Association of Optometrists (AOP).
Contact: [email protected]
Katrina Venerus - Director of Operations and Commissioning
Experienced LOCSU associate, Katrina has recently been appointed to lead LOCSU through commissioning reforms. Katrina is an optometrist in independent practice in Newcastle upon Tyne. Katrina has built a strong reputation in advising LOCS with the development of local enhanced services over the past two years.
Contact: [email protected]
Gill Brabner - Director of Education & Development
Joined LOCSU in September 2010, Gill previously worked as Head of Workforce Development at NHS West Essex Community Health Services. Leading a team of 8 and managing budget of £600,000, her team provided mandatory, clinical and leadership training for more than 950 staff. She also runs a training and development company, Resound Training, which provides training for a wide variety of health and social care clients.
Contact: [email protected]
Sali Davis - LOCSU Wales
After graduating from Cardiff University with an Honours Degree and Masters in Law, Sali worked for the Royal College of GPs in Wales as their Project Development Manager and was part of the team that helped negotiate the new GMS contract for the medical profession in Wales.
Following a four year term at the Royal College of GPs, Sali then worked for Deloitte and Touche LLP as their UK and Global Practice Review Manager. Sali now works for Optometry Wales as their Chief Operating Officer and for LOCSU two days a week.
Contact: [email protected]
Jenny Manchester - Communications Officer
Joined LOCSU in January 2011, Jenny worked in communications and information for several social care departments in local authorities. Prior to this, she led the PR team at the Equal Opportunities Commission and worked as a Press Officer for Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Contact:[email protected]
Jacque Hudson - Office Manager
Joined LOCSU in January 2011, Jacque previously worked as Education Co-ordinator at NHS South West Essex PCT for several years, co-ordinating training events for 400 staff based in GP Practice.
Contact: [email protected]
