Author profiles - Medical Experts at Benenden Health

Matron, Benenden Health

Cheryl Lythgoe MSc joined Benenden Health in December 2018 following 15 years working in primary care. 

Cheryl is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who has a wealth of experience in diagnosing and managing many health conditions. During her years in Primary Care, Cheryl also managed large multi-disciplinary teams; providing training, education, peer support and clinical guidance. Additionally, she has worked alongside Clinical Commissioning Groups and general practice providers to meet the challenges set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Building on her clinical expertise, Cheryl is undertaking a PhD, the subject of which is exploring staff recruitment in difficult to recruit clinical areas. Cheryl always adopts a positive, collaborative approach to achieve the very highest standards of clinical service provision.

Hospital Director and Chief Nurse, Benenden Health

Before joining Benenden Health in 2003 Jane worked mainly in renal care. Jane’s first sister’s post was at Guy’s Hospital in the renal unit, which exposed her to all clinical areas. Jane then moved to St George’s Hospital, on a ward which had a small haemodialysis unit. Following a review of renal services across London, the hospital developed a dedicated unit, and Jane helped the unit go from strength to strength.

In 1997 Jane moved to St Helier’s Hospital, working as the Clinical Nurse Manager. During this time Jane reorganised the nursing structure and helped develop a partnership with St George’s Hospital.

In 2001, Jane was asked to become Clinical Manager for the Emergency and Medical Services Directorate across Epsom and St Helier. This included 20 wards (medical and care of the elderly), two accident and emergency departments and two day hospitals. After this, Jane joined Benenden Health, initially as Director of Nursing and Quality, and was subsequently as Hospital Director, retaining a senior nursing role as Chief Nurse for the society.

Chief People Officer, Benenden Health 

Jayne is a member of Benenden Health’s executive team who joined the business in 2016. Jayne has over 20 years HR & OD experience spanning a breadth of sectors including utility, rail, financial services and health.

Prior to joining Benenden Health, Jayne was a Board member and Director of Transformation, HR, OD and Workforce for an NHS Foundation Trust. 

Prior to that she spent 11 years in the financial services sector, with focus on culture change, reward and M&A initiatives. Jayne is a Fellow member of the CIPD, qualified executive coach and mentor, Prince 2 trained and a Mental Health First Aider. With an MA in Strategic HRM, Jayne’s focus is delivering today and planning for tomorrow, ensuring people reach their full potential. 

Jayne is now responsible for all HR & OD Benenden Health, from making sure we recruit the right people to driving the culture and values of the organisation. Incorporating internal communications, facilities and CSR.

Jayne is joint sponsor of the Health and Well-Being Strategy and sits on the Clinical Advisory Group for York St John University. She is passionate about making a difference every day.

Chief Commercial Officer, Benenden Health 

Helen is a member of Benenden Health’s executive team as well as business sponsor for Benenden’s own organisational health and wellbeing strategy.

Having held her role as CCO since March 2017, Helen first joined the society in 2013 as Head of Sales and Marketing. Helen now oversees all commercial activity, driving business development and exploring new markets.

She is responsible for the oversight of product development as well as the delivery and effectiveness of marketing and sales programmes. Helen has more than 16 years’ experience in the health and wellbeing sector, previously having worked for Engage Mutual Assurance in multiple roles including Head of Marketing.

Chief Executive Officer, Benenden Health 

As Chief Executive Officer, Bob is responsible for providing the strategic vision for Benenden Health.

He has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services sector and since joining Benenden Health in 2018, has driven forward a plan that ensures the effective use of the society’s resources whilst driving the growth of the membership base.

Bob’s vision is to make Benenden Health a household name, known for working hard to support the NHS to make sure everyone can get medical support when they need it most.