Serious expertise, sleeves rolled up.
I've spent over 30 years working at the heart of adult social care, health, and education — and I still find it the most important, most human work there is.
My career has taken me across charities, government, academia and consultancy. Along the way I've secured multi-million-pound funding, led national programmes, and worked with some brilliant people to drive real, lasting change across the sector. My focus has always been on the things that actually move the needle: workforce transformation, digital innovation, psychological safety, and building the conditions where people and organisations can genuinely thrive.
As a trustee and NED, I take governance seriously, but I've never believed that good leadership means sitting at a distance. Whether I'm advising on policy, developing workforce strategy, or exploring what AI can do for the sector, I'm most useful when I'm properly invested in the outcome. I have also founded a partnership called Brightman Kinsey, supporting Boards to grow and transform in challenging times.
Outside of work, I'm a drummer, which probably says something about my belief that timing, listening, and knowing when not to go solo are as important in the boardroom as they are on stage. I live with three dogs who keep me grounded and are entirely unimpressed by my CV.
If any of this resonates, I'd love to hear from you.
Testimonies
Most recently, Jane worked alongside our care home as a business consultant, helping us to maintain high standards of care, strong governance, and effective leadership. She supported our management team through regular meetings, provided fresh ideas and perspectives, identified training opportunities, assisted with sourcing funding, and helped ensure that we continued to move forward as a service.
Running a care service inevitably brings difficult situations from time to time, including safeguarding concerns and complex staffing issues. During these periods, Jane was an invaluable sounding board. Whenever I found myself questioning whether I had missed something or whether there was another approach I should consider, Jane was always there to offer clear, practical advice and reassurance. She helped us focus on doing the right thing, being transparent, involving the appropriate people, learning from situations, and continually improving our practice.
— Paula Pillage, Two Trees Care (ret)Jane is a strong advocate for social care and the people that live and work in it. I knew her when she worked for the NHS and Skills for Care but she didn't lose her entrepreneurial spirit! Her breadth of knowledge is awesome and she is very generous with her expertise, support and connections.
— Sara Livadeas, Founder - Social Care Works LtdI have known Jane for several years whilst she was working for DHSC and then Skills for Care. I have found her to be exemplary in her knowledge of social care and, in particular, the digital skills needs of the social care workforce. More important has been Jane’s friendliness, energy, willingness to help and positive attitude. There are few people I can say are more ‘can do’ than Jane. When working in collaboration with her on a joint social care and health digital skills strategy, she was happy to share her time, expertise and learning assets freely. Similarly, we worked as co-chairs in supporting the success of the Futuredotnow charity, where progress on improving essential digital skills in the health and care workforce has outstripped almost every other sector. It has been my pleasure and honour to work alongside Jane and I hope we get the opportunity to continue doing so for a long time to come!
— James Freed, Deputy Director, The NHS Digital Academy at NHS EnglandWant to talk?
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