Meet the team

Sara James (RN)

Chief Operating Officer

I’m Sara James, Chief Operating Officer for SNG. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, I am dedicated to ensuring the seamless functioning of our operations and the achievement of our strategic objectives. Alongside maintaining operational excellence, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the organisation.  

I am driven by a deep passion for delivering exceptional service quality and supporting healthcare professionals. My journey began in 1999 when I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild as Operations Manager in Edinburgh. The following year I became MD of both the Guild and Thornbury Nursing. With a background as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and the USA, my career was centred around cardiac and general ICU, as well as hospital management.  

Richard Barr

Managing Director

I’m Richard Barr, Managing Director for SNG across the UK and Ireland. I’ve been with the company since October 2012 and have held several roles in that time. I joined SNG in 2012 as Operations Team Manager in Edinburgh, after holding senior operational roles in both Edinburgh and Dublin. 

During my time with SNG, I have overseen growth into new territories and new business units for both the Guild and our sister company Thornbury Nursing Services. Fluctuating market conditions means we have to constantly evolve and innovate, but thankfully our incredible nurses remain a byword for quality

Mairi Carling (RN)

Community Operations Director

I’m Mairi Carling, Community Operations Director at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I am a dual-qualified nurse in adult and paediatric nursing and specialised in paediatric intensive care for the most part of my nursing career. I began working as a field nurse with SNG in 2001, working with both adults and children in various specialities, before taking on a community office role. I started my career as Senior Case Manager in 2013 then became a director in 2021 overseeing all of our Community businesses in SNG and sister company, Thornbury Nursing Services. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of our growing community division.  

Our work is diverse. We provide care for people of all ages and conditions, no matter how complex their needs are, and it is extremely rewarding as we make a real difference to people’s lives. Our teams are dedicated to providing our clients with a quality, professional, reliable and compassionate service so they can remain at home or in the community. 

Naomi Newport

Commercial Director

I’m Naomi Newport, Commercial Director for SNG. I have worked for the Guild since 2016. I originally joined as Business Manager for the Republic of Ireland. I then progressed to General Manager for our operations across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. My role has now changed and I oversee our commercial teams, building relationships with new clients and improving the relationships we have with existing clients, helping us to deliver the best possible service to the healthcare sector across the UK and Ireland.  

 

I have over 20 years’ sales management, recruitment and operations experience from many different sectors, including telecoms and NGOs. SNG offers clients and nurses a unique service, and it is something I am very proud to be part of. 

Kate Nicholson-Florence (RN)

Quality Assurance Director

I’m Kate Nicholson-Florence, Quality Assurance Director for SNG. I started my career as a qualified paediatric nurse in 1998 and have experience in both the acute and community sector. I have been with the company since 2009, specifically working in a quality and governance role since 2021. I am the Registered Manager for SNG in Northern Ireland, and the Responsible Individual for our Domiciliary Care Licence in Northern Ireland. I have overall responsibility for our Quality Assurance across UK and Ireland, ensuring we provide the highest quality agency workers to support clients in both hospital and community settings. 

Andrew Davies

Technology and Digital Products Director

I’m Andrew Davies, Technology and Digital Products Director for SNG. I joined in 2005 as a Duty Desk Coordinator. In the subsequent years I moved through various supervisory and managerial roles, including three years managing our community care business. In 2013, I took a sideways move into Data Analytics and Technology. In 2018, I took lead of our Technology Strategy and built a new Digital Products Team. My role has changed dramatically over two decades however I greatly value the experience of my early years as it gave me a solid understanding of the market we serve as well as some great memories of our candidates and clients.  

I manage a team who are responsible for improving our current tech platforms through designing and building applications to better support our nurses, clients, and internal staff.  

Alex Stewart

Country Manager – Scotland

I’m Alex Stewart, Country Manager for Scotland. I joined SNG in July 2021 and was tasked with heading up our temporary staffing and recruitment teams. I have over 10 years’ experience working in the recruitment industry. Since joining, I have since taken responsibility for our community, compliance, mental health and specialist nurse placement teams. 

I oversee all operations in Scotland and my primary goal is to ensure we are providing the highest quality service to our clients and nurses. 

Karin Main

Compliance Manager

I’m Karin Main, Compliance Manager for SNG across all territories. I joined SNG in November 2017 and started as a Training and Compliance Coordinator. I progressed to RTC Team leader before undertaking a secondment as Recruitment Manager for 12 months in 2022. In January 2023 I moved back into the compliance team as Compliance Manager for the whole of SNG.  

My team support our agency workers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to ensure their compliance and clinical skills are up to date. This means our clients can continue to rely on us to provide them with the highest quality nurses, midwives and HCAs. 

Lindsey Wallace

Recruitment Manager – Scotland

I’m Lindsey Wallace, Recruitment Manager for Scotland. I began working for SNG in May 2014 and have worked in various roles since then. I started as a Recruitment Co-ordinator then progressed to Senior Co-ordinator in 2015, before becoming Team Leader and then the Recruitment Manager in August of 2017.

The recruitment team help onboard applicants and guide them through the recruitment process, ensuring that we maintain high standards of nursing and compliance. Since I started here, SNG has grown and expanded in every area and continues to strive for success.

Anna McMurray

Operations Team Manager – Scotland

I’m Anna McMurray, Operations Team Manager for Scotland. I have been with the company since 2013 and joined after many years within banking and customer service roles. I was attracted to the company as nursing has always been close to my heart, with many family members working in the healthcare industry.   

I began my career as a coordinator on the bookings and placements team and now operationally manage this team. I thoroughly enjoy being part of an ever growing and evolving business, with people at its core. 

Nick Harvey

Operations Team Manager – Scotland Community

I’m Nick Harvey and I am the Operations Manager for our community team in Scotland. I joined SNG in 2016 as a coordinator and progressed roles during my time here My role is to ensure the efficient running of the community department from an operational perspective. I have overseen rapid growth within the community team and have assisted with implementing a number of procedures which have improved how we operate and most importantly, the quality of the service we deliver to our clients and how we support our community agency workers. 

Claire Turley

Sales Manager

I am Claire Turley, Sales Manager at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I recently joined the team in February 2024. My role involves managing our sales teams across Scotland and Ireland, providing coaching and mentorship to ensure exceptional customer service for both prospective and current clients.

With a diverse background spanning various industries such as advertising and apprenticeships, I bring extensive experience in building and nurturing sales teams.

Sara James (RN)

Chief Operating Officer

I’m Sara James, Chief Operating Officer for SNG. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, I am dedicated to ensuring the seamless functioning of our operations and the achievement of our strategic objectives. Alongside maintaining operational excellence, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the organisation.  

I am driven by a deep passion for delivering exceptional service quality and supporting healthcare professionals. My journey began in 1999 when I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild as Operations Manager in Edinburgh. The following year I became MD of both the Guild and Thornbury Nursing. With a background as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and the USA, my career was centred around cardiac and general ICU, as well as hospital management.  

Richard Barr

Managing Director

I’m Richard Barr, Managing Director for SNG across the UK and Ireland. I’ve been with the company since October 2012 and have held several roles in that time. I joined SNG in 2012 as Operations Team Manager in Edinburgh, after holding senior operational roles in both Edinburgh and Dublin. 

During my time with SNG, I have overseen growth into new territories and new business units for both the Guild and our sister company Thornbury Nursing Services. Fluctuating market conditions means we have to constantly evolve and innovate, but thankfully our incredible nurses remain a byword for quality

Mairi Carling (RN)

Community Operations Director

I’m Mairi Carling, Community Operations Director at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I am a dual-qualified nurse in adult and paediatric nursing and specialised in paediatric intensive care for the most part of my nursing career. I began working as a field nurse with SNG in 2001, working with both adults and children in various specialities, before taking on a community office role. I started my career as Senior Case Manager in 2013 then became a director in 2021 overseeing all of our Community businesses in SNG and sister company, Thornbury Nursing Services. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of our growing community division.  

Our work is diverse. We provide care for people of all ages and conditions, no matter how complex their needs are, and it is extremely rewarding as we make a real difference to people’s lives. Our teams are dedicated to providing our clients with a quality, professional, reliable and compassionate service so they can remain at home or in the community. 

Naomi Newport

Commercial Director

I’m Naomi Newport, Commercial Director for SNG. I have worked for the Guild since 2016. I originally joined as Business Manager for the Republic of Ireland. I then progressed to General Manager for our operations across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. My role has now changed and I oversee our commercial teams, building relationships with new clients and improving the relationships we have with existing clients, helping us to deliver the best possible service to the healthcare sector across the UK and Ireland.  

 

I have over 20 years’ sales management, recruitment and operations experience from many different sectors, including telecoms and NGOs. SNG offers clients and nurses a unique service, and it is something I am very proud to be part of. 

Kate Nicholson-Florence (RN)

Quality Assurance Director

I’m Kate Nicholson-Florence, Quality Assurance Director for SNG. I started my career as a qualified paediatric nurse in 1998 and have experience in both the acute and community sector. I have been with the company since 2009, specifically working in a quality and governance role since 2021. I am the Registered Manager for SNG in Northern Ireland, and the Responsible Individual for our Domiciliary Care Licence in Northern Ireland. I have overall responsibility for our Quality Assurance across UK and Ireland, ensuring we provide the highest quality agency workers to support clients in both hospital and community settings. 

Andrew Davies

Technology and Digital Products Director

I’m Andrew Davies, Technology and Digital Products Director for SNG. I joined in 2005 as a Duty Desk Coordinator. In the subsequent years I moved through various supervisory and managerial roles, including three years managing our community care business. In 2013, I took a sideways move into Data Analytics and Technology. In 2018, I took lead of our Technology Strategy and built a new Digital Products Team. My role has changed dramatically over two decades however I greatly value the experience of my early years as it gave me a solid understanding of the market we serve as well as some great memories of our candidates and clients.  

I manage a team who are responsible for improving our current tech platforms through designing and building applications to better support our nurses, clients, and internal staff.  

Klara Milligan

Country Manager – Ireland

I have worked at the Scottish Nursing Guild since 2013, starting out initially in our placement team when our Belfast branch opened. Since then, my role has expanded over the years alongside our business.

I now oversee our operations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including our placement teams, recruitment teams, case managers, accounts, and sales managers. I am very proud to work for the Scottish Nursing Guild both professionally and personally.

Karin Main

Compliance Manager

I’m Karin Main, Compliance Manager for SNG across all territories. I joined SNG in November 2017 and started as a Training and Compliance Coordinator. I progressed to RTC Team leader before undertaking a secondment as Recruitment Manager for 12 months in 2022. In January 2023 I moved back into the compliance team as Compliance Manager for the whole of SNG.  

My team support our agency workers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to ensure their compliance and clinical skills are up to date. This means our clients can continue to rely on us to provide them with the highest quality nurses, midwives and HCAs. 

Gill Lowey

Interim Operations Team Manager

I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in January 2021 as a Placement Coordinator. My aspiration was to advance my career, having previously held a managerial position in my previous role. After dedicating one year and eight months to the Guild, I was honoured to be promoted to the Senior role.

In August 2023, I seized the opportunity to step into the Acting Team Operations Manager position, covering maternity leave. This transition has allowed me to further contribute to our team’s success in Belfast and be an integral part of our organisation.

Kimberley Reid

Ireland Recruitment Manager

I’m Kim and I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in 2019. I started as team manager for the recruitment team in Dublin, focusing on recruiting specialist nurses throughout the Republic of Ireland. I now oversee recruitment activities across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, compiling and aligning recruitment strategies, working with our technology teams to ensure our onboarding processes are streamlined and ensuring we’re always recruiting the highest quality workforce. 

I have worked in a number of industries within recruitment – healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, IT and finance. During my time here I have been so lucky to work with such an incredible team.  

Claire Turley

Sales Manager

I am Claire Turley, Sales Manager at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I recently joined the team in February 2024. My role involves managing our sales teams across Scotland and Ireland, providing coaching and mentorship to ensure exceptional customer service for both prospective and current clients.

With a diverse background spanning various industries such as advertising and apprenticeships, I bring extensive experience in building and nurturing sales teams.

Nuala Quinn

Community Case Manager Ireland

I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in 2017, when our community businesses started. I am a dual qualified registered nurse in adults and paediatrics, specialising in both paediatric & neonatal intensive care.

I work closely with our community patients, family members and local care teams as well as providing clinical support to our office teams and nurses.

Sara James (RN)

Chief Operating Officer

I’m Sara James, Chief Operating Officer for SNG. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, I am dedicated to ensuring the seamless functioning of our operations and the achievement of our strategic objectives. Alongside maintaining operational excellence, I am committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration throughout the organisation.  

I am driven by a deep passion for delivering exceptional service quality and supporting healthcare professionals. My journey began in 1999 when I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild as Operations Manager in Edinburgh. The following year I became MD of both the Guild and Thornbury Nursing. With a background as a Registered Nurse in both the UK and the USA, my career was centred around cardiac and general ICU, as well as hospital management.  

Richard Barr

Managing Director

I’m Richard Barr, Managing Director for SNG across the UK and Ireland. I’ve been with the company since October 2012 and have held several roles in that time. I joined SNG in 2012 as Operations Team Manager in Edinburgh, after holding senior operational roles in both Edinburgh and Dublin. 

During my time with SNG, I have overseen growth into new territories and new business units for both the Guild and our sister company Thornbury Nursing Services. Fluctuating market conditions means we have to constantly evolve and innovate, but thankfully our incredible nurses remain a byword for quality

Mairi Carling (RN)

Community Operations Director

I’m Mairi Carling, Community Operations Director at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I am a dual-qualified nurse in adult and paediatric nursing and specialised in paediatric intensive care for the most part of my nursing career. I began working as a field nurse with SNG in 2001, working with both adults and children in various specialities, before taking on a community office role. I started my career as Senior Case Manager in 2013 then became a director in 2021 overseeing all of our Community businesses in SNG and sister company, Thornbury Nursing Services. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of our growing community division.  

Our work is diverse. We provide care for people of all ages and conditions, no matter how complex their needs are, and it is extremely rewarding as we make a real difference to people’s lives. Our teams are dedicated to providing our clients with a quality, professional, reliable and compassionate service so they can remain at home or in the community. 

Naomi Newport

Commercial Director

I’m Naomi Newport, Commercial Director for SNG. I have worked for the Guild since 2016. I originally joined as Business Manager for the Republic of Ireland. I then progressed to General Manager for our operations across Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. My role has now changed and I oversee our commercial teams, building relationships with new clients and improving the relationships we have with existing clients, helping us to deliver the best possible service to the healthcare sector across the UK and Ireland.  

 

I have over 20 years’ sales management, recruitment and operations experience from many different sectors, including telecoms and NGOs. SNG offers clients and nurses a unique service, and it is something I am very proud to be part of. 

Kate Nicholson-Florence (RN)

Quality Assurance Director

I’m Kate Nicholson-Florence, Quality Assurance Director for SNG. I started my career as a qualified paediatric nurse in 1998 and have experience in both the acute and community sector. I have been with the company since 2009, specifically working in a quality and governance role since 2021. I am the Registered Manager for SNG in Northern Ireland, and the Responsible Individual for our Domiciliary Care Licence in Northern Ireland. I have overall responsibility for our Quality Assurance across UK and Ireland, ensuring we provide the highest quality agency workers to support clients in both hospital and community settings. 

Andrew Davies

Technology and Digital Products Director

I’m Andrew Davies, Technology and Digital Products Director for SNG. I joined in 2005 as a Duty Desk Coordinator. In the subsequent years I moved through various supervisory and managerial roles, including three years managing our community care business. In 2013, I took a sideways move into Data Analytics and Technology. In 2018, I took lead of our Technology Strategy and built a new Digital Products Team. My role has changed dramatically over two decades however I greatly value the experience of my early years as it gave me a solid understanding of the market we serve as well as some great memories of our candidates and clients.  

I manage a team who are responsible for improving our current tech platforms through designing and building applications to better support our nurses, clients, and internal staff.  

Klara Milligan

Country Manager – Ireland

I have worked at the Scottish Nursing Guild since 2013, starting out initially in our placement team when our Belfast branch opened. Since then, my role has expanded over the years alongside our business.

I now oversee our operations in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including our placement teams, recruitment teams, case managers, accounts, and sales managers. I am very proud to work for the Scottish Nursing Guild both professionally and personally.

Vivion Madigan

Branch Manager – Munster

I’m Vivion and I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in Spring 2023, as the Branch Manager in Cork. I oversee operations, recruitment, sales and business development across the Munster Region.

I began my career in the Irish Defence Forces. On completion of service, I directed my focus to healthcare, and as a qualified Nurses Aid and specialised as a Theatre Technician I developed the ambition for recruitment, graduating from College in HR & Business Management Studies.

I have over 10 years’ experience in healthcare sector recruitment. Having worked with various clients across the country, I now support HSE and private facilities across Ireland with any last-minute staffing requirements.

Karin Main

Compliance Manager

I’m Karin Main, Compliance Manager for SNG across all territories. I joined SNG in November 2017 and started as a Training and Compliance Coordinator. I progressed to RTC Team leader before undertaking a secondment as Recruitment Manager for 12 months in 2022. In January 2023 I moved back into the compliance team as Compliance Manager for the whole of SNG.  

My team support our agency workers across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to ensure their compliance and clinical skills are up to date. This means our clients can continue to rely on us to provide them with the highest quality nurses, midwives and HCAs. 

Kimberley Reid

Ireland Recruitment Manager

I’m Kim and I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in 2019. I started as team manager for the recruitment team in Dublin, focusing on recruiting specialist nurses throughout the Republic of Ireland. I now oversee recruitment activities across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, compiling and aligning recruitment strategies, working with our technology teams to ensure our onboarding processes are streamlined and ensuring we’re always recruiting the highest quality workforce. 

I have worked in a number of industries within recruitment – healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, IT and finance. During my time here I have been so lucky to work with such an incredible team.  

Jordan Balbirnie

Operations Team Manager

I have had the privilege of being a part of the Scottish Nursing Guild since 2017. I started my journey within the organisation as a Placement Coordinator, before progressing to Operations Team Lead and, subsequently, Operations Team Manager. At the Scottish Nursing Guild, our unwavering commitment revolves around delivering an exceptional level of service to our healthcare professionals and clients alike. We specialise in providing staffing solutions that stand out in the industry, consistently rising to the challenge when no one else can. I take immense pride in leading an exceptional team of dedicated professionals within our organisation who provide support to our workers and services to our clients around the clock, day or night.

Claire Turley

Sales Manager

I am Claire Turley, Sales Manager at the Scottish Nursing Guild. I recently joined the team in February 2024. My role involves managing our sales teams across Scotland and Ireland, providing coaching and mentorship to ensure exceptional customer service for both prospective and current clients.

With a diverse background spanning various industries such as advertising and apprenticeships, I bring extensive experience in building and nurturing sales teams.

Nuala Quinn

Community Case Manager Ireland

I joined the Scottish Nursing Guild in 2017, when our community businesses started. I am a dual qualified registered nurse in adults and paediatrics, specialising in both paediatric & neonatal intensive care.

I work closely with our community patients, family members and local care teams as well as providing clinical support to our office teams and nurses.

Talk to a member of our team