Christopher Alexander, Interim Chair
Christopher Alexander is the interim Chair of the IMHPP, where he works to bring people, research and policy together to make mental health systems fairer, more compassionate and more effective.
With experience spanning local authority strategy, public health, mental health policy and CQC consultancy, Chris has worked across a range of settings to address systemic barriers in mental health treatment, mental health law, hospital discharge, crisis care and community intervention. His work has included leading multi-agency teams, designing public health strategies, advising on policy and commissioning and developing risk governance models used nationally.
Holding master’s degrees in Public Health Leadership (MPH) and in Ethical Governance & Strategic Risk (MBA), along with specialist postgraduate qualifications in health and social care, research and risk management, Christopher combines academic rigour with real-world practice. He is also currently undergoing CMI level 8 doctoral level Diploma in Strategic Direction and Leadership qualifying as a chartered manager.
Michael Richardson, Trustee
I am currently studying for an MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis with Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) at the Tizard Centre, University of Kent. My passion is putting research into practice to achieve real progress in mental health equality within the community.
After 20 years in the meat trade, I moved into adult mental health care, which have been the most rewarding of my working life to date. Supporting people with mental health diagnoses to make progress in community settings has shown me the power of behavioural interventions and PBS in helping people thrive.
At the same time, I have also seen the barriers people face in their journey, many of which are created by the society around them rather than by the individuals themselves. Recognising that these barriers can be removed is both shocking and motivating. I believe that tackling them can be life-changing, and as a trustee I am committed to helping make that happen.
Lorri Haines, Trustee
Lorri is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shoorah, a digital wellbeing platform designed to support mental health through accessible, everyday tools.
With over 12 years of entrepreneurial experience across technology, marketing, and property, Lorri brings a dynamic, purpose-driven approach to leadership.
Shoorah was co-founded with his fiancée, Ferne, in response to a growing need for inclusive, preventative mental health support.
Lorri’s own journey, shaped by a traumatic childhood and ongoing personal healing, deeply informs the platform’s ethos. He has used Shoorah’s tools himself, and is committed to creating spaces where others can feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Lorri is also an ambassador for the UK charity Nacoa, advocating for children affected by parental alcohol misuse. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to lived experience, self-development, and ethical innovation in mental health.
Atif Munir, Trustee
Atif started his career in NHS in 2004 and has worked in inpatient services ranging from Acute Adult, Older Adult & Dementia, Rehab and Forensic secure services progressing to roles within community mental health services and Crisis Resolution. Atif completed his Masters (MSC) in Mental Health Nursing with a distinction from Keele University and holds a first degree (BA Hons) in Business and Management.
Atif has significant experience in mental health triage and assessments, risk assessments, care planning and multi-agency collaboration within care delivery. Atif holds a keen interest and passion for quality improvement and making health services more accessible and has led in QI projects to streamline processes and increase support for patients transitioning
from Adolescent to Adult Mental health services.
In his current role as an Infection Prevention & Control practitioner, Atif has oversight of IPC compliance for 5 inpatient mental health wards for an NHS trust alongside managing outbreaks, completing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for all notifiable diseases in the community and carrying out IPC Audits and compiling reports for the local Authority covering Nursing and Residential settings.
This involves working in collaboration with local health
quality teams, CQC, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the regional Health
Protection Unit (HPU) for Northwest UK.
Stephen Sheehan , Board Advisor
My NHS career began in January 2024, spanning both patient-facing and operational roles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into Emergency Planning, a move that offered invaluable insight into how NHS Trusts prepare for, respond to, and recover from major incidents.
Since 2022, I’ve worked within a Mental Health Trust, where I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the importance of equity in emergency response. I’m committed to designing plans and policies that reflect the diverse needs of our service users, ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or diagnosis, receives safe, responsive, and inclusive care.