Our executive team

Brendan Hill - Chief Executive

Brendan has a psychiatric nursing background and has worked in mental health for nearly 30 years in both statutory and non-statutory sectors. In addition to leading Concern Group, he provides third sector representation and expertise on a number of local, regional and national strategic forums focused on cross-sector development of health and social care. He has extensive experience in mental health service development and working in partnership with NHS organisations and multi-agency consortia. Brendan looks to develop ideas and share learning with colleagues from a range of backgrounds and agencies. Whilst having a clear focus on the mental health and wellbeing agenda, he is keen to support service innovation and development for wider system change to improve the lives of the people we serve.

Scott Vigurs - Chief Operations Officer

Having worked in the mental health sector since 1991, Scott has in-depth, hands-on experience across both statutory and non-statutory organisations in a wide range of clinical, practice development, and managerial roles. As Chief Operations Officer, Scott has responsibility for the overall delivery and performance of the organisation’s services. Using his knowledge, experience, and skills in people management, and an in-depth understanding of strategic development within an expanding organisation, he maintains a focus on best practice and promotes a values-driven approach that upholds good outcomes for the people that Concern Group serves, continually developing and improving how help is provided for people with highly complex needs.

Sahreen Safdar - Chief Financial Officer

Sahreen has extensive experience of leading financial strategies in third sector organisations. She has a particular interest in improving existing processes and systems, while managing and embracing change in the constantly-moving environment of the voluntary sector. Sahreen is responsible for leading our finance team, delivering high-quality financial management and control processes, ensuring the security of our current finances, and the future financial planning of Concern Group.

Marie Chellingsworth - Group Clinical Director

Marie is a CBT and IAPT expert, an RMN, and clinical academic and author with over 20 years’ experience in statutory and non-statutory mental health organisations. Marie is responsible for strategic clinical leadership and oversight, ensuring that we are guided by best practice and evidence in our clinical decision-making.

Claire Farnell - Director of People and Communications

Claire joined us in April 2014, having previously worked in senior HR management roles both in the public and private sectors. She has significant HR experience, particularly within the areas of change management, employee relations, and workforce planning and resourcing. Claire is passionate about employee engagement and wellbeing, and since commencing in her role has initiated a number of projects to further develop and enhance these areas.

Liam Gilfellon - Director of Service Development and Relationships

Liam has 20 years of experience working within the third and statutory sectors. He has held a range of strategic and service development roles, developing and delivering new services for a number of voluntary sector organisations. He has led on strategic development programmes at both regional and national levels for PCTs, SHAs and the Department of Health, including leading on the roll-out of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services across the North East of England. Liam is a PRINCE2 and MSP practitioner with specific skills in programme management within the health sector.