Staff Profiles
ORH Team
ORH is a small company with an emphasis on developing the skills of our employees through exposure to interesting projects that have a real-life impact.
Chris Polden
Managing Director
JAMES BATCHELOR
Consultant
GUY BICKERTON
Consultant
DR TOM BONESS
Senior Software Engineer
DANIEL CLARKE
Software Engineer
ANDREW COOPER
Principal Consultant
Diane Garbutt
Office Manager
TOM GLOESS
Analytical Consultant
ANDREW GREGGAN
Senior Consultant
GRAHAM HOLLAND
Principal Consultant
GILL MASON
Analytical Specialist
HANNAH MAYES-FRENETT
Senior Consultant
JON MOBBS
Principal Consultant
REBECCA SIMONS
Lead Consultant Sport
JOE WEBB
Analyst
JACK WILLETT
Analytical Consultant
Chris Polden
Managing Director
As Managing Director of ORH Chris is responsible for overseeing all ORH projects, ensuring that they run to schedule and are of a consistently high standard.
During his time as a senior consultant Chris gained extensive project management experience across a wide range of projects, varying in both size and sector, which broadened his knowledge base considerably.
As a consultant Chris was heavily involved in data analysis and modelling of the provision of emergency services, focusing particularly on emergency ambulance cover. In his spare time Chris enjoys travelling, tenpin bowling and playing cards and board games. He is an enthusiastic cook and has also tried brewing his own beer at home.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Identifying the most efficient way of responding to emergency incidents for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Reviewing future demand and capacity for London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Assessing current station locations and their capacities for New South Wales Ambulance
- Modelling the provision of patient transport services for HealthShare NSW
JAMES BATCHELOR
Consultant
James has been involved in a range of data analysis and modelling reviews for emergency services, both in the UK and overseas. He works closely with clients to understand their requirements, and tailors the use of ORH’s simulation and optimisation software to solve complex service planning issues. James also plays a key role in the development of ORH’s Dynamic Cover Tool (DCT).
James first gained experience in advanced analytical techniques and mathematical modelling through his master’s degree, where he carried out client project work for Virgin Atlantic’s Strategy and Analytics division.
Outside of work James has travelled to six continents and is determined to make it to the seventh. Closer to home, he enjoys kayaking, climbing and mountain biking and is the proud holder of a speedboat licence.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Determining the capacity required for call taking and dispatch for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Managing a review of emergency ambulance provision for St John Ambulance Australia (NT)
- Implementing ORH’s DCT in Fire and Rescue New South Wales
- Modelling staff requirements for operations and control for London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
GUY BICKERTON
Consultant
Guy has been involved in numerous data analysis and modelling reviews for emergency services, both in the UK and overseas. He works closely with clients to understand their requirements, and tailors the use of ORH’s simulation and optimisation software to solve complex service planning issues.
Guy’s recent experience at ORH has seen him taking a leading role in evaluating the impacts on staffing and response performance of increasing demand, and training staff at emergency services in the use of ORH’s modelling software.
Prior to re-joining ORH Guy worked as a Business Intelligence Team Leader at Gladstone Software, the leading supplier of Leisure Management Software in the UK and Ireland.
Away from work Guy enjoys travelling, playing poker and spending time with his family. To keep active he enjoys running and playing for a local football team.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Evaluating the effectiveness of standby moves made by a fire service and comparing to the optimal position
- Modelling the requirements for additional paramedics too meet the challenge of rising demand levels
- Training emergency service staff in using ORH’s modelling software to address various planning questions
DR TOM BONESS
Senior Software Engineer
Since joining ORH in 2013 Tom has been involved in developing, maintaining and supporting simulation models and other software tools used both externally by clients and internally by consultants at ORH.
In his previous employment Tom was part of a small team developing medical audit software for use in GP practices in the UK. This provided him with experience of developing fast algorithms and easily deployable software with a clear user interface.
Tom has an academic background in theoretical physics and numerical modelling. This forms a solid foundation for his work on the mathematical models used by ORH.
In his spare time Tom enjoys playing board games, swimming and hiking. He is also a founding member of the ORH badminton group and plays on a weekly basis.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Working with consultants at ORH and stakeholders at the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia to design the Service Planning and Operational Tool
- Designing the Patient Transport Simulation Model (PTSim) to simulate non-emergency patient transport services
- Maintaining and extending the functionality of ORH’s ambulance service simulation model (AmbSim)
- Developing the Fixed Wing Model (FWM) to simulate emergency transport and inter-hospital transfers of patients by fixed wing vehicles
DANIEL CLARKE
Software Engineer
Through his degree Daniel gained experience of mathematics, statistics and computer programming. A key aspect of his course concerned translating real world scenarios into mathematical and computer models. He also completed a condensed matter physics project that required extensive simulation and modelling.
Daniel previously worked in environments that processed large amounts of financial and payment data. Rigorous testing and high standards of security were critical in maintaining these sensitive datasets. He has worked on large customer facing web applications and has used a variety of server side technologies, including ASP.NET and Node.js.
His role at ORH involves Daniel working closely with consultants to create innovative simulation models tailored to client needs, and with analysts to develop in-house tools that empower faster data processing.
Daniel is an avid movies fan, whether it be watching new releases at the cinema or a classic at home. He also enjoys reading and playing video and strategy games.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Implementing web-based mapping and graphing views into the user interface of ORH’s simulation software
- Developing the Joint Aeromedical Model to enable the simulation of fixed and rotary wing vehicles for aeromedical services
- Enhancing the capability and functionality of ORH’s Matrix Tool software to enable faster processing of travel time data
ANDREW COOPER
Principal Consultant
Andrew has a wealth of experience working with emergency services, with particular emphasis on managing consultancy projects for fire services. He oversees implementations of ORH’s Dynamic Cover Tool (DCT) and is now responsible for its continuing development.
Andrew’s previous professional experience and academic background in mathematics provided a good foundation in analysis and mathematical modelling. These skills have been further enhanced at ORH and are applied in solving complex service planning issues.
When he’s not working, Andrew is likely to be found running, hiking or spending time with his young family. He is also ORH’s reigning karting champion.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Implementing the DCT for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
- Reviewing strategic fire cover for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
- Optimising training schedules for London Fire Brigade
- Assessing risks and operational fire and rescue provision for Tasmania Fire Service
Diane Garbutt
Office Manager
Diane has a long association with ORH, having joined the company as a part-time admin assistant in 1996. Her role has expanded over the intervening years into the office manager position where she oversees the day-to-day running of the office, keeps the accounts for the company and provides support to both the managing director and ORH’s growing team of consultants and analysts.
Proof-reading and editing are one of her competencies which Diane particularly enjoys, and this is put to good use during the reporting stages of most ORH projects.
When not at work, Diane loves the outdoor life and spends much of her free time riding her horse in forestry land on the Berkshire/Hampshire border. Cryptic crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and reading are other favourite past times, and she is also an avid follower of Formula 1.
TOM GLOESS
Analytical Consultant
Since joining ORH in 2017, Tom has been involved in a range of projects for emergency services in the UK and overseas in Canada and Australia. His involvement in projects typically spans a wide variety of tasks, from data collection and analysis to simulation and optimisation modelling. He also is part of the team that models sports facility locations for Sport England and sportscotland.
Tom’s technical skills have seen him taking a leading role in enhancing the ways in which we use SQL for data analysis at ORH. In addition, he has developed an in-depth understanding of ORH’s Dynamic Cover Tool (DCT), liaising with clients on projects to implement the software.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Implementing the DCT for Greater Gothenburg Fire Brigade
- Assessing staffing requirements for York Region Paramedic Services
- Optimising future station locations for Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services
- Analysing the flight, road and patient data as part of a fixed-wing transport review for HealthShare NSW
Tom is a keen photographer and also enjoys reading Sci-Fi and fantasy novels, playing video games and following the current F1 season.
ANDREW GREGGAN
Senior Consultant
Since joining ORH Andrew has been involved in a range of consultancy projects for emergency services, both in the UK and overseas. These have included asset management strategies and demand and capacity reviews, from undertaking analysis and modelling to engaging with stakeholders and presenting outcomes. Andrew has also been involved in ORH’s modelling of sports facility provision.
In recent times, Andrew has been responsible for modelling changes to ambulance call categorisations and standards driven by the Ambulance Response Programme (ARP), plus Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) impacts on ambulance service operations. Andrew has also used ORH’s bespoke optimisation software to optimise station locations for ambulance and fire services.
Away from the office, Andrew likes to cook new recipes and sample craft beers. He enjoys watching football, and travelled around France spectating at EURO 2016.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Identifying the optimal future station configuration for City of Richmond Fire-Rescue, British Columbia
- Projecting future demand for fire and ambulance services in the City of Guelph, Ontario
- Understanding future capacity requirements for East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Operating the Facility Planning Model (FPM) for Sport England and sportscotland
GRAHAM HOLLAND
Principal Consultant
Graham is an experienced emergency services planner, responsible for managing projects for fire and rescue services. He has also played a key role in the development of ORH’s Dynamic Cover Tool (DCT) software.
On joining ORH, Graham initially concentrated on the application of GIS software. He has since built up considerable skill in data analysis and modelling, with a particular focus on fire and rescue services. In recent years Graham has used this experience to manage a wide range of projects for fire service clients around the world.
In his spare time Graham can often be found attending live sports events, whether it be football, golf, tennis, cricket or something else. He is also a keen skier and hiker, so the Alps are one of his favourite places to visit. Graham’s ambition is to have a single-figure handicap at golf.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Optimising future station locations for Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department, Arizona
- Modelling options to achieve financial savings with minimal impact on cover for London Fire Brigade
- Implementing ORH’s DCT at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service
- Consulting with senior staff and political stakeholders around a new strategic plan for Greater Stockholm Fire Brigade
GILL MASON
Analytical Specialist
Prior to joining ORH in 2005 Gill spent seven years as a business systems analyst, developing strong skills in both data and systems analysis and becoming proficient in software programs including VBA, SQL, Lotus Script and Microsoft Office.
In her role at ORH, Gill supports consultancy projects for emergency services by managing and analysing CAD data. She regularly takes the leading role in ORH’s analysis of ambulance services, both in the UK and overseas. In addition, Gill is responsible for maintaining a key strategic tool for assessing the provision of sports facilities across the UK.
Gill enjoys landscape photography and, in pursuing her hobby, has travelled widely around the UK. She also enjoys crafts, painting, reading, gardening and walking in her spare time.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Analysing the current service profile for Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
- Running the Facility Planning Model for Sport England and sportscotland
- Benchmarking demand and performance by CCG for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Undertaking baseline analysis of urban and rural areas for New South Wales Ambulance
HANNAH MAYES-FRENETT
Senior Consultant
Hannah has an academic background in mathematics, operational research and statistics, and studied statistical analysis, mathematical modelling and optimisation as part of her degree.
Since joining ORH in 2013, Hannah has been involved in a range of analysis and modelling reviews for UK and overseas ambulance clients, as well as patient transport and aeromedical services. She is an expert user of ORH’s simulation and optimisation programs in solving issues relating to service provision, and delivers high quality outcomes to clients and their stakeholders through consultation.
Outside of work Hannah likes reading crime thrillers and attending gigs and festivals. She also enjoys classical music and played the cello for over ten years.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Projecting future demand and ambulance requirements for North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
- Optimising urban and rural paramedic provision for the District Municipality of Muskoka, Ontario
- Assessing alternative options for non-emergency patient transport for HealthShare NSW
- Modelling regional and national aeromedical coverage for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
JON MOBBS
Principal Consultant
Jon is an experienced emergency services planner, responsible for managing ORH projects for emergency medical service providers in the UK and around the world. Jon also plays a key role in the development of ORH’s simulation model, AmbSim, for emergency medical services.
On joining ORH, Jon initially focused on data analysis and simulation modelling of emergency medical services, before taking on a consulting and project managing role.
When not at work, Jon enjoys taking part in kickboxing and circuit-training classes, playing badminton, solving Japanese logic puzzles and reading crime thrillers.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Consulting with numerous stakeholders on a Demand and Capacity Review for Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
- Quantifying the impact of potential efficiencies for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Projecting demand and modelling future scenarios for British Columbia Emergency Health Services
- Optimising resource locations to achieve response time targets for Ambulance Victoria
REBECCA SIMONS
Lead Consultant Sport
Rebecca manages ORH’s work for Sport England and sportscotland in supporting the delivery of the Facilities Planning Model (FPM). This involves engaging with stakeholders in local authorities, working with the latest population projections and modelling sports facility provision. She is experienced in applying ORH’s optimisation model, OGRE, to help planners at sports bodies make difficult decisions about facility investment priorities based on public access and participation. Rebecca has used her skills in cartography and GIS to develop ORH’s use of road networks and routing software in the formation of travel time matrices.
Rebecca is involved with several local theatre groups, designing the lighting for productions. When on holiday, she likes to set some time aside to swim, bike and run as training for her next triathlon. She also plans her leisure itinerary to involve as much parkrun tourism as possible.
RECENT PROJECTS
- Reviewing depot locations for Kirklees Council
- Analysing existing facility provision and identifying the optimum locations for England Athletics
- Identifying and appraising options for change for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
- Developing service planning tools for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia
JOE WEBB
Analyst
Since joining ORH Joe has worked on projects for Sport England and for a range of emergency services in the UK and overseas.
Joe’s experience at ORH includes cleaning and manipulating large client datasets to create inputs for ORH’s in-house modelling software, analysing ambulance service Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) datasets and using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software to calibrate travel times. He has also been involved with implementing ORH’s Dynamic Cover Tool (DCT) in fire service control rooms.
Recent projects:
- Implementing the DCT in Cleveland Fire Brigade
- Identifying and quantifying risk for Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service
- Operating the Facility Planning Model (FPM) to assess the provision of sports facilities across local authorities in England
- Analysing historical performance trends to project future demand for various ambulance and fire services
JACK WILLETT
Analytical Consultant
Prior to joining ORH, Jack used the Rural Payment Agency’s bespoke GIS software to evaluate subsidy payments owed to agricultural landowners.
From map production and data analysis to simulation and optimisation modelling, Jack has been involved in a range of projects for both UK and overseas emergency services since joining ORH in 2018. He has also completed key strategic planning work for UK sports councils.
Recent projects
- Running the Facility Planning Model (FPM) to assess provision of sports facilities for various local authorities
- Optimising station locations to take account of population growth in East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
- Calculating potential staff savings resulting from the modelled implementation of hub and spoke networks in ambulance services
- Analysing fire and ambulance service data to develop a Station Upgrade and Relocation Plan in Australian Capital Territory
