Our Advisory Group

The Advisory Group is the key priority setting structure in Healthwatch Brent. It brings together the experience and expertise from the other parts of our governance structure to make sure we are effective, inclusive and transparent when deciding where to focus our attention. 

The Advisory Group determines which aspects of health and social care will be looked at as a priority each year. It must remain independent of any undue influence and be free to select the priorities it feels represent the best for the residents of Brent. Transparency, rigour, and objectivity are the basis for The Advisory Group's effective and successful working.

For more information please contact Cleo Chalk on 07809 211 519 or cleo.chalk@advocacyproject.org.uk.

Our members

Advisory Group Chair: Shyama Perera

Shyama Perera is Chair of HealthWatch Brent’s Advisory Group, which interrogates and helps prioritise areas for research and evaluation. She brings in a wealth of knowledge from board roles with the Youth United Foundation and Westminster Kingsway College. She is also Chair of the South Asian Diaspora Arts Archive. 
 
A North-West Londoner to her bones, she is passionate about the people of Brent and their right to the same healthcare and outcomes as those living in richer boroughs. Shyama is currently an Associate Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund working within the NHS, delivering Expressive Writing sessions at Recovery Colleges, Reading Round programmes to CAMHS groups, and one-to-one writing support to hospital staff. 

Advisory Group members:

  • Sharon Brown
  • Danny Maher
  • Chris Murray
  • Michael Odomusa
  • Valerie Reid
  • Grace Samuels
  • Nan Tewari
  • Anita Thakkar 

Advisory Group meetings 

You can find minutes from our previous Advisory Group meetings and upcoming meeting dates below: 

Next meeting: To be announced

Previous minutes 

September 2023

January 2023

October 2022

February 2022

November 2021

September 2021

August 2021

More information

You can find out more about how The Advisory Group works, as well as how to get involved, by downloading our recruitment pack and terms of reference. 

If you need a copy of these documents in a different format please contact info@healthwatchbrent.co.uk or call 020 3869 9730.

File download
Healthwatch Brent Advisory Group recruitment pack
Healthwatch Brent Advisory Group Terms of Reference