Emma Bates, a former unpaid carer for her late mother, Maria, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the brain in 2006, is dedicated to amplifying patient and public voices in healthcare. With experience across various sectors, Emma is passionate about leadership development, health and wellbeing, research and innovation, preventative and integrated care, support for unpaid carers, and advancing End of Life Care (EoLC) services.

As a Staff Associate for the NHS Leadership Academy, Emma is committed to sharing her lived experience to foster growth and improvement across health and social care. She has spoken at several regional and national forums, including National Safeguarding Week 2024 and the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Senior Leadership Apprenticeship Programme.

Inspired by her mother and her personal experience, Emma is launching Maria’s Movement at NHSConfedExpo 2025, with the ambition of sparking systemic change.

She finds balance through music, an active lifestyle, connecting with people and nature, and, of course, keeping her cupboard well-stocked with dark chocolate.