HelplineMeet the Team
Carla Jones, Chief Executive Officer
Carla joined Allergy UK in May 2015 with ten years senior executive experience leading complex services in the third and public sectors and an earlier academic career lecturing on topics associated with early years development, the psycho-social aspects of health and evaluation of the impact of the government’s Sure Start initiatives.
Carla is leading the strategic growth of Allergy UK in line with our mission to raise the profile of allergy at all levels so that everyone affected by allergy will receive the best possible care and support. She represents the charity at influential organisations working in the field of allergy across the UK and Europe, including the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI), the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Association (EFA) where she is a board member. Carla is also Co-Chair of the National Allergy Strategy Group (NASG).
Simone Miles, Operations Director
Simone is Operations Director with 13 years of senior executive experience working in the third sector, which includes health, education and youth. Responsible for strategic and operational aspects of the charity. Overseeing all departments to ensure the successful execution of business functions and services for the allergic community and to provide a well-coordinated and productive happy team.
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services
Amena was a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Immunology and Allergy at an NHS Hospital Trust before joining Allergy UK. She trained at University College Hospital, followed by paediatric training at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. She also holds a Public Health and Specialist Practice in School Nursing qualification. Visiting schools and carrying out health assessments made Amena very aware of the rising incidence of allergy in the UK and this was instrumental in developing her interest in the field.
Amena is a member of the College of Nursing Immunology & Allergy Nurses group and is the first nurse to sit on the British Society of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) council where she started the National Nurses in Allergy Group.
Jon Rodriguez, Head of Fundraising
Jon joined Allergy UK in June 2022 and brings with him 23 years of fundraising experience (10 in senior roles) from a range of sources including Trusts and Foundations, Major Donor, Community, Event, Corporate and Statutory fundraising.
Jon’s specific areas of expertise include Communications and Marketing, as well as New Business and Account Management. Jon has experience in developing and maintaining productive relationships with Third Sector funders, regulatory and statutory bodies, as well as influencers and opinion formers.
Since 1999, he has worked solely in the Third Sector for a variety of causes including, but not limited to, disability, mental health, homelessness, community-response, education, and youth focussed charities. Jon joins us following a successful year’s maternity cover as Head of Fundraising & Communications at Creative Youth Network where he was responsible for developing their income streams, improving reporting, as well as creating new and improved financial reconciliation between the fundraising and finance departments
Rebecca McGrath, Helpline Manager
Rebecca joined Allergy UK in 2019 as Helpline Manager. She has enjoyed a career in the voluntary sector at Rape Crisis, The MS Society, Respect and The Helplines Partnership as a Trainer and Assessor. Rebecca will work with the team to support anyone contacting the Helpline and to grow the service.