We are very proud of our Advisory Board of UK-leading fertility experts who help shape and guide the IVFN. They offer the latest guidance on fertility topics from consultant gynaecologists to fertility acupuncturists, nutritionists, to male fertility specialists.
Carole Gilling-Smith
CEO & Medical Director
Carole embarked on her illustrious journey in medicine by graduating from Cambridge University.
Over the course of her remarkable career, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the dynamic realm of reproductive medicine and infertility and pioneered bespoke care programs that enable members of the LGBTQ+ community to realise their dreams of starting a family.
James Nicopoullos
Clinical Director
James is a distinguished sub-specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, serving as a Consultant Gynecologist at HCA Healthcare, based at The Lister Hospital. His illustrious career is marked by a profound commitment to enhancing reproductive health and providing exceptional care to his patients.
Jonathan Ramsay
Male Fertility Specialist
Jonathan is a distinguished fertility expert whose career is defined by a keen commitment to advancing reproductive health and providing hope to individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
His contributions to the field of fertility extend beyond patient care. He actively engages in research and education, staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in reproductive medicine.
Melanie Brown
Nutritionist
With a diverse career spanning the health and beauty industry, Mel made a pivotal shift by pursuing a deep passion for nutrition, embarking on a journey that has positively impacted countless lives since 2002.
Her career is characterized by her unwavering commitment to improving fertility, holistic well-being, and the transformative power of nutrition.
Francesca Steyn
Community Nursing Director
Francesca is an experienced Fertility Nurse Specialist and Head of Service at Wales Fertility Institute, with over 19 years in both NHS and private fertility care. She has led pioneering work in donation, surrogacy, and remote fertility services.
Beyond clinical care, she has co-authored national guidance, presented internationally, and sits on key advisory groups for the HFEA and NICE. Her contributions have earned her multiple national awards for excellence in fertility and nursing.
Tarek El-Toukhy
Consultant Gynaecologist
Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery and PGD, at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College London.
His special interests are ART, implantation failure, hysteroscopic surgery and PGD. Tarek has published over 115 peer-reviewed papers, 20 book chapters and lectured widely both
nationally and internationally. He is a BFS member and a scientific editor for the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Natalie Sutherland
Partner at The International Family Law Group LLP
Natalie Sutherland is a specialist family law solicitor and Partner at The International Family Law Group LLP in London.
Natalie spearheads the firm’s modern family department where she deals with surrogacy, assisted reproduction law including donor conception and platonic co-parenting as well as advising clients on the whole spectrum of family law issues.
Natalie is a member of the Board of Trustees of Progress Educational Trust (PET), a charity which provides impartial and accurate information to people affected by infertility or genetic conditions.
Natalie is co-founder of In/Fertility in the City where she co-hosts a podcast and runs events designed to explore the complex relationship between in/fertility and careers and how to manage this effectively.
David Ogutu
Consultant Gynaecologist
David joined Herts and Essex Fertility Centre as a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist in 2011. He graduated from medical school in 1999 and received specialist training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the Royal Free Hospital and North Middlesex University Hospital, followed by advanced training in Assisted Conception, Reproductive Endocrinology and Laparoscopic Surgery at King’s College Hospital, London.
David is a member of the British Fertility Society, the European Society for Human Reproduction & Embryology, the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, and the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. David regularly teaches and addresses fertility conferences and he is the Person Responsible (PR) for the HFEA, our governing body.
James Hopkisson
Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine
Clinical Director Nurture Fertility/UK Clinical Lead Lead clinician and Person Responsible to the HFEA.
Registered Manager for the CQC
Responsible for the day to day running of NURTURE Fertility, providing IVF for both NHS and self funded patients
Sandra Dyball
Workforce Health and Policy
In her last role as Global Director of Health, Wellbeing & Benefits, Sandra not only managed multi-million pound budgets with a keen focus on Return on Investment (ROI) and utilisation-based decision making, but also introduced market-leading initiatives such as a comprehensive healthcare plan for all colleagues – specifically designed to keep them in work or facilitate quicker returns than NHS norms; pioneering Pathway to Parenthood program. These initiatives significantly boosted colleague retention and talent attraction.
Sandra’s influence reaches the national level as part of the Policy Liaison Group for Wellbeing, where they actively work to influence the UK government on improving health and wellbeing strategies. This complements her strategic contributions as both a Secretary and a Board Director of a healthcare trust, and as a Trustee of a charitable organisation.
Kali Crow
Senior HR Business Partner at Bates Wells LLP | Transformative Coach
Kali has extensive HR experience across talent, development, organisational strategy, leadership, wellbeing and EDI. She navigated IVF while working in high-pressure settings, experience that shapes her approach to inclusive culture, mental health and colleague wellbeing. She partners with leaders to build inclusive cultures and improve retention.
Beyond her HR role, Kali coaches people undergoing fertility and reproductive treatments, combining professional insight with practical support. Her holistic approach supports individuals at each stage, providing a confidential space to reflect and plan the next step.