A bit about Mark Poingdestre

I started my career in Probation and Bail Hostels at the tender age of 21. It was an excellent grounding in the field with clear, proportionate processes in place and a high level of accuracy required to provide evidence for the courts. I had some excellent managers and teachers there. After 5 years or so I landed my first job as a Care Manager in a Specialist Substance Misuse Social Services Department going on to work as Service Manager, Area Manager and Deputy Director in a National Drug and Alcohol Charity. Championing diversity and Service User Empowerment have been a long running themes in my work. I never forget that we are all service users.

A bit about Dr Georges Petitjean

As Inclusions Substance Misuse Medical Lead I am responsible for addiction services across Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Thurrock, the Isle of Wight and Telford. I started working in addiction services whilst I was training in psychiatry in Switzerland in 2002. I came to the UK in 2004, and since then I have worked with many drug and alcohol service providers, both in the NHS and with third sector organisations. I have assessed and treated thousands of service users with problematic consumption of drugs or alcohol, both in residential detoxification centres and in the community. What I enjoy the most in my medical lead role is the variety of work.

A bit about Karen Marsh

Quallifying as a nurse in 1998 it soon became clear to me my passion for working within the drug and alcohol treatment services. I have worked in the field since 1999 in a variety of roles including HIV and blood borne viruses, criminal justice, prescriber, clinical leader,, quality manager and my current role as deputy head of operations. During my career I did step away from the field for 5 years and retrained as a health visitor the public health skills this gave me has helped me as I returned to the field. My current role is a National role and I really enjoy getting out to services speaking to the people who use our services and the staff.

A bit about Jon Shorrock

A bit about Tracy Braddock

With over 25 years of service in the drug and alcohol field, I have built a career grounded in compassion, advocacy, and operational high standards. My journey began within Buckinghamshire’s prison system, where I supported individuals as a Drug and Alcohol Worker and progressed to Cluster Manager. This foundation experience shaped my understanding of the complex and multiple needs of those affected by substance use. Following a secondment to Buckinghamshire’s community services as a Service Manager, I found my true calling in community-based services and never looked back. Today, I am proud to serve as one of the Deputy Heads of Operations for Inclusions Community Drug and Alcohol Services, where I lead with a commitment to equity, integrity, and high-quality service delivery. My passion lies in challenging the stigma that often surrounds substance use. I firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves access to respectful, compassionate, and effective care. Throughout my career, I have championed person-centered approaches, focusing on harm reduction alongside recovery and worked to ensure that our teams deliver support and services that truly makes a difference.