The Institute of Trichologists
Meet the Board
The Institute of Trichologists has a board of directors made up of a selection of committed Trichologists, all with different unique specialities, who are responsible for the development and maintenance of different aspects of the Institute, with our Members at the forefront of everything we do.
Each board member has different individual responsibilities within the Board, and is expected to work both individually and collectively to develop the IOT Membership. The IOT Board Members hold meetings 6 times per year, with a minimum required attendance of 4 meetings (per year per board member).
The overall responsibility of the board is to develop the IOT Membership, to ensure that all members provide their professional services to the highest standards and to ensure that the general public receive the highest standards of care, and can be confident that the members of the IOT treat patient safety as a number 1 priority.
All board members must abide by our EDI Position Statement.
Neil Harvey MIT – Chairman
Neil’s Responsibilities with the IOT
As Chairman, Neil is responsible for the growth and development of the Institute of Trichologists, and representing every member of the Institute. Neil is also hugely involved in our PSA Accreditation, Representing Membership Appraisal, Education and Audit.
Neil’s Professional Background
Neil has been involved in the hair sector since the early 80’s – you could almost say it’s become part of his DNA. Neil has become an avid contributor to many online articles, blogs and various hair loss websites (esp. during lockdown!). He has had the privilege of providing professional advice and support for numerous hairpiece manufactures and suppliers and their clients, as well as on-going clinical support for many patients of hair transplant surgeons and educational and advisory support for various companies, inc: Medicauticals and Oway. There really are so many ‘paths’ to follow – once you’ve established a firm knowledge and understanding.
What Neil Brings to the IOT
…In his own words
“Like many of us – I have witnessed first-hand the impact that hair loss and scalp concerns can have for both men and women, affecting confidence and well-being – and this is why I am proud to be a Member and Director for ‘The Institute of Trichologists’. It is a truly rewarding experience to be involved with ’The Institute’ – and to meet so many passionate, knowledgeable and caring people; and it’s so encouraging to see a new generation of Trichologists eager to continue offering help and support for patients who may have nowhere else to turn to.
I believe this is the beginning of a new age for ’The Institute’ – we have already passed through many ‘evolutions’ – but with continued care, integrity and diligence, this next few years will be an exciting opportunity for all members to help increase the dynamic reach of Trichology further into the field of professional health care – and this is what I am proud to contribute to in my role at the Institute.”
Liam Byrne MIT – Vice Chairman
Liam’s Responsibilities with the IOT
Liam is the IoT’s Vice Chairman, and is responsible for Commercial Management and Financials. He is tasked with finding best returns for members.
Liam’s Professional Background
Liam Vice Chairman of the Institute of Trichologists has received training in all aspects of scalp and hair science care and has been practising Trichology for over 17 years. Liam is a member of the Institute of Trichologists and serves as a Governor on the board.
What Liam Brings to the IOT
As a Trichologist, Liam understands the negative effects that scalp and hair can have on a client’s physical and mental well-being and is motivated in not just helping clients deal with these issues, but also in educating them about how best to take care and prevent these issues in the future.
Shirley McDonald MIT – Director
Shirley’s Responsibilities with the IOT
Shirley is responsible for all Complaints, and is the Compliments Process Manager. Shirley also became the IoT Representative on the Dermatology Council in 2017.
Other members of the DCE are from dermatology related professional bodies such as Icthyosis, Poriasis Association, Birth Mark Support and Eczema Outreach as well as industry representatives and political groups.
The main purpose is to add to the collective voices in this diverse dermatology community and to ensure the needs of our patients and members inform future development and delivery to the relevant government and professional bodies.
The DCE aims to:
-Raise the profile of dermatology within the NHS.
-Raise awareness of the impact of skin conditions on people’s lives.
-Encourage education and training amongst health care professionals.
-Improve access to dermatology services across the UK.
Meetings are held twice a year (May and November) in Central London at the British Association of Dermatology’s office and membership is on a voluntary basis.
Shirley’s Professional Background
Shirley qualified as a Consultant Trichologist in 1991, and started her journey in a private clinic in Birmingham before moving to London to train at the Institute of a trichology (IOT). Shirley’s approach to trichology is holistic with attention given to factors like lifestyle, diet & hair care. She deals with all hair types including Afro at her two practices and has 30 years of teaching experience.
What Shirley Brings to the IOT
In her own words…
“I treat all hair types including those with Afro hair at my Hendon practice and I also work for the IOT as a clinical tutor. Alongside this I am a board director with responsibility for professional practice and ethics (Chair of Ethics). I have been featured in a number of journals including Business Insider and appeared on different news items for both BBC and ITV news”.
Samantha Stewart MIT – Director
Samantha’s Responsibilities with the IOT
Samantha is responsible for assisting with CPD Planning, and is highly involved in the education side of the IOT.
Samantha’s Professional Background
Samantha qualified with distinction from the Institute of Trichologist in 2018 and was awarded the John Firmage award for distinction. She began her career in trichology at The Spencer Clinic 27 years ago, where she became an assistant trichologist working closely with Mr Richard Spencer MIT.
What Samantha Brings to the IOT
Samantha is very committed to trichology and ensuring that the public have factual information regarding hair and scalp disorders this has made her a sought after expert for many media articles.
Lorraine Turvey MIT – Director
Lorraine’s Responsibilities with the IOT
Lorraine is responsible for Educational Protocols and is our Accreditation Specialist.
Lorraine’s Professional Background
Lorraine has worked in hairdressing for 50 years, 30 of them as a trichologist. Lorraine qualified as a Trichologist in 1992, has her own clinic and works as a hair designer, and she is also a member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and holds a licence for mixing preparations and treatments.
What Lorraine Brings to the IOT
Lorraine is passionate about education and holds qualifications in both teaching and assessing. Lorraine has been involved in medical research projects, as well as conducting clinical trials to prove efficacy of treatment for product development. Lorraine operates from the Hairconsortium in Melksham.
