'Meet the Executive'

President & CEO

Bernadette Martin BSc (Chiro) DC FMCA FRCC 

Bernadette — known to many as Berni — has been a qualified chiropractor since 1998 and has dedicated much of her career to the MCA, joining the Executive Committee in 2001. Over more than two decades she has served in a succession of roles including Executive Officer, Membership Secretary, Secretary and Vice Chair, before taking on her current position as President and CEO.

Berni brings a rare combination of clinical expertise, professional leadership and real-world business acumen to the role. A background spanning 25 years with British Airways gave her a deep understanding of customer service and organisational excellence — values she has carried into everything she does for MCA members.

An experienced educator, Berni has lectured at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic and delivered numerous seminars and webinars on kinesiology, chiropractic techniques and soft tissue therapy. She has also completed medico-legal training with Bond Solon and Cardiff University, and works closely with the MCA's insurers to provide expert advice and support to members, insurers and legal professionals — including expert report writing.

Away from the office, Berni's love of sport finds a natural outlet in her work as Chiropractor and Medic to the NIHL1 Solent Devils ice hockey team, where she provides both chiropractic care and emergency medical support on match days.

"I have enjoyed every moment of service to the MCA and its members and have worked tirelessly to make sure our voice is heard — that the MCA influences the direction of the profession and that we continue to work towards unity, understanding and, above all, tolerance of each other."

Email: b.martin@mctimoney-chiropractic.org

Vice-President  

Christine Chalmers DC FMCA

My working life began as a bilingual secretary in London — and yes, I can personally attest that the swinging sixties were every bit as special as they sound. Life then took a different turn, as motherhood and family life took centre stage.

It was at 40, with my children settled in school, that I made what turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Having experienced chiropractic care firsthand under Hugh Corley and been genuinely impressed by the results, I applied to the McTimoney College of Chiropractic. Competition for places was fierce, but I was fortunate enough to secure my spot — and went on to qualify and practise in this remarkable profession for the next 20 years.

Serving on the MCA Executive Committee throughout that time has been both a great pleasure and a privilege, and one I don't take lightly.

Email: vice.president@mctimoney-chiropractic.org

Secretary 

Fran Hardiman DC FMCA

Fran is a registered, practising chiropractor based in North Devon and a longstanding contributor to the chiropractic profession at both clinical and governance levels.

As the owner of her own clinic for many years, Fran brings considerable business experience to the board — understanding firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a chiropractic practice. This practical perspective makes her an invaluable voice for members.

Fran has also built a strong reputation in professional and regulatory matters. She is a qualified Expert Witness and has served as a registrant panellist on the GCC's Investigating Committee, giving her a thorough understanding of the standards and processes that underpin the profession.

Having previously served on the MCA Executive Committee as Secretary, Fran returns to the board with a wealth of knowledge, established relationships and a genuine commitment to the association. The board is delighted to welcome her back.

Special Projects Associate

Liz Carson

Having retired from active chiropractic practice, Liz now channels her extensive experience into supporting the MCA in a different but equally valuable way. Working closely with the President and Executive Committee, she plays a key role in the planning, execution and monitoring of special projects — typically complex, non-routine initiatives that sit outside the day-to-day operations of the association.

What Liz brings to this role is difficult to replicate: a deep, practitioner-level understanding of the chiropractic profession, its nuances, and the real-world challenges that chiropractors face. That insider perspective ensures that the MCA's special projects are always grounded in the lived experience of its members.

Email: liz@mctimoney-chiropractic.org or telephone 01491 739120

Public Relations Officer

Rebecca Fry MChiro PGDip Animal Chiropractic, MMCA, LRCC

Rebecca — known as Becky — graduated from the McTimoney College of Chiropractic with a Masters in Chiropractic, achieving a first class degree with honours. Her academic excellence reflects a genuine passion for the science and practice of chiropractic — a discipline she loves for the way it combines rigorous clinical knowledge with the deeply human goal of helping people feel and move better.

Becky has extended her expertise beyond human care, completing postgraduate training as an animal chiropractor — a specialist field that demands precision, adaptability and a thorough understanding of biomechanics across very different bodies. This breadth of knowledge and perspective makes her a distinctive and valuable addition to the Executive board.

As PR Officer, Becky brings energy, enthusiasm and a clear sense of what chiropractic means to both practitioners and the people they care for.

Email: PR@mctimoney-chiropractic.org

Membership Secretary 

Simon Spearing DC, MMCA, MRCC

Simon has been practising McTimoney Chiropractic since 1990, bringing over three decades of hands-on clinical experience to his role on the Executive Committee. Alongside chiropractic care, he incorporates dry needling techniques into his practice, reflecting a commitment to offering patients the broadest and most effective care possible.

Before joining the Executive Committee, Simon served as Senior Practical Tutor at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon, where he played a key role in shaping the next generation of chiropractors. That combination of long clinical practice and teaching experience gives him a deep understanding of what members need — and what the profession demands.

Since joining the Executive Committee, Simon has taken on the role of Membership Secretary, and brings both enthusiasm and insight to supporting and growing the MCA's membership.

Email: Membership@mctimoney-chiropractic.org