Becky Richens

Becky Richens is a Mental Health Nurse Consultant and National Professional Advisor, recognised for her leadership across mental health, substance misuse, and neurodiversity. With a career rooted in compassionate, evidence-based, and neuroaffirming practice, Becky has consistently driven improvements in outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and organisations.

She has led national strategic programmes across health, education, and social care, with particular expertise in co-production, service innovation, and workforce development. Most recently, Becky authored the 10-year strategic plan for the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery workforce (2024–2034) and the Capability Framework for the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Workforce. She continues to shape national policy and practice through her work in mental health, neurodiversity, and substance misuse.

A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Becky champions system-wide leadership to reduce inequalities and build cultures of compassion and collaboration. Her work brings clinical expertise together with lived experience, ensuring services are responsive, inclusive, and person-centred.

Becky empowers professionals, stakeholders, and communities with practical tools and strategies to support mental health and wellbeing. Whether leading national initiatives or supporting local teams, she fosters meaningful partnerships that drive transformative change and continuous quality improvement.

Her keynote contributions reflect a deep commitment to creating sustainable, co-designed services that prioritise dignity, voice, and impact—bringing together policy, practice, and people to shape a better future for all.